Kuchipudi - Indian Classical Dance Art

by Sunil Kothari

Kuchipudi - Indian Classical Dance Art

Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2011

Reviews

[Borax · Rating 5 out of 5]

The actual name of my book is ANANTHA NRITYAM...it is a study of Visharad and Alankar (Classical Indian Dances)...the book was produced by the Mudra School of Indian Classical Dances. It was written by Shri Bhaskar Menon and Radha Bhaskar in 2000.

I am the IB Extended Essay sponsor for a young lady who is looking to see if and how modern dance has influenced classical Indian dance. I want to be a good sponsor, so I'm boning up a little on what it's all about.

Update: my assumption going into this was that modern dance most definitely has made its way into classical Indian dance. Now I'm not so sure. Here is what I know now...

- the dances are sacred and prescribed
- the dance movements are symbolic of words or ides (like Death or The Crown of Shiva or Rain of Flowers)
- there are many many dance moves that equal different words or ideas...I'm guessing these have specific relationship to stories deeply rooted in Indian culture
- there are different dance forms that are in different regions of India...so there's definitely a cultural connection to the dance in a very local sense...could that mean there's an openness to different dances? My gut says no...just like there are not new books in the New Testament...I suspect the book has closed on what is "classic" Indan dance
- even the hand movements equal words
- there's a traditional bowing movement given (akin to an Amen) that gives praise to the Earth Mother
- traditional dancers should have "round breasts"...ooooookay.....
- Varnam tests the skill of the dancer...so I'm guessing the more intricate the dance is...the more sublime it becomes...this may be a case for new moves
- whither the hand goes, the glance follows
The Guru in Indian culture is greater than Brahman...and the Guru I. Indian dance sounds like the supreme dance instructor

- there is a strict connection with studying dance and religious texts...I find this really awesome

- following in the steps of the guru...there's a very strong religious / acolyte theme going on here...which speaks to tradition...which suggests no new dance forms shall be allowed....unless the Indian religions are like the Catholics...strong on paper...but in real life...negotiable

- some of these dances date back 3000 years

- the pictures I this book to show the different facial expressions for different emotions are super awkward and a little ambiguous! I'm am trying not to judge

- ok...this book is very forward at the end...it says that the Indian culture recognizes that we are now part of a global village...and in order for dancers to fully express themselves in this new age...and with new technologies on hand...that they may likely go "beyond what their guru has taught them" ...this is great progressive thinking for a dance that is so rooted in tradition. ...on the other hand...the book also mentions that the "post independence" period of the country really solidified certain forms and structures to celebrate their re-birth...therefore the dance has become less an expression of emotion and more of a conduit toward culture and history


.....".........

Ok...I am giving this 5 stars because it has made me really excited to talk to my student. I have many questions.

[Sreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kuchipudi is an art form that celebrates the grace, elegance, and mystique of one of India's most treasured classical dance forms.