When we start to know about any topic, the first thing we look for is a book. Like there is Barrons for GRE, Let us C - Yashwant Kanitkar for C programming, Complete reference for Java.... there is Natya Shastra for Indian Classical Dance. This one book encapsulates everything about dance, drama, music. This book was originally written by Bharatha Muni in Sanskrit. There are now lots of interpretations of this book available in the market.
There are 7 major forms of dance. They are
- Bharathanatyam
- Kathak
- Kathakali
- Kuchupudi
- Mohini Attam
- Manipuri
- Oddissi
There are lots of other dance forms, but it is beleived that they are interpretations of one of these "major" forms.
My expertise (if I can call that) is limited to Bharathanatyam. Though I have learnt a little Kathak and Mohiniattam as well. So this blog will concentrate mainly on Bharathanatyam and my life associated with it.
I was 7 when I was introduced to this wonderful world of dance! Thank you amma, for making me do this. All my relatives were saying to my mom " Why do you have to make her learn dance? Atleast if she learns to sing she can get good grooms!". As if the sole intention of learning an art form is to get a good groom! My mom is an artist (carnatic classical musician), and she knew the value of art.
She made me join dance class, veena class and of course she herself used to teach me to sing. She was not imposing too many things on me.. she just wanted to know what I would be "actually" interested in. Little was she to know that her darling daughter would be interested in everything :)
Coming back to the main question: What is dance?
Dance is:
- A rhythemic movement.
- An artistic expression.
- When you can depict a complete story with just few hand and leg movements.
- When you get into another character completely... body and soul.
- Entertainment with a message.
