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Classical Dance Styles in India and Institute Who Provide These
By Gaurav, Section Music And Arts
"Dance is occasioned by no specifc need. It has come into use because it creates beauty. As it is naturally loved by all people, it is praised as auspicious" (Chapter IV of the Natyashastra)
There are seven classical dance styles in India Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Odissi, Kuchhipuri, Manipuri, Kathak, and Kathakali each with its unique style, language and grammar. Originating as an integral part of temple ceremonies and royal court life, each Indian classical dance form, in its own cultural perspective, underwent a transformation during Mughal rule and declined with the coming of the British. However, after Inde- pendence, India's rich dance heritage was revived by the likes of stalwarts such as Rukmini Devi Arundel, Padma Subramaniyam, Birju Maharaj, Kelucharan Mahapatra... To be a professional classical dancer meant years of dedication and strict training. Every classical dancer of note carries on the guru shishya parampara, starting to train others in the same pattern in which he or she was taught. A few traditions continue unevolved. A student, before starting the first class, shows gratitude in the form of gurudakshina. A betel leaf, betel nuts, flowers and fruits along with a dhoti or sari are offered to the guru. A ceremony called arangetram or rangapravesh is performed after a minimum of 10 years training. Aranga means raised stage and etram means climbing. It is the first stage performance that the student gives once the guru feels that he or she is capable and talented enough. The dancer is accompanied by a singer and musicians. Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi: Offers courses in Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Orissi. E-mail: sbkk@ thekendra.com Kathak Kendra, New Delhi: Trains students in Kathak Dance E-mail: delhi kathak @yahoo.com Kalamandatam: Kerala Recognised by the state government, it offers courses Mohiniattam, Kathakali and Bharatnatyam Website: kalamandalam.com Kalakshetra: Chennai Founded by Rukmini Devi Arundel, imparts a vigorous training in Bharatnatyam Website: kalakshotra.net Lucknow Kathak Kendra: Lucknow Trains Students in Kathak Rafa and Radha Reddy School of Dance: New Delhi Offers training in Kuchhipuri Website: rajaradhareddy.com Nrityagram: Bangalore it is a specialised institute for learning Odissi Website: arityagram.org Kathakali Sadanam: Kerala Trains students in Kathakali, the Dance Drama of Kerala Website: kathakalisadanam.com Admission to the Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra Being every May Through auditions based on merit. Delhi University offers a course on classical music, but sadly has no course in classical dance. Among the regional institutes, the Kalakshetra School of Dance in Chennai, established by Rukmini Devi Arundel, is the best place to learn Bharatnatyam. The Kalamandalam School of Dance in Vallathol Nagar in Kerala trains students in Mohiniattam, Kathakali and Bharatnatyam. In northern India, the Lucknow Kathak Kendra in Lucknow, teaches its students the unique style of Pandit Birju Maharaj. Darpana, established by Mrinalini and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949 in Ahmed- abad is an eminent institute for the performing arts. Dancing Facts
Today the situation has somewhat changed. The popularity of classical dances in India has plummeted once more. Shobha Deepak Singh, Director of the Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, regretfully said that even for wellknown dancers, audiences are scarce. Consequently there is a decline in the number of students who take up this art form professionally.
Yet, the classical dance form earns more appreciation overseas than in India. "The 'Ramleela' which is performed every year by the artistes of our institution gets more appreciation from foreigners than our own Indian viewers," says Singh. Today, many students take up classical dance just as a hobby There is little scope of making a career out of dance, except perhaps for those who are passionate about it. Yet, conversely, classical dances do provide a plethora of career opportunities. One can become a teacher, stage artiste, dance critic, choreographer and so on. Those who have a penchant for pursuing dance as a career can learn it from an established guru or at institutions like the Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Kathak Kendra, the Yamini Krishnamurthy School of Dance, the Raja and Radha Reddy School of Dance. Many do not want to devote hours of dedication without being sure of the returns. However, to get name, fame and recognition, a student should realise that he or she will get as much as you give. Ten years of proper guidance combined with at least 14 hours of 'sadhna' every day is essential of one wants to make a mark in the field. Ultimately, it all boils down to a litt1e sincerity combined with hard work. This will definitely help the vanishing art form survive and elevate it to the pedestal it deserves.
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