Snippets of Information
Dance
* 31 Aug 2021
Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna hailed from Telangana but was born in
Bali in 1923 to Damayanti Devi and Rammohan Rao. Due to his dancing
skills he was bestowed with the title 'Nataraja.'
He was responsible for reviving the ancient temple dance forms of Andhra Natyam and Perini.
He revived Perini from its description in the Nritta Ratnavalli
written (in 1253-54) by Jayapa Senapati, the 12th century
commander-in-chief of the Kakatiya armies, and its depiction in the
sculptures of the famous Ramappa temple
near Warangal in Telangana. Performed by the warrior worshippers of
Shiva, this dance belongs to the Tandava tradition - quick in tempo and
depicting Veera Rasa.
He is credited with the revival of the Andhra Natyam dance form, a
devotional temple dance tradition performed in Andhra Pradesh for over
400 years that became virtually extinct. It took him nearly 2 decades to
revive some features of the Telugu devadasi dances. He called it Andhra
Natyam to classify it as a dance form that originated in Andhra
Pradesh. There are two ancient dance traditions in India, Natya Mela
performed by men, and Nattuva Mela, which women perform. Andhra Natyam
belongs to the Nattuva Mela tradition. Andhra Natyam, the ancient
classical dance form of the Telugu regions (Telangana, Rayalaseema and
Andhra), was almost extinct for the past 2000 years. It is as old as our
ancient culture and the temples. It was performed in the Buddhist
Aramas, temples, and royal courts by the cultured and dedicated female
artists of Telugu regions. Andhra Natyam was formerly known with
different names like Aradhana, Kacheri, Darbar, Kelika, Chinna Melam,
Mejuvani, and Dasi Ata. Andhra Natyam was revived in 1970s and is being
propagated for the last 50 years at national and international
platforms, particularly in the Telugu speaking regions.
*
Jul 2021
The origin of the name Bharatanatyam came from 4 Sanskrit words. Divided
in 4 sections, Bha-ra-ta-natyam. Each syllable represents a different
word and meaning. Bha comes from Bhava, which means expression. Ra comes
from Raga, which means melody. Ta comes from Tala, which means rhythm.
Natyam mean dance. If you broke Bharatanatyam into four Sanskrit words
it would read Bhava, Raga, Tala and Natyam. These aspects: expression;
melody; and rhythm; are very important in Bharatanatyam.
Source: danceasia.org
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Kathak, originally an ancient temple dance of North India,
evolved as a dance greatly influenced by the social, religious and
political backdrop over the years, representative of the prevailing
society. Music and dance were an integral part of worship in the
Vaishnava and Bhakti movements. Poetry of the time incorporated actual
dance-syllables (bole) indicating that there was a strong
interdependence between the works of Bhakti poets and the Kathak
dancers. Hindu mythology and especially the exploits of Radha and
Krishna were ideal subjects for music and dance; therefore, performing
artistes were a part of religious ceremonies and social functions.
During the Mughal era, Kathak transformed from a temple dance into a
court dance, patronized by the Mughal rulers. Islam, being intolerant of
idolatry, the religious content gradually altered in order to suit the
tastes of the patrons and the dance became sensuous in nature. It soon
lost its religious flavour and changed into a medium of entertainment.
In the process, it enriched itself and became a synthesis of Hindu and
Muslim cultures. There was a greater stress on rhythmic footwork, fast
pirouettes, and subtle intricate movements. Competitions between court
dancers raised the level of accomplishment and dexterity of the
dancers. Towards the end of the colonial era, numerous cultural
organizations and teaching institutes were functioning all over India.
There were various stage performances and Kathak conferences in India
and abroad. Western dance forms, especially ballet, had a significant
influence on Kathak.
The main Gharanas (families) of Kathak are the Lucknow, Jaipur and
Benaras Gharanas. Named after the cities in which they evolved they have
their own distinctive styles.
Source: birjumaharaj-kalashram.com
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