Feature- Classical Indian Dance

Journey of a Classical Indian Dancer

 

India has always been known to be rich in culture and mythology. This land which holds so much history not only as a country but as traditional Indian dance, has various types of art forms which are closely studied and then performed with perfection.

The most common and ancient form of Indian dance

is known as Bharathanatayam and is commonly known

as Classical Indian dance. This majestic art form

originated in the southern state of India, known as

Tamil Nadu. The name ‘Bharathanatayam’ depicts a

combination of BHA- Bhava which means expression,

Ra- which means music and Ta- which means rhythm.

This art form is deeply inspired by the sculptures which

are found in the ancient temples of southern India, it is mainly performed by a group of women who are temple dancers and have dedicated their lives to serving the temple as dancers.

 

Classical Indian dance is an art form through which scriptures of Hindu mythology are told. The process through which a dancer goes before being able to learn a specific dance item, is quite a long period of time. After learning all the different steps and hand gestures, along with expression, the dancer then starts learning various dance items and slowly but surely approaches his/ her graduation day. The amount of preparation that goes into this one day is enough to plan a wedding! From the different colours of outfits to the various designs of jewellery adorned by the dancer, the main part of the day are the dance items that the dancer is to perform before being handed a graduation certificate.

 There are a number of well-defined items, namely: Allaripu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varanam and a Thillana. The allaripu item is a traditional invocation that consists of movement with the eyes, neck, hands and feet, displaying beautiful abstract movements.

Put simply, Allaripu is a prayer done through pure dance, it is like a first step towards entering a temple. The Jatiswaram is strict compositions done through pure dance displaying beautiful rhythmic patterns that are based upon different time signatures. The Shabdam is an interpretive, narrative performance usually performed in seven beats. The Varanam depicts elaborate descriptions of the Hindu God of dance, Lord Shiva. Lastly, the Thilana is usually performed toward the end of a graduation performance. The Thilana is a purely abstract form of narrative. The performance then ends with a short dance prayer in praise of Lord Shiva.

 

 

The bells that a dancer adorns her ankles with, are prayed for before being used. A prayer to Mother   Earth is done before a dancer begins to perform and is then repeated once the dancer has completed, to thank Mother Earth for allowing the dancer to use this land to perform and to apologise to for stamping their feet so hard.

 

Priya Darshni Naidoo is a 32 year old woman who has been dancing for the past 24 years. She has been awarded the opportunity to dance in all corners of the globe. She started dancing at a very young age and didn't know why she was being put through all the hard work. Eventually she fell in love with the art form and at the young age of 18, she graduated from dance and continued to dance professionally. ‘To be a dancer, one needs to have an undying passion for the art form. Dedication and discipline is what brings out the perfection in every dance.’

 

Priya remembers her days of practicing for her graduation. ‘We felt sick because we literally ate, slept and breathed dance, it’s during these times that you find your true passion and devotion for the art form. You walk out of your graduation feeling so proud because people think it’s a glamorous process because of the outfits and make up.’

 

Priya Darshi is one of the most dedicated dancers of her generation, this proves that these art forms will never die as those who develop an undying passion for it, will forever keep its flame burning. It is one of the most beautiful experiences to see a Classical Indian dance performance, one may get lost in a world totally unknown to them as the dancers take you on a spiritual and fascinating journey with them