HISTORY
FUSION
HAND GESTURES
DANCE & SOCIETY
100
Where specifically is Bharatanatyam from?
Southern India
- Originated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu
100
What was the song that was shown with a fusion of Bharatanatyam dance in the workshop?
Dance Monkey
100
Mayurakhyo = a peacock
-The peacock's story in Bharatanatyam stems from Indian folklore, where the bird is a symbol of beauty, royalty, and divine power. Peacocks are associated particularly with Lord Krishna and Lord Indra.
100
An important element of Bharatanatyam is the story telling in the movement. What classical ballet depicts the story of two star crossed lovers?
Romeo and Juliet
-In class we talked about the reshaping of Bharatanatyam in India, and how the fusion of a ballet aesthetic made it more “respectable”, in order to be more appealing for the elite.
200
The person who is responsible for refining and revising Bharatanatyam in the 20th Century?
Rukmini Devi Arundale
- Rukmini Devi Arundale is known as the catalyst for the revival of Bharatanatyam dance and founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Madras (now known as Chennai). This foundation is focused on preserving and popularizing Bharatanatyam as a traditional dance form
200
(VIDEO)
Where is this from?
Jacob’s Pillow
- The first bharatanatyam lecture at Jacob’s Pillow by the Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1952 and again in 1960. These lectures opened up the global stage for bharatanatyam and public interest. Dancers like Ram Gopal becoming the first main”star” bharatanatyam dancer and Chandralekha and her contemporary company to be able to explore unique themes of Indian feminism, sexuality and eroticism, and somatic resistance.
200
Kapittha = Elephant
200
This is the first stage and category of Bharatanatyam, and symbolizes the introduction or prelim of the dance performance.
Nritta
- Nritta is one of the three categories that make up Bharatanatyam, which is described as pure dance steps that are performed rhythmically. The purpose of the movement is to solely create patterns and lines for the stories /dramas. The other two categories of Bharatanatyam are nritya (uses emotions, thought, and spiritual messages to tell a story to attract the audience), and natya (the combination of nritta and nritya). Nritya is the combination of the footwork and abhinayam (or expression). Dancers use the lines and songs and express the story through the use of their facial expressions and steps. And the final category is Natya, which is the combination of the other two categories and recognized as the drama. This means the dancers are enacting a story without the use of dialog and use their bodies and facials to execute this form of storytelling.
300
The original purpose of Bharatanatyam.
Presenting to gods and goddesses
- The original purpose of Bharatanatyam was to present it in front of gods and goddesses. Now the purpose is a form of dance for presentation in front of audiences.
300
The style of dance that Bharatanatyam is usually mixed with.
Hip Hop
300
Bhramara Hasta = Bee
- Rooted in Indian mythology and culture. Bhramara symbolizes flight, movement, and swiftness. Bhramara Hasta together can also be used to signify a parrot, wing, heron, cuckoo, and other birds.
300
These are the 4 means of communication or expression.
Speech (vacika) , Costume (aharya), Body (angika), and Psychological states (sattvika)
- Hand gestures and facial expressions play an important role in acting. Hand gestures allow dancers to express subtle emotions while facial expressions allow the dancer to transcend the verbal and communicate the emotional depth of the story. The dancers move their eyes, arch their eyebrows which breathes life into the narrative. The rhythmic patterns of classical Carnatic music are a guide for the dancer’s footwork and expressions. Vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic devices enhance the thematic essence of the performance.