Classical Dance

Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 01:06 AM IST

Apart from discussions, dancers were not afraid of trying to tether dance compositions, even in group forms, to metaphysical themes defying definition.

An insight into the minds of dancers, particularly the young ones

Purva Dhanashree’s discipline Vilasini Natyam (the dance of the Andhra Devadasi) regards the sensual and the spiritual as two sides of the same coin.

21 Jan 2020 3:29 AM

While most classical dances are going through the age of experiments, Ramli — a person with modern ideas—doesn’t believe in experimenting just for the sake of doing something new.

Dance like a man

Malaysian Odissi dancer Ramli Ibrahim brings his much revered performance Odissi on High to the bay.

09 May 2019 5:41 AM

The fact that learning a classical art requires a dedication of one’s time and effort has been one of the challenges for choosing western over Indian dance form. (Photo: ANI)

Western dance forms not an art but a lifestyle choice for Indians

International Dance Day: Abandoning the classical dance forms to jazz thing up.

29 Apr 2019 10:39 AM

Sujata shared several personal anecdotes which kept the audience riveted — at the famous Sankat Mochan Annual Festival in Banaras; her Guru insisted she dance when her baby was only 21 days old.

Dancers enthrall kids from Himachal Pradesh with lessons

Representing the Odissi tradition was the iconic Sujata Mohapatra, at 50 one of the youngest recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi award.

15 Apr 2019 12:10 AM

High on emotions

A dialogue between like-minded classical dance forms.

07 Mar 2019 12:05 AM

A dancer’s view through the lens after 45 years in India

Same was the case in Manipur, in the far northeastern corner of India, was closed to foreigners and most Indians.

14 Aug 2018 12:12 AM

Let us all stand up and bow down to the most amazing and highly gifted Indrani Rahman.

The first enchantress

Indrani Rahman’s family background was very interesting as she had Indian and American blood.

27 Mar 2018 1:37 AM

As you all know, four dance genres were recognised as classical as India gained Independence: Kathak, Manipuri, Kathakali and Bharatnatyam. This number has doubled with a few others banging at the door.

Time to reclassify Chhau as classical?

What seemed a straightforward way of explaining a few basics of this traditional performing art genre sparked a fair amount of excitement.

07 Mar 2018 2:42 AM

Classical dance fest at Gaiety Theatre

Every evening will feature only 1 main artist; preceeded by a short piece by local dancers.

06 Mar 2018 1:51 AM

Breaking the dancing mould

A lone warrior who defies gender, racial and hegemonic stereotypes of classical dance, Guru Manu’s life is a textbook.

12 Feb 2018 6:49 AM

Body control is an element every keen dancer should master. Once you attain body control, you can add moves and broaden your choreographic choices.

Controlling the body while dancing

A dancer with good body control looks stronger in their footwork and knowledge of dance.

12 Dec 2017 6:26 AM

The difference between very good and excellent is a thin sliver, but when you see excellent you will never mistake it for anything else. The difference between very good and excellent is a thin sliver, but when you see excellent you will never mistake it for anything else. (Photo: Sanjit Debroy)

Is good, good enough in dance?

Mastering dance is a process without end. The Padmavibhushans of the dance world believe that they always remain learners.

12 Dec 2017 6:24 AM

Bharatanatyam dancer Unnath Hasaan making his mark

Unnath Hasaan is an artist at Dooradarshan and has directed many dance ballets and choreographed various dance repertory in Bharathanatyam.

24 Oct 2017 12:49 AM

The torch bearers of classical dance

Today’s torch bearers are the epitomes that have taken the baton forward with responsibility and competence.

12 Sep 2017 1:02 AM

The many joys of conducting a dance workshop

It is a fertile ground watered by sinking into the ground of one discipline while tasting the various fruits of the cultural garden.

13 Jun 2017 3:05 AM

Kathak disciples of Shovana Narayan’s Asavari Kathak School perform at the event.

Contagious enthusiasm, admirable professionalism at dance festival

A milestone like this was an opportunity to bring together a celebration of Sonal’s iconic contributions to Indian arts traditions.

16 May 2017 2:03 AM

Nayika (left); displeased heroine (Kalahantarita), Nayika painting appended to a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)

Traditions need modern touch-ups

The eight nayikas represent eight different states (avastha) in relationship to her hero or nayak.

13 Apr 2017 5:40 AM

Nitisha Nanda performing Odissi at the Mukteshwar Dance Festival, which was held in Odisha from January 14 to 16.

Never the twain shall meet?

There is no doubt that the basic techniques of classical dance can be mastered.

04 Apr 2017 1:58 AM

A three-day celebration of Indian art traditions, Kala Yatra festival, will begin with Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth’s blessings on April 30, 2017.

Celebrating Indian traditions

The CICD is among the earliest cultural institutions established in Delhi by Dr Sonal Mansingh.

28 Mar 2017 12:24 AM

The best musicians, dancers and choreographers have come together in this festival of dance, which not only celebrates life as we live it, but also aims to delve a little deeper to question the times we live in.

Fest gives expression to ancient dances

The act is timely as it shows the fragility of human beings amidst tumultuous social changes.