Dance of India Maria and Jessica

Dance from India Bharata Natyam In this culture, practiced predominately young females and women dance. They dance as individuals and also in group ballet. It is held as the national dance of India. The dance is accompanied by the classical carnatic music. It has its inspiration from the cultures of the ancient temple of Chedambaram. In fact it is the celestial dancers, aspasara’s, who are depicted in many scriptures dancing the heavenly version of what is known on earth as Bharata Natyam. “This dance is a solo classical Indian dance form of religious origin performed traditionally by women.”

The Movement This dance consists of elaborate gestures (“Mridu Angaharas” movements of limbs), Sentiments (rosas), emotional stales (bhars). Action (kriyas) are it soul. The costume should be charmingly, beautiful and love (sringare). This dances use of expressive hand gestures are a way of communicating a symbolic action in which a thought, a feeling or intention is expressed. The gesture using one or two hands is an important part of the expression. –To call a person. –To point at an object. –To show drinking. – Denotate a smoke.

Bharata Natyam include many other elements, such as elaborate neck and eye movements. For instance, has defined only 9 head movements, 4 neck movements and 8 eye movements which are used extensively throughout the dance.

The dance is accompanied by a poem or song with a devotional or amorous theme. The center piece of the performance is the longest section of the dance pimetuated with the most complex and difficult movements. Position of the hands and body tell a story usually of love and the longing for the lover. The dancer displays her versatility in elaborate footwork and graceful movements of the body. An abstract dance where the drums set the beat, flute, violin and vena.

Costume The bharata Natyam dancers ear a unique set of jewelry known as “temple jewelry” during the performance. There are several varieties of Bharata Natyam costumes, some of which do not restrict the dancer’s movements, where the others do.

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Bollywood Dancing Bollywood dancing is the name for commercial modern Indian dancing usually seen in Bollywood films which are musicals containing at least one song and dance. The dancing is very crucial to these films. Male and female dancers. The dancing in Bollywood especially older films are modeled on classic Indian dances and folk dances (well known as Bhangra) blended with western style of dancing. The movements are elaborate and funky dance sequences that are inspired by the music. Some can be emotional or sensual.

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Oppression and Privileges Since India became independent there has been much progress for gender equality. Laws have been passed to ensure the rights of Women. Women get equal rights. Religion, race, sex, caste or sex of birth are not discriminated upon during employment.

Stereotypes Indians cannot speak English. Indian food will make you sick. Desi is a slang word for Indian. Work in convenient stores. Nerds. Cheap. Let cows run wild. Like curry. The stereotypes and discrimination hasn’t influenced much in their culture however, Indians that are aware of this may be embarrassed or feel that they can’t express their heritage. For example, seeing an Indian professor eating curry would embarrass younger Indians because they fit right into the stereotype.

Contributions Indians have been good contributors to the American Culture. Indians have brought religions to Americans such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Also Spiritual visionaries brought Indian philosophy to Americans which popularized the vegetarian diet and yoga. Indian culture and traditions are seen in the U.S. today for example with henna tattoos and Indian cuisines. They introduced Bollywood to the cinema in America and continue to contribute in computer technology.

Traditions and Dance Their traditions and dance has not changed a lot as Indian dance acculturated. When they celebrate and have festivities they are the same. They want to revive and stick to the traditional customs. However, Bollywood did evolve in the 1990’s. It’s an inspiration drawn from all over the world. It’s the traditional dances mixed with jazz, modern, oriental dance, hip hop, flamenco, and more. Nothing has been lost in the process.

Americans Feel for Indian Dance Americans have accepted the art of Indian dance into the country. It’s had more exposure over the last couple years than in the past. More Americans are becoming interested and aware of Indian dance. It is exposed more, taught about and encouraged to continue. Centers have been built for Indian culture and Indian dance schools to keep the tradition alive. Indian dance is universal and is appreciated by Americans when they see it.

Social, economic and political There are not social, economic, or political structures still in place today that suppress this group but help Indian dance get out in the public. Indian dance is seen more social today by Bollywood and in folk dance. The Media and movies also accept and expose Indian dance.