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Rabindranath Tagore
was spellbound by the sinuosity of Manipuri dance and so he invited teachers
from Tripura and other neighbouring places to impart training in Maipuri
dance at Shantiniketan, his centre of artistic study in West Bengal. This
was the beginning of the journey from the traditional environment to a
wider showground outside Manipur.
('Changing trends in Manipuri dance' by Bimbavati Devi, Nartanam, May – Aug 2008). |
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In Bharhut, Sanchi,
Mathura and elsewhere, there are innumerable Yakshas and Yakshis who stand
in a dance pose while leaning against a tree or pillar, or holding branches
or birds. Alongside are dance scenes with full orchestra as well as dancing
aspects of gods and goddesses.
(Kapila Vatsyayan – Indian Classical Dance). |
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Chavittunatakam is one
of traditional dance-drama forms in Kerala, performed by the Christian
community. The name originates from the rhythmic stamping (chavittu) by
the performers. This form is an adaptation of Koodiyattam based on Christian
themes, with some ingredients of western opera.
(P J Cherian, Essays on the Cultural Formation of Kerala). |
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