Aadyantara
presents seminar
Srijan:
Innovation and Experimentation in Indian Classical Dances
November
21, 2009 New Delhi
October 27,
2009
Aadyantara
presents a seminar titled SRIJAN: INNOVATION AND EXPERIMENTATION IN INDIAN
CLASSICAL DANCES. The seminar aims to understand and explore the new influences
which are shaping the identity of the Indian classical dance forms. The
idea is to weave together different thoughts in this subject by bringing
forth different viewpoints, and in turn attempt to define the emerging
essence of this rich amalgamation.
Date:
November 21, 2009 (Saturday)
Time:
4pm to 7pm
Venue:
Conference Room III, India International Centre Annexe, New Delhi
Participants:
Shovana Narayan, Rama Vaidyanathan, Kavita Dwibedi, Shanta Serbjeet Singh,
Shahshiprabha Tiwari, Dr Kiran Seth and Swati Subodh
Background:
Historically,
all Indian classical dances draw their origin from the Natya Shastra.
Earlier, the gurus based their teaching on the shastras and because
of the close link between religion and dance, the style of dancing must
originally have been the same. As the knowledge was passed from teacher
to pupil, however, it changed in transmission to suit the circumstances
of the dancers and the customs of the particular era. Dance has indeed
been enriched by the strands that constitute the colourful fabric of Indian
life.
Gurus and dancers
are faced with the task of extending and enlarging the classical repertoire
to include subjects which will be relevant and meaningful today. The classic
must, and always will, be a source of inspiration and instruction, but
even these cannot come to life without being informed with the integrity
of contemporary creative experience. Experiment and innovation are essential
to the survival of a tradition.
Century old
heritage and traditions are being bejeweled by the creativity of artists
over the ages. This individual interpretation adds to the facets of the
individual dance forms. Recent times have seen incorporation of the traditional
raas lilas with Kathak dance form on one side; and incorporation
of the compositions of contemporary poets like Bankim Chand Chattopadhyay
in the Bharatanatyam dance form on the other to give it a manifest more
relevant to today's audiences. Poetry by the mainstay sufi poets
is highlighting a new dimension of Kathak, whereas a synergy between Carnatic
music and Bharatanatyam makes one wonder how these two, so far distinct
art forms, could create such a delightful symphony. Dance dramas featuring
Kathak and Chhau dance styles offer the dancer a wider canvas to splash
the colour of their creativity.
The challenges:
The dance
will only stay relevant as long as it has the power to inspire. Most importantly,
the experimentation and innovative streak should not stray the performer
from exhibiting a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental elements
of their respective classical dance styles.
Many are of
the view that a pure dance form is the only way a dance style should be
presented. Thus, is innovation contraindicative of shudh nritta?
How does one define shudh nritta? What distinguishes innovation
from experimentation? Is the difference defined by the dynamics of Space,
Content or Form?
Panelists:
The endevour
is to bring together different viewpoints from various dance styles onto
a common platform. The views and opinions by various invited guests of
imminence in their respective fields, will enable understanding of the
evolving nature of the Indian classical dances and its appreciation and
relevance in today’s age. The panelists are proposed to be divided into
the following categories:
-
Dance Exponents:
This category will encompass individuals who have experimented and innovated
using the grammar of their respective dance styles. Their perspective on
the relevance of their creativity in today’s context will be explored.
-
Experts: A viewpoint
from experts will be invited to understand how they perceive the influences
have shaped the different dance forms.
-
Rasikas: Views
from this group will throw light on the way the audience view the traditional
dance forms over the ones in which the dancer has tried to bring in their
own creativity.
An informed audience
is an asset for any meaningful discussion to take place. Although the seminar
is open to all, invitations will be sent to bring together individuals
who are directly and indirectly associated with the classical Indian dance
form.
For Registrations:
Individuals
desirous of participating in the seminar are encouraged to register using
the online registration form available on http://www.aadyantara.org/Forthcoming_Events.html
Contact
for information:
Swati Subodh
/ Amit Tuteja
Email: aadyantara@gmail.com
Mobile: 9810586532
/ 9899748528
Website: www.aadyantara.org
/ www.swatisubodhsiddhartha.com |
