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Feb
4, 2010
 Routledge
an imprint of Taylor and Francis Group, has launched a book DANCE MATTERS:
PERFORMING INDIA.
About the book: India has a long tradition, both textual and oral, of producing knowledge about the art – ritual - practice of dance. As new methods of understanding, analysing and teaching emerge, new thinking an investigation is required to show how dance is a foundational socio-cultural development that is local and global, critical and emotional, personal and political. This anthology makes a dramatic shift from established narratives of dance history and practice to bring to the forefront debates on history, aesthetics, identity, and globalisation, embedded and embodied in and through dance. It thus catapults dance into the vortex of debates in social theory, and reflects its multidimensional aspects by locating it within anthropology, art history, and religious, postcolonial, and feminist studies. This expansion of the discourse on Indian dance infuses the global with local voices, issues, and concerns. The articles attempt to look at dance as a lived and practiced phenomenon in contemporary times. They are unique in that they bring together the thoughts and experiences of both theorists and practitioners, and examine how the meaning and significance of dance has shifted in changing historical and political regimes. Readership: Discussing dance in many of its manifestations - contemporary and historical, classical and folk, commercial and aesthetic - the book seeks to understand this form of human expression that has remained curiously under-explored in academic discourse. Academics and students of cultural studies, fine arts and history, and especially dance departments and institutes will find this useful. About the Editors: Pallabi Chakravorty is Assistant Professor and Acting Director of the Dance Program, Swarthmore College, USA. Nilanjana Gupta is Director, School of Media Communication and Culture, and Professor of English at Jadavpur University, Kolkata Published by: Routledge, New Delhi Hardback: 978-0-415-55375-9 (ISBN), Price: Rs. 795, Pages: 312. |
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Jan
24, 2010
RUKMINI DEVI: A LIFE by Leela Samson, was released by Gopalakrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, at Kalakshetra Foundation under the Banyan Tree on 23rd January 2010. The book is a warm and candid portrait of the artist and her times. Spanning eighty years of a momentous century, across continents and countries, from the early 20th century and post-1947 India, this is the story of an extraordinary woman who had a vision of a modern India. Leela Samson is a dancer, teacher, writer and choreographer of Bharatanatyam. She is deeply influenced by philosophical thought and by the work of Rukmini Devi. She took over as Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation in May 2005. Published by Penguin Books India, price: Rs.550 Info: (91 – 11) - 4613 1412. |
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Dec
6, 2009
 MUDRARNAVA,
a thesis book upon Hasta-Mudras, written by BN Manorama, journalism lecturer
and editor of 'Noopura Bhramari' bi-monthly on Performing Arts, was released
at Janardhana Swamy Temple, Ujire, Dharmasthala, on Nov 22, 2009.
Book Price: 250Rs, Pages: 350, Language: Kannada Publisher: Kuriya Vittala Shastri Yakshagana Pratishtana, Ujire. Hasta Mudra is an interdisciplinary subject. The book has covered all the dance mudras used in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Yoga, Mudra chikitsa, Hindu rituals, Veda-Purana-Shastra, Hasta Samudrika, Iconography and Common Communication Status along with Hasta Mudra's political, religious, social nature and history. The book also covers the survey of viewers of dance, in-depth interviews of scholars and experts, and qualitative analysis. The book is an analysis of important books related to dance styles such as Natyashastra, Abhinayadarpana, Hastamukthavali, Hastalakshanadeepika, Hatayoga Pradeepika and a discovery of many old hasta mudras. Contact: manorama@noopurabhramari.com |
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Nov
29, 2009
Titled A DANCE IN DIVINITY, Saila Sudha releases a DVD along with an Audio CD in Kuchipudi performed by Prof. Sailaja. The DVD will be released on 13th Dec’09 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, by Sonal Mansingh. The proceeds go towards the charitable cause of under privileged children. Available in all leading retail outlets. Contact: saila_sudha2006@yahoo.com |
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Aug
20, 2009
 'Karana
Prakaranam, Marga Tradition Revived' is a DVD by Padma Subrahmanyam, the
result of 40 years of research. Produced by Nrithyodaya for Swathi Soft
Solutions, the DVD was released on Aug 1, 2009 to commemorate the 80th
birth anniversary of Padma Subrahmanyam's brother V Balakrishnan and 75th
birth anniversary of his wife Shyamala Balakrishnan.
The DVD includes basic training for Angika Abhinaya like Angas, Upangas of the body and face, Hastas, Sthanas, Caris, Karanas, Saushtava, Recakas, Angaharas, Pindis, Mandalas and Kalpana. The 108 karanas, the basic units of dance, have been demonstrated along with the relevant sculptures interspersed. Vocal support for slokas and songs has been provided by Shyamala Balakrishnan and the prime locations it features are those shot by Balakrishnan. Price: Rs.650 |
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On July 15, 2009 eParampara Infotainment launched 2 DVDs of Bharatanatyam dancer Chitra Visweswaran's recitals in the 90s - ANU SMRUTI (Cherished recollections - excerpts from recitals in Srilanka) & NATYA NIVEDANA (Aesthetic offering - excerpts from recitals in UK). They feature introductions to each piece given by the dancer herself, with information on the context in which a particular piece was created or choreographed, its significance and special features. e-mail: chidambaramacademy@gmail.com |
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June
6, 2009
 On
the occasion of Annamacharya’s 601 birth anniversary which falls on May
9, a book on Annamacharya's sankeertanas was released at NTR Kalamandiram,
Telugu University, Hyderabad. The aim is to spread the message of Annamacharya's
sankeertanas, particularly to singers. ANNAMAYA PADAMRITHAVARSHINI
is brought out by Sujanranjan, an organisation devoted to the work of popularising
Annamacharya sankeertanas.
The book has commentary for all the 310 songs including Adhyathma and Sringara sankeertanas. The commentary has been given by GB Sankara Rao, Biochemistry post graduate who is working as a Quality Assurance Officer in Shantha Biotechnics Ltd., Hyderabad and the songs are compiled by Mahidhara Sita Rama Sarma. The book is especially meant for singers to understand the meaning of songs which will give them an opportunity to perform with Thadthmya Bhava. There have been attempts to provide commentary to Annamacharya's sankeertanas earlier. Legends like Late Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sarma, Samudrala Lakshmanayya and Nedunuri Krishnamurthy have worked on commentary orientation. The book also comes with meanings of critical words like Kanduva, Nirathi, Kouthukamu, Sogisi, Solasi, Soridi, Araya, Arasi, Adanu, Podimi, Chennu, Thathi, Pogaru vennela, Selavi navvulu, Ulipacchi navvulu etc. Besides being a guide to singers, the book will also help dancers to choreograph the songs. The book also includes two separate sections of Mangala Harathi and Aradhana Sankeerthanas of Annamayya. Price: Rs.100 (On 50% discount) Books available at: Sujanaranjani, SRT 922, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018 Mobile: 93464 79649 / e-mail: shankargandham@gmail.com |
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May
24, 2009
Odissi dancer/teacher, Uday Kumar Shetty (director of Kalatheera, Bangalore) is publishing and editing a periodical KALASPANDANA, a monthly in Kannada and English language versions for the cause of propagating and creating awareness of the traditional dance forms, contemporary dances & folk art forms. The contributing panel consists of eminent scholars, dance/art historians, folklorists like Prof. Sunil Kothari, Dr. AV Navada, Dr. Raghu Raj Bhat (Kathak), Sudha Shridhar, Dr. Chetana Radhakrishna, Dr. Radhika Ranjini etc. The inaugural issue was released by Guru MR Krishnamurthy (Kitoo Sir of Kalakshithi) on May 22, 2009 at Nayana Rangamandira, Bangalore. Contact: Mob: - 09448046368 / kalatheera@yahoo.com |
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May
18, 2009
 'Dynamic
women dancers' by Anne Dublin (Canada)
Anne Dublin is a former teacher-librarian in Toronto. Dynamic Women Dancers is the fourteenth title in the Women's Hall of Fame Series. The book profiles ten women dancers from around the world. From classical ballet to modern, flamenco, and Bharatanatyam, these women have made the dance world their stage, performing and teaching all over the globe. All of them have helped transform their style of dance, paving the way for the next generation. These women share a commitment to making a difference in the world of dance and beyond. Anna Pavlova, one of history's greatest ballerinas, brought classical ballet to all corners of the globe. Bharatanatyam dancer Geeta Chandran has used dance to protest violence against women. Judith Marcuse choreographs dances that explore such issues as teen suicide and the environment. Pearl Primus fought against racism, bringing Caribbean and African influence to modern dance. Their passion has left a lasting mark. ISBN: 978-1-897187-56-2 128 Pages, 6 X 9 Paperback with B&W Photographs Price: Rs.591. |
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April
21, 2009
"Sangitanarayana" (A 17th century text on music & dance from Orissa) by Purushottam Mishra enriched by Gajapati Narayanadeva Edited & translated by Mandakranta Bose (2 Vols) Price: Rs.2100, ISBN (Hardbound): 8120832884, 9788120832886 Published by Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi Info: (011) 23851985, 23858335 / mlbd@vsnl.com; mlbd@vsnl.net Language: Sanskrit and English Sangitanarayana
is a Sanskrit text on music and dance written in the 17th century by Purusottama
Misra, a minister at the court of King Gajapati Narayanadeva of Parlakimidi
in Orissa and his instructor in musicology, with the assistance of the
king. While the precise date of the Sangitanarayana is not known, its relationship
to Purusottama Misra and Gajapati Narayanadeva prompts us to place it in
the first half of the 17th century.
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April
11, 2009
A DVD titled 'A Dictionary of Kathakali Sign Language (Mudras)' is about the use of mudras in Kathakali. It is produced by Kalamandalam Vijayakumar (Kala Chethana Kathakali Troupe in UK) and lists mudras and about 600 words in alphabetical order. There's also an abridged version of the play 'Duryodhana Vadhom.' Price: Rs.250. |
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March
19, 2009
 Odissi
Vision & Movement Centre has recently published a text book on Odissi
named KNOWING ODISSI authored by Sharmila Biswas, Artistic Director for
OVM. The book has been financially supported by Sangeet Natak Akademi,
New Delhi.
The book is aimed towards the learners as well as the teachers of Indian Classical Dance, acting as a reference point for both. The eleven chapters of this book are a compilation of information required for dance students, mainly Odissi, especially those who are appearing for various board exams in classical dance. The chapters given are as follows: 1. Indian Classical Dances: Basic information on all classical dances of India 2. Dance Related Terms: Commonly used terms with their explanations 3. Myths & Mythology: Well-known stories related to Indian Gods and Goddesses 4. Connecting Links: Gotipua, Mahari 5. Evolution of the Vedic Religion: Vedas and Puranas 6. Texts: Basic Information on Natyashastra, Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Chandrika and Geeta Govinda 7. Rhythms: Odissi Taals with details 8. Codifications: All the Bhedas from Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Chandrika 9. Art of Communication: Aspects of Abhinaya according to Indian Texts 10. Odissi Gurus: Life and Works 11. Medieval Poets of Orissa: Life and Work The book costs
Rs.300
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Feb
20, 2009
By Ludwig Pesch Price: Rs.1950 (ISBN: 9780195699982) The title deals with the historical and cultural contexts of the music, its forms, instruments, composers, leading practitioners, and schools. The book release function was held on 28th Feb 2009 at the TAG. The book was released by N Murali of The Hindu and the first copy was presented to musicologist S.Rajam. |
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Feb
7, 2009
Kuchipudi DVDs with performance by Alekhya Punjala. ANNAMAYYA ALAMELUMANGA VILASAM, Duration: 1 hr 24 mts ANNAMAYYA HARI VILASAM, duration: 1 hr 20 mts Price: Rs.450 each. |
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Dec
14, 2008
'Women of Pride-The Devadasi Heritage' written by dancer Lakshmi Viswanathan is about the Devadasi tradition of dance in the temples of Tamil Nadu. The book deals with the devadasi heritage, through various eras in legend and history as royal artistes, ritual dancers and entertainers. It was released on Dec 12, 2008 by Vyjayanthimala at Chennai. Published by Roli. Price: Rs.295. |
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Oct
24, 2008
SMARANAJALI - KATHAKALI PADANGAL by Kalamandalam Unnikrishna Kurup Dinacharana Committee, Irinjalakuda, is a 2 part CD with the recorded voices of Kalamandalam Unnikrishna Kurup and Kalamandalam Sankaran Embranthiri. The first part of the CD has enchanting slokams and padams associated with the Hamsam and Damayanthi in the play 'Nalacharitam Onaam Divasam.' The second part of the CD has four padams; 'Lokapaalanmare' and 'Ghoravipinam' reflect the classicism of Kathakali music. 'Sreemansakhe' and 'Nadhabhavalcharana' are from the play 'Santhanagopalam.' Price: Rs.100. |
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Oct
14, 2008
NRITYA SAPTAHAM is a set of DVDs of recordings of live performances of Padma Subrahmanyam on the themes 'Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha,' 'Ramaya Tubhyam Namaha,' 'Bhagavad Gita,' 'Jaya Jaya Sankara,' 'Meenakshi Kalyanam,' 'Paripadal Mudhal Bharathi Varai,' and 'Sangamam.' There is a choice of commentary in five languages of English, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada as well as relevant anecdotes and interesting deliberations of the dancer. It was launched by Swathi Soft Solutions in Chennai on Oct 9, 2008 to commemorate the company's 10th anniversary. The set is priced at Rs.4000 Ph: (91-44) – 42316060 / 24984052 e-mail: solutions@swatigroup.com |
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September
10, 2008
THE DEVADASI AND THE SAINT - The Life and Times of Bangalore Nagarathnamma By V Sriram Bangalore Nagarathnamma (1878-1952) was an important artiste in the world of Carnatic music. She fought for restoring the sanctuary of Tyagaraja, the saint-composer of Thiruvaiyar. This biography reconstructs the details of Nagarathnamma’s life, her accomplishments and the social context in which she lived, that was undergoing a major transformation. Published by East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Ltd Price: Rs.275 |
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 Solkattu
Manual: An Introduction to the Rhythmic Language of South Indian Music
by David P Nelson Publication date: July 31, 2008 It is the first step-by-step introduction to South Indian spoken rhythm intended for college classroom use. It includes instructions for designing performable pieces, accompanied by graphic notations as well as video demonstrations on two DVDs. Solkattu Manual is designed for use in a variety of settings, from percussion studies to general musicianship courses, and does not assume any prior experience with Indian music. In 1970 David P. Nelson, then a college student, traveled to Madurai, India, to study the mridangam, South Indian music's principal percussion instrument. In his first lesson under legendary court musician and teacher C S Sankarasivam, Nelson was introduced to Solkattu, the rhythm language that is the subject of this manual. Solkattu is a Tamil word that translates as "words bound together." The "words" are percussive-sounding single syllables, nearly all of which begin with consonants. They are "bound together" on two levels: first, into combinations that comprise phrases. Then, these phrases are combined into larger patterns bound together by meters, called tala. These cyclical meters are counted by recurring sets of hand gestures: claps, waves, and finger counts. Speaking such patterns while counting a tala with the hands is solkattu. "A street-wise
beginner's guide to one of the world's great drumming traditions. Nelson
communicates his enthusiasm and knowledge in a step-by-step manual that
anyone - novice, student, trained musician, ethnomusicologist - can work
through."
David P Nelson is a member of the music faculty of Wesleyan University, where he is an artist-in-residence in South Indian music. 160 pp., 2
DVDs, 8-1/2 x 11²
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July 27, 2008
BHARATANATYAM BHAKTA GURU M K SAROJA By Ashish Mohan Khokar (Gurus of India Dance Series) A Biopic on the veteran guru M K Saroja, who has maintained the purity of the form as it was known in the earlier days, by her historian son Ashish. Married to India’s leading dance scholar and collector, Prof. Mohan Khokar, her life traces the history of the form as it went north to Baroda and Delhi. Accompanying the pictures, some dating back to Saroja’s early childhood, when she was initiated into dance by guru Muthukumara Pillai, it is a first-person narrative by the dance guru, now aged 78, who was recently honoured with the Legends of India Award. Published by Ekah Bios - Printways Price: Rs.1100 |
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June
19, 2008
 DANCE:
TRANSCENDING BORDERS
Edited By: Urmimala Sarkar Munsi 978-81-89487-38-6, Tulika, 2008 Hardbound, pp. xxii + 268 List price: Rs 595.00 / $ 25.00 Book Club Members price: Rs 446.25 / $ 18.75 http://www.leftword.com/bookdetails.php?BkId=209&type=HB As globalization forces us to revisit the ‘local’ in dance, an examination of the processes of identity formation, generation and affirmation becomes very necessary. The world of dance in today’s context is constantly being shaped by the nature of the state, politicized markets, the dialogues taking place within and between cultures, as well as the growing importance of multimedia skills. As the identity of dance and of dancers undergoes constant interrogation and reorganization, there is an increasing need to establish dialogues across regions, and to identify and understand the major areas of concern some of which may be common to all, while others may be specific to the social-political-historical conditions of particular countries. This edited volume, a project of the Research and Documentation Network of the World Dance Alliance-Asia Pacific, brings together renowned scholars from the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas and Europe, to discuss issues of global and local importance that are at the center of contemporary research. It hopes to generate a fruitful inter-regional and/or inter-country understanding of the art form, as dance and dancers themselves step out and transcend borders. Urmimala Sarkar Munsi, the editor of this volume, is Visiting Faculty at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. A trained dancer and choreographer, she is also a social anthropologist specializing in Dance Studies. She is co-Chair of the Research and Documentation Network of the World Dance Alliance-Asia Pacific. All payments should be in favour of LEFTWORD BOOKS. Please add Rs45/$3 cheques not payable at par in Delhi. To ensure that books are not lost in the post, please add Rs.30 for registration charges. You can also order and pay online at www.leftword.com |
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April
3, 2008
 BELLS
OF CHANGE: KATHAK DANCE, WOMEN, AND MODERNITY IN INDIA by visual anthropologist
and Kathak exponent Pallabi Chakravorty, “traces the arc of two centuries
of Kathak: the colonial nautch dance, classical Kathak under nationalism
and post-colonialism, and 'innovation' and 'new directions' under transnationalism
and globalisation."
Pallabi Chakravorty is Assistant Professor in the Dept of Music and Dance at Swarthmore College, USA. Founder and artistic director of Courtyard Dancers, she is an anthropologist, dancer, choreographer, and cultural worker. She received an IFA (India Foundation for the Arts) grant in 1997 to study how women Kathak performers in contemporary India were contesting the elitism, patriarchy and nationalism of the 'classical' idiom. Her book draws partly on the research she undertook with this grant. ISBN: 1905422482 Published by Seagull Books, Kolkata |
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March
3, 2008
 The
book ‘Hand Gestures of Hastalakshanadeepika in Mohiniattam’ by Nirmala
Paniker was released on Feb 8, 2008.
Nirmala Paniker began to look for a connection between the traditional forms of Mohiniattam, Nangiar Koothu and Thiruvathirakalli-all indigenous forms featuring female artistes. This led her to great gurus like Bhanu Asan of Thiruvananthapuram from whom she learned Thiruvathirakali and allied forms and to the venerable Ammanur Madhava Chakyar who enlightened her on the various aspects of abhinaya in Koodiyattam and Nangiar Koothu. The research led her to fill in many gaps in the Mohiniyattom repertoire and to write about Hasthalakshanadeepika and its usages in Mohiniattam. One of her most important contributions is in revitalising the regional aspect of the technique and reviving the Netrabhinaya (expression of the eyes) and Hasthabhinaya (expression by hands or mudras) traditions of Kerala. For details, contact Nirmala Paniker, Director Natanakaisiki, Ammannur Chakyar Madhom, Irinjalakuda 680121 (Kerala, India) E-mail: natanakairali@gmail.com Ph: (91-480) - 2825559 |
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Feb
11, 2008
An audio CD of the Kathakali padams of the play GURUDAKSHINA by Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan and late Kalamandalam Raveendran features padams tuned simply in common ragas like Kalyaani, Madhyamaavathi, Kappi and Poorvikalyaani. Price: Rs.100 |
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Jan
4, 2008
CHAKYAR RAJAN'S VIDEO CDs – Three-in-one set available for art lovers. It contains programs, speeches and tributes. Only the postage cost is expected as this gesture is to spread the great art that was his forte and life long dedication. 
Contact: Padmaja Suresh e-mail: padmajasuresh@mailcity.com or padmajasuresh@hotmail.com |
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KATHAKALISWAROOPAM
in Malayalam is by brothers Mankombu Sivasankara Pillai and Prof. CK Sivarama
Pillai. The work studies how the grammar books ranging from Bharathamuni's
Natya Sastra to the Balaramabharatham of Karthika Thirunal have given Kathakali
an Indian shape and structure.
Published by Mathrubhoomi Books, Cherootty Road, Kozhikode Price: Rs.150 |
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A collector of apoorva kritis, S Balachander's collection of 20 compositions of Syama Sastri, Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar, has been published in manuscript form with meticulous swara notation and sahitya. He is a singer, flautist, composer, music critic and scholar. APOORVA KRITI MANJARI has been recorded in two audio volumes by his niece Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, a disciple of S Rajam. |
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Violinist
A Kanyakumari and her disciple V Sanjeev, present nine tillanas of various
composers to the accompaniment of an orchestra in DANCING MELODIES - the
Tanjore Quartet's Kanada in Tisra Nadai, a piece in Misra Kalyani composed
by Kanyakumari and Sulochana Pattabhiraman, M Balamuralikrishna's Brindhavani,
Thanjavur S Kalyanaraman's Dwijavanthi, a rare tillana by Ramanathpuram
Srinivasa Iyengar in Thodi, and N. Ramani's Madhyamavathi.
Produced by Sa Re Ga Ma, a CD costs Rs.150. |
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Sept
26, 2007
INDIAN MUSIC AND AN ENCHANTING AMALGAM OF DANCE, by Vasanthy Krishna Rao has an overview of various characteristics of Bharatanatyam, various aspects of Carnatic music, different dance and music forms, life histories and details of songs of 5 eminent composers. This book would appeal to both dancers and musicians. Sanjay Prakashan, 4378/4 D-209 JMD House, Ansari Rd, Daryaganj, New Delhi Price: Rs.400 |
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 SANKARA
MENON: PURUSHOTHAMAN, edited by G Sundari, was released on September 22,
2007 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, to commemorate K Sankara Menon’s
birth centenary. The book was released by Justice S Mohan and the first
copy received by Dr. Meena Muthiah.
The book contains
scholarly articles by Sankara Menon and tributes paid to him by his past
students at the Besant Theosophical High School, Kalakshetra and friends.
Published by
his grand niece Indu Jayanthi Varma for The People for Children Foundation
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September
22, 2007
 The
latest issue of DRISHTI (No. 11), the magazine focusing on dance and music,
provides delightful fare for readers with different tastes.
Leela Ramanathan, the noted dance historian and writer, delves into the origin and nature of Mohini Attam, in her series on the classical dances of India. Fans of folk dances can read about Veeragase, a popular folk-form of Karnataka. Sneha Nandagopal delineates Veeragase and also chats with GP Jagadish, a veteran Veeragase artist. Calling himself a happy and satisfied artist, R K Padmanabha is one of those musicians who feel the common man is as supportive of good music as any rasika. His joie de vivre comes across in conversation with Anuradha Vikranth. In the forum, Drishti Sadas, leading dancers and musicians express themselves on two issues that often confront any artist: Should I perform for free? Should I pay up when some organizers demand payment for staging my performance? The highlight
of Drishti 11 is the updated Drishti Art Resources, a painstakingly compiled
directory of resources related to music and dance. Dancers, musicians and
anybody related to music and dance swear by it for the authentic information
it provides at their fingertips.
1. Excerpts from the book 'Euphony' by Dr L Subramaniam and Viji Subramaniam - now dealing with the differences between Western and Carnatic notation systems. 2. Legends of our Land, pen portraits of great legends in the field of music in our country, featuring Pudhukotai Dakshinamurthy Pillai. 3. Timeless Indian Traditions - about why we chant 'Om'. 4. Pratima Kosha, excerpts from the 'Encyclopaedia of Indian Iconography', by Prof. S. K. Ramachandra Rao featuring the description of Apsaras. The article gives abundant information on various hand gestures and poses for choreography. 5. Phocus, a photo feature on upcoming artists, on Parshwanath Upadhye, a young, passionate Bharatanatyam artist. 6. Drishtikosh, a guide to dance and music terminology. 7. Briefcase, news about events related to music and dance. The Team: Spotting a niche for a magazine on dance and music, a noted Bharatanatyam dancer from Bangalore, Anuradha Vikranth and her husband, TM Vikranth, launched Drishti in November 2002. Anuradha and Vikranth, along with N Narayan, the other member of the Drishti team, promise you a magazine that delights, diverts, instructs and informs. The growing popularity of Drishti has emboldened them to try and make Drishti a national magazine on dance and music. With that objective, we would like you to contribute to the magazine in any way you think you can – articles, photographs, opinions, suggestions, tips, bouquets and brickbats. Of course, if you also subscribe to Drishti, it will be a matter of great encouragement for us. Thanking
you in anticipation.
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CLASSICAL
DANCES OF INDIA, CD–ROM by Sadhana Productions is targeted at children,
teachers and any one who is curious about Indian dances. It features the
seven dance styles of India: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi,
Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi. This interactive resource provides a
tantalizing experience of each dance style by looking at the History, Features,
Costumes and Music.
Contact: Sadhana Productions The Dance Workshop 132 Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE UK Tel: 0121 442 6742, e-mail: info@sadhna.co.uk |
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September
16, 2007
BONDING...A MEMOIR, an autobiography by Vyjayanthimala Bali, is co-authored by Jyoti Sabharwal, and gives insights into her film career and ongoing Bharatanatyam career. It is published by Stellar Publishers. |
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On
Aug 31, 2007 Kalavardhani's releases a DVD titled GANESHA-SKANDHA MARGAM
featuring Bharatanatyam by Aruna Subbiah, a senior disciple of Guru Sudharani
Raghupathy.
The dance performance celebrates two favourite deities - Ganesha and Muruga, through the Margam format of a Bharatanatyam recital. Dance direction is by Sudharani Raghupathy, who has been in the field of Bharatanatyam for six decades now. The live orchestra for the dance performance features Nandini Anand (Vocal), Priya Murle (Nattuvangam), KSR Anirudha (Mridangam) and V Muruganandan (Violin). In the DVD,
each dance composition is preceded by a short introductory narrative in
English. The compositions presented include:
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July
2007
"Krishna in Performing Arts" by Shovana Narayan, published by Eastern Book Corporation Price: Rs.2, 500 |
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"Odissi: An Indian Classical Dance Form"” by Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi and Ahalya Hejmadi Patnaik, published by Aryan Books International |
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June
26, 2007
At Home in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage by Janet O'Shea In this critical history of twentieth-century Bharatanatyam, dance scholar Janet O'Shea looks at questions of national, regional, gender, and diasporic identity. At Home in the World investigates the expression of cultural politics through dance choreography and, in turn, how the politics of India and Indian emigrants has affected the performance of Bharatanatyam throughout the world. With over 250 teachers in the United States alone, Bharatanatyam offers a remarkable case study of how a traditional art form moves into the world beyond. Bharatanatyam's journey from India began in the 1920s, as it moved from its traditional home in the temples and courts of South India to the global concert stage. Through figures such as Uday Shankar, Anna Pavlova, Ragini Devi, Ram Gopal, and Ted Shawn, the history of this dance form intersected with the modernist movement in Europe and North America, the ballet revival, and popular performance in the western world. O'Shea carefully untangles the complex associations of Bharatanatyam with other dance and art forms, and looks at contrasting positions taken by practitioners of the Bharatanatyam revival. Drawing on insights from postcolonial studies, women's studies, and globalization studies, she considers how performers of the late twentieth century grapple with questions of identity as they choreograph and perform throughout India and throughout the world. Janet O'Shea is a reader in the department of dance at Middlesex University in the UK, and a dancer. Her articles have appeared in The Drama Review, Asian Theatre Journal, and Dance Research Journal, and she was the 1998 recipient of the Society for Dance History Scholars' Selma Jeanne Cohen Award. For a review
copy or to see a pdf sample from the book, contact
At Home
in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage
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Dec
9, 2006
'Himakaram' is a famous sequence from 'Asokavanikangam,' the fifth act of 'Ascharyachoodamani’ that is considered the first text in Sanskrit theatre to be used in Koodiyattam. Guru Margi Madhu's institution Nepatya, Centre for Excellence in Koodiyattam, is planning on documentation of Koodiyattom and a DVD of 85 minutes duration on HIMAKARAM is the first of the series. The focus is on Ravana in this episode and deals with his infatuation for Sita. Madhu plays the role of Ravana, that has ample scope for abhinaya. There are English subtitles. Price: Rs.250 Contact: Nepatya Centre for Koodiyattam, Moozhikulam, Kerala |
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 Dec
6, 2006
Book title: Shahaji Yakshagana Prabandalu Author: Dr. Uma Rama Rao Dr. Uma Rama
Rao's "Shahaji Yakshagana Prabandalu" brings alive an unknown facet of
a Maratha ruler. Her book is a page from history. Thanjavur was the seat
of fine arts and culture, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries...
Shahji II (a Bhonsle of Shivaji's descent) saw flowering of with the ruler
himself being a prolific writer. Encapsulating the dramatic element in
these compositions so suited to classical dance in her book, she delves
deep into the spirit and grandeur of language and thought of Shahji, who
was adept in Telugu as if it was his mother tongue. The most interesting
Contact: kolluri_uma@yahoo.com / Phone: (91- 40) - 66789617 & Mobile: 92465 89617 in India |
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Book
Title: BEYOND PERFORMING: ART & CULTURE (Politico-Social Aspects)
Author: V P Dhananjayan, Bharatanaatyam exponent and Guru, founder president, Bharatakalanjali, Adyar, Chennai.
'Beyond performing: art & culture' contains various articles not only on art & culture matters, but also political and social aspects. An interesting attraction in the book is the cartoons on arts and social issues by late Sarathy. Dhananjayan's concern for the welfare of society and peaceful co-existence - both artistically and politically are very much evident and his forthright suggestions to Government and public agencies are thought provoking points. Cho Ramaswamy has written the foreword to this book. The book is Priced @Rs.1195.00 available B.R.Rhythms, email: info@brrhythms.com |
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 RITU
SRINGARA, a popular dance presentation of Padmaja Suresh - VCDs of live
recording for sale.
In Ritu Sringara, Padmaja Suresh uses Bharatanatyam to portray the Baaramasa (12 months) poetry, and link it with paintings. The different styles of the Pahari School of miniature paintings are linked with poetry, which in turn is set to tunes which are blend of Hindustani and Carnatic music. Ritu Sringara
is a ballet choreographed and performed by Padmaja Suresh and depicts the
seasons of the year. It involves visual representation of the classic miniature
paintings, with the episodes having been woven around the paintings, using
the elements common to both. In Bharatanatyam style with lyrics from
Hindi literature in dialects like Avadhi and Brajbhasha. The lyrics are
taken from the works of poets / saints Keshavadas, Govindas, Surdas and
Meera.
Contact: padmajasuresh@mailcity.com
or at the following address
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July
16, 2006
A DVD of BHARATANATYAM ADAVUS (an audio-visual aid for day to day practice of adavus with music) by Jayanthi Subramaniam, was released on July 10, 2006 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. Jayanthi's guru Adyar K Lakshman released the DVD and first copy was received by guru SK Kameswaran. For details: (91-44) – 24994145 / jayn61@hotmail.com |
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July
16, 2006
'FLOWERS AT HIS FEET - An Insight into Annamacharya's Compositions' by Pappu Venugopala Rao is an in-depth study of Annamacharya's colossal range of work like Sringara Sankirtanas, Adhyatma Sankirtanas, compositions on various deities, etc. Published by Pappus Academic and Cultural Trust (PACT), 36/11, Canal Bank Road, R. A. Puram, Chennai 600028 Price: Rs.300 |
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July
15, 2006
 Sangeet
Natak, Vol XL, No.1, 2006
'The Performing Arts: A Mantra for Healing' This is a special issue on Healing through the Arts published by Sangeet Natak Akademi. For the first time in the history of any governmental body dedicated to performing arts, this issue talks exclusively about healing through dance, music, theatre, sound, puppetry etc. The 104 page journal is 40 pages more than a normal SNA Journal with some rare photographs capturing the range of work, in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi and also for the first time, Andaman and Nicobar islands. It looks at the work being done in Nias, Indonesia and in Singapore, in an attempt to underscore the link that defines the collective vision of Asian tradition of healing. Articles are by Shanta Serbjeet Singh, Shruti, Kanaka Sudhakar, Ambika Kameshwar, Tripura Kashyap, Anurupa Roy, Sangeeta Isvaran, interviews with Syed Sallaudin Pasha and Alvin Tan. Edited by youngest guest editor Lada Guruden Singh. Price: Rs.15
(for individuals), Rs.25 (for institutions/libraries), single issue $5
Cheques/drafts/postal
orders covering subscription should be payable to:
Published by
Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, Feroz Shah Rd, New Delhi 110001
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June
28, 2006
'TOLPAVA KOOTHU: SHADOW PUPPETS OF KERALA' by G Venu (Natana Kairali, Irinjalakuda), is about the shadow puppet theatre tradition of Kerala. The book is an informative source about the making of the puppets, the themes used in the shadow play, the venues where they are performed and so on. Published by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and Hope India Publications Price: Rs.295 |
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June
25, 2006
The second edition of NANGYAR KOOTHU by guru Nirmala Paniker was released in January 2006 at the International seminar on Kutiyattam conducted at Trivandrum. The first edition was published in 1992. Sanskrit slokas and its Attaprakarams (acting manuals) of Sreekrishna Charitam Nangyar Koothu have been included in this revised edition. Contact Natana Kairali, Irinjalakuda, Kerala: ((91 - 480) - 2825559 / natanakairali58@yahoo.co.in |
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 Audio
CD NATYOLLASAH by Padmaja Suresh has traditional and thematic Bharatanatyam
repertoire.
It features Todayam, Ganesha Kavutvam, Jatiswaram, Swarajati, Varnam, Javali, Navarasa, Navagraha, Tillana (Spring). The CD is of 80 minutes duration. Cost: Rs.360 in India and Rs.460 outside India including postage. It is available only at Kalpataru Kalavihar, Bangalore, India Contact Padmaja Suresh: padmajasuresh@lycos.com / (91-80) – 23343393 The proceeds from the audio CDs goes towards project 'Kalachaitanya'- the charitable wing of Kalpataru Kalavihar - for propagating arts for underprivileged children. |
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THEATRE
ARTS FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT authored by Ambika Kameshwar released on
March 11, 2006 at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.
For details, contact: (91- 44) - 24939916 / rasa_india@yahoo.com |
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NAVKALEVAR
is a beautiful documentary film made by Prithviraj Misra from Orissa about
the ritual of the temple servants going into the forest to search for and
do Puja to the trees to be sacrificed to become the new incarnations of
Jagannath, Balabadra and Subadra for the Puri temple of Puri, Orissa.
It is available on VHS (NTSC system) Contact Barbara Mintz: bhava_dance@hotmail.com |
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A
dancer, choreographer, research scholar and guru, Uma Rama Rao received
her Ph.D. from Telugu University for her exemplary work on "Shahaji Yakshagana
Prabandalu." She was also the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak
Academy Award in 2003 for her contribution to Kuchipudi. She retired as
Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Dance from PS Telugu
University and presently serves as the founder - director of Lasya Priya,
an academy of Indian Dances and Centre for Higher Learning and Research.
She is the author of "Kuchipudi Bharatam" in English and "Telugu Samskruti
and Melattur Bhagavata Mela Natakamulu" in Telugu.
On
Dec 5, 2006, His Excellency Governor of Tamilnadu Shri Surjit Singh Barnala
released the book at a special function at Raj Bhavan, Guindy. This book
is edited by Dhananjayans' senior disciple Tulsi Badrinath and published
by BR Rhythms, New Delhi. Dhananjayan's earlier book 'Dhananjayan on Indian
Classical Dances' was also published by BRR and this has gone in for 3
editions. Success of this book prompted Dhananjayan to launch the present
publication.