14

A PRESENTATION OF DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY

You are familiar with the Nāṭyaśhāstra and the Abhinaya Darpaṇam now. In ancient times, when they were written, dance was usually called nr̥ tta and nr̥ itya or nartana, whereas dance-drama was called nāṭya. Have you ever wondered how dance originated?

If you refer to your Grade 6 Arts textbook (Theatre), you will recall an interesting story about the birth of the performing arts. Similarly, you will learn about the birth of dance from the Abhinaya Darpanam.

Brahma Deva, derived from all four Vedas, is said to have created the Nāṭya Veda, often referred to as called the fifth Veda.

Brahma Deva gave Nāṭya Veda to a Rishi, Bharata Muni, who studied and mastered all three aspects of nr̥ tta, nr̥ itya and nāṭya.

Bharata Muni along with his group of Gandharvas (heavenly musicians) and Apsarās (heavenly dancers) presented their f irst performance. At the time, the great dancer Mahadeva was also in the audience.

He was so pleased to see the performance that he offered Bharata Muni special lessons with his best ganas (attendants) in the rigorous form of dancing called tandava. Mahadeva’s gana, Tandu taught tandava to the sages who taught it to the humans.

On the other hand, Devi Parvati trained Bharata Muni in the more graceful form of dance called lasya.

Devi Parvati also taught lasya dance to Usha, the daughter of King Bana. And Usha taught the dance to the gopis (milkmaids) of Dwarka who then taught it to the women of Saurashtra. And so, more and more people learnt dance, and that is how dance reached the earth.

Legends are a rich source for storytelling in the Indian dance forms. Stories from the Puranas, Jataka Tales, Panchatantra, etc., offer narratives that make for beautiful visual spectacles and have a deep moral message.

These stories are relevant even today when interpreted according to the present times.

You have learnt about the descent of Ganga from heaven to Earth in Visual Arts. It is a powerful tale of the importance of rivers in nourishing life on earth. But if you read it more closely, you will realise that it has a deeper meaning and teaches values.

The story showcases:

• The strength and resolve of a woman, in this case, Devi Ganga.
• How different elements of nature, including Gods, have to work together to make good things happen, for instance, how Mahadeva helped Ganga in controlling her force before descending to Earth.
• King Bhagirath as a great example of unwavering faith and perseverance.
• The present day plight of rivers and how they are polluted.
• How rivers must be respected and kept clean and pure.

What if you were to bring this story into a dance production?

Once Upon A Dance… Creating your Dance Production

Think of a legend or historical tale that you can bring to the contemporary world. Interpret it in present times and plan a dance production to perform the story.

Phase 1: Planning and Pre-Production

2. Style of Dance and Groups

• What style or styles of dance would you include? Make sure it fits the theme.
• How many dance groups will you have, and how many people per group?
• Would you like to use any props?

3. Music Selection

• Pick music that suits your theme and dance styles.
• You can use recorded tracks, compose your own or even include live music performed by students.

Phase 2: Choreography and Rehearsals

1. Choreographic Stages

• Break your story into scenes or moments.
• Explore movements and emotions for each character or scene.
• Use elements from your dance form sthānas, chāris, hastas and add creative touches.
• Think about breath, rhythm, silence; they're all part of the story!

2. Rehearsals and Teaching Choreography

• Schedule regular rehearsals with clear goals
• Teach the dances group by group.
• Try interesting formations and group patterns.
• Keep entrances and exits smooth and connected.
• Watch, review and tweak the dances as needed.

A lot of this work in Phase 2 can happen simultaneously. But remember, planning and pre-production are crucial before venturing into any creation. Similar to a construction site, you first take the time to dig a deep foundation. If your foundation is set, then it is easier to build a structure and you can work on all the raw materials at different times before assembling them together.

Phase 3: Performance

• Grand Rehearsal: This is a critical rehearsal, just like a whole show on the main stage that you will perform. Invite a few people to give feedback and make notes of anything that went wrong (although by this point there should be no mistakes).
• Final Performance: Enjoy the show!
• Reflections: Post-show feedback.

Now that you've learned so much about this beautiful art, even created your magical performance and shared it joyfully, it is time to take a bow, smile brightly and let your heart dance on!