NAVYA C
Musical
Expression in
Classical Dance
A
multitude of emotions can be expressed in the best
way through performing any art and dance is one
of those dynamic ways of doing it. It is dynamic
because the body, mind and soul come in a union while
showcasing a feeling. When music adds to this dimension,
the expression gets even better and fulfilling. Indian
Ciassical Dance has been an ancient art which aims to
bring forth not just mythological stories to life, but also
the ones which strike a chord with contemporary issues.
Indian Classical Dance adapted much of Carnatic and
Hindustani classical music depending on the region of
which it originated from. When it comes to South Indian
dance forms such as Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, raagas
like Ananda Bhairavi, Kambhoji, Abheri became more
suitable for catching the attention of viewers and keep them
interested. In fact, Saint Thyagaraja has dedicated the raaga
Ananda Bhairavi to Classical dancers in honor of their
brilliant work. The beautiful composition Madhuranagarilo
in this raaga has become an age old traditional lesson
taught for Kuchipudi dance students as well.
Bharatanatyam adapted varnas with literature (called pada
varnams) which are highly adept in the rhythmic complexity
to suit the likings of dancer’s abhinayam. Chalamela in raaga
Naatakuranji is widely admired for the lyrical subtleness
along with great usage of swara display. In fact, the Carnatic
composition gets a new dimension when rendered for
the purpose of dance performance. There are also rare
compositions like the Pada Varnam “Aa Sariga” in raaga
Mohana which were exclusively composed for dance recitals
and give them amazing scope to showcase feelings of love,
devotion, anger, and also peace. It is said that this varnam
was exclusively composed for the sake of a classical dancer’s
entry into the Karvetinagaram king’s court. The place still
exists 50 kilometers away from the temple town Tirupathi.
Hindustani dance forms like Kathak and Odissi heavily
relied on taans and rhythmic beauty to bring about
emotions ranging from subtlety and essence of
expressivity as well. However, there are dance
forms such as Manipuri which adapted music from
folklore and thereby becoming more free spirited.
Many Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancers are
adapting challenging works like Nouka Charitam of
Saint Thyagaraja to enact a dramatic display of dance
and also throw light on forgotten mythological heroes
like Karna in the form of dance. It is indeed interesting
to see many modern musicians taking up rare ragas
like Dharmavati, Sarasangi to add a new color to
their dance performances in breathtaking fashion.
Isn’t this a wonderful observation to say that dance
and music are entwined in a soulful manner?
The
Score Magazine
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