Dance Forms
Bharatanatyam - This form is the oldest of the contemporary classical dances of India. Its literary, architectural, and epigraphical evidence testifies to its antiquity. It began in ancient Tamil culture and mingled with Sanskrit culture, eventually enveloping the entire country of India. It is known for its bold movement, precise footwork, bent-knee postures, and expressive hand gestures (mudras) that narrate stories combining emotin (Bhava), melody (Raga), and rhythm (Tala). The key elements include NRITTA (pure technical dance, rhythmic patterns, intricate combinations), NRITYA (expressional dance using facial expressions and hand gestures to convey mood and storytelling), and NATYA (dramatic storytelling combining dance, mime, and music). Bharatanatyam dance form explores human concerns, aspects of nature, and beauty in the environment. Bharatanatyam dancers undergo several years of rigorous technical training before performing on stage.
Present-day Bharatanatyam has undergone several changes but is still deeply associated with Indian culture. It has spread to different corners of the world.
Through her dance, Chandreyee communicates with body movements, facial expressions, hand gestures, and rhythmic footwork to showcase stories, human emotions, and other forms of Indian art & culture. Chandreyee believes dance removes regional barriers and bridges the gap by strengthening the bond between different nations.
The musical instruments supporting the vocalist include nattuvangam (cymbals), veena (seven string instrument), mridangam (barrel-shaped double-sided drum), violin, flute, and the tambura (sruthi box) to provide. a continuos sustained drone acting as a foundational pitch reference for the musicians.
Mohiniyattam - This dance form is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms and originated from Kerala in India. This dance form acquired its name from the word “Mohini” the female enchantress ‘avaatar’ of the Hindu deity Vishnu. This dance form has its roots in the ‘Natya Shastra’ (an ancient Hindu text) and was revived in the 19th century by Vallathol Narayana Menon and the Maharaja of Travancore and the present form, is inspired by Kerala’s social ensemble dances performed on festive occasions like Kaikottikali and Thiruvathirakali. The form emphasizes the ‘Kaisiki Vritti’ (graceful moving style). it is defined by undulating circular movements marked by the smooth sway of the torso. The body swinging along with the fluid movements and gentle dips can be compared to the local ecology and landscape of Kerala - the swaying of the coconut fronds, forward and backward movements of the sea waves, the grounded yet light movements of the temple elephants, and the sloping architecture of the temples in Kerala.
‘Abhinaya’ (expression) or the act of storytelling using facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements is also crucial to Mohiniyattam.
The vocal music incorporates various rhythms and lyrics in ‘Manipravalam’ (a combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam languages). The essential instruments include kuzitalam (cymbals), veena (seven string instrument), idakka (hour-glass shaped drum), mridangam (barrel-shaped drum), violin, and flute which creates a special kind of music called ‘sopanam’ meaning a flight of steps in Carnatic (South-Indian Classical).
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