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Thursday, 1 November 2012

When Taking Bharatanatyam Classes Los Angeles Residents Participate In Indian Culture

By Tameka Ware


When doing Bharatanatyam Classes Los Angeles locals will become acquainted with Indian philosophical beliefs. The popularity of many Indian writers, novels and films have led to an increased western interest in Indian culture and tradition. This dancing was used in ancient temples and those practicing it used spiritual concepts.

One of the most exciting part of the dancing is in the outfits one gets to wear during public performances. The traditional garb worn by dancers is sensual, elegant and rich. Ornate, delicate accessories are worn with costumes styled in rich palettes of gold, yellow, red and electric blue. There are two traditional styles of dress, but both use silk sarees, which many believe are the most beautiful garments a woman can own.

Pleats are an important part of the culture because of the dramatic effects they create during postures. The sitting and half sitting positions show off the outfits best. They are all ornately jeweled and use head dress, bangles and bells as embellishments.

The movements were originally inspired by the ancient Puducherry temple's sculpture poses. Dancers used to perform inside the temple in groups. They had all dedicated their lives to worshiping the temple deity through dancing and music. Ritual was also an important part of the style.

In the 1930s, the elite classes started receiving performances by the temple dancers, which increased their popularity in other cultures. The elite came to perform the art and, today, it is configured according to the writings of four brothers famous for the movements they contributed. It has become the most well loved form of dancing in India.

More ancient styles have had their influence on the dancing movements but, as a complete art, it is one of the oldest in India. There was a renewal of interest in the 1990s when the elite began practicing the style. Today, there are no dances performed more often than this one.

Worship and devotion are imperative parts of the discipline. They are believed to result in bliss. Many believe that learning a classic art teaches one the true essence of dancing, which is not taught in more modern styles. Classic forms teach one about the background and origination of dancing in ancient culture.

The style is based on the element of fire, and its movements replicate those of a flickering flame. They are said to manifest the way fire interconnects with the human body. There are also styles that are based on the water, air and sky elements. Orthodox dancers use the movements as a form of moving meditation similar to yoga.

The medium's spiritual aspects are seen as a celebration of the infinite and beautiful. It has its own philosophy, based on emotions and actions that represent love. There are both masculine and feminine facets which interrelate with one another in a way that's akin to the Chinese yin and yang philosophy. The traditional form does not use partners. When taking Bharatanatyam classes Los Angeles dancers will get to know a mystical tradition of an ancient culture which is performed as a tribute to the deity.




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