Indian Classical Dance Classes

April 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Indian classical dances have a very rich tradition which has been explained vividly in Natya Shastra – one of the oldest Indian texts which speak on stagecraft. Though there were singers and instrumentalists who played their part well, much importance was given to the dancers who even now occupy a central position. To keep the culture of India alive, many non-profit cultural organizations have begun to conduct Indian classical dance classes in New York.

Learn a Classical Dance Form

Indian classical dance requires dedication and lots of practice. Most of the institutions providing dance classes offer flexible timing for the convenience of students. Based on prior knowledge and experience, the interested candidate would be put in either the beginners, intermediate or advanced learner’s batch. Most of the dance institutes in NYC teach the following dance forms:

Bharatanatyam: This dance form indigenous to the state of Tamil Nadu is performed to the accompaniment of classical music. It is inspired by the ancient sculptures of South Indian temples. The uniqueness in the technique of Bharatanatyam dance is abhinaya which is the dramatic art of story-telling; nritta signifying the dance movements; and nritya, which is a combination of nritta and abhinaya.

Odissi: The Odissi tradition existed in three schools, Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipua. This Indian classical dance has Mangalacharan, Battu Nrutya, Moksha, Pallavi, Abhinaya, and Dashavataar as its various forms. All these forms have their own vocabulary of foot positions, head movements, eye movements, body positions, hand gestures, rhythmic foot work, jumps, turns and spins. In the past, Odissi dancers used to perform outside on the temple courtyard.

Kathak: This dance form originated in North India and traces its history back to bards called kathakas. The work Kathak is derived from the word Katha which means the art of story telling. Dancers perform to the accompaniment of music with religious recitals and mythological tales. Kathak dancers are required to focus on dramatic and sensuous expression. It is one of the most dynamic theater arts in the world which can be performed by both men and women.

Learn from Qualified Dance Teachers

Indian classical dance classes are conducted by qualified dance teachers who have many years of experience to their credit. They would help interested candidates decide which dance is most likely to suit them and suggest the right type of clothes. They constantly motivate their students and help them master the dance technique. The students who perform well can even get the opportunity to stage shows for cultural events, programs and festive occasions.

http://www.yicg.com

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Indian dance classes at YICG in New York provide a fun-filled introduction to the culture, versatililty, and glamour of Indian dance. Young Indian Culture Group, Inc. provides classes for children and adults based in Long Island and Queens. The classes are offered for children aged 4 and above, and adults. Students of different cultural backgrounds including non-Indian backgrounds get an opportunity to understand India’s popular dance heritage.