Posted by marie (4.18.229.10) on June 16, 2005 at 23:24:51:

 In Reply to: from Ape to Man

Posted by Charu on June 13, 2005 at 03:46:53:

 Hello,

I don't mean to say that one needs to have a formal education to have developed aesthetic taste; but education of some kind usually informs understanding of art.

I disagree that the primary motivation for all Westerners who are interested in the Classical dance styles is spiritual. An evolved art form has many qualities that attract an audience. Just because we (in the West) love Greek architecture (from the temples), and have adopted the style into our own culture (banks, government buildings), doesn't mean that we are hungry for Greek spirituality (I mean, BANKS of all things!) Similarly, when a fine production is given here, showcasing an Indian classical dance style, most of the audience is admiring the form, the structue, the aesthetic qualities of the dance.

That doesn't mean that what you are talking about isn't present, I think it is, but more so in the dancers that actually practice the dance, and pursue it with those intentions.

Thanks for sharing.