Posted by Vinod II (24.47.241.215) on October 03, 2005 at 22:40:58:

 In Reply to: Controversies in Indian Dance

Posted by Amanda Montgomery on October 03, 2005 at 17:58:18:

 Hi Amanda,
What a fabulous topic to pick for an undergrad thesis.... I'm thoroughly intrigued because similarly, my undergraduate thesis merged my knowledge of theory in Indian classical dance with my experience in theater.
Any professional field is packed with a controversy or two indeed, and Indian classical dance has some of it's own issues... Let me expand on the ones you've mentioned...
Off the top of my head:
- I've always found it interesting how classical dancers view film dance. I've heard many classical dancers talk about film dance as being "easy, light, simplistic in technique" etc. The fact is that if one watches Aishwarya Rai's movements in some of her filmiest dances (say Nimbooda, from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), one would be awed by the sheer artistry of her movements... every movement is done with 110% effort, and the result is majestic. True, camera work plays a huge role in all this today. Try and find the film "Kath Patli" starring Vyjayantimala and Kamala Laxman. Both actresses/classical dancers perform with such elan and grace-- sans the camera frills.
Why is it that classical dancers feel the celluloid medium of dance is below them, in some way? And do classical dancers even take actresses-cum-classical dancers (e.g., Shobana) or actors-cum-classical dancers (e.g., Shridhar) seriously? Some research questions for you to think about....
- The dearth of male dancers in the US for example is an interesting point you bring up. It would be fascinating to research what makes the environment in India (say Chennai, for example) conducive to producing more male Indian classical dancers than the cultural landscape of the US? What are the various socio-cultural factors contributing to this phenomenon, and how do they differ in either environment? What elements of the art form are "lost" when learning Indian classical dance as a male here in the US, as opposed to learning in the culturally rich atmosphere that Chennai provides? Finally, how could institutions across the US that teach indian classical dance create a system of learning conducive to teaching Indian American males a traditional art form such as Indian classical dance in a more appealing way?
Just some brainstorming... hope it springs forth a meaningful cognitive link for you...
Best of luck for your project,
Vinod II