Indian Classical Dance: The Renaissance and Beyond

INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE: The Renaissance and Beyond traces the journey of the evolution of Indian classical dance since the years of Independence. Covering the eight classical dance forms of India – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Sattriya – Leela Venkataraman seamlessly weaves together a historical perspective with the contemporary scenario. Stripped of their association with the temple and the court, classical dance traditions in India underwent a period of unprecedented change during the last few years of British rule and thereafter. From becoming part of the nationalist struggle when India was trying to rediscover its lost identity, to sharing the international stage today with dance forms from all over the world, the last sixty-six years have seen many changes in perspective and presentation of Indian Classical Dance – some intentional, others involuntary. While examining these years closely and their impact on dance forms, one realises that this is a phase in an ongoing process, with each new generation of dancers and musicians contributing to an already rich tapestry of tradition. The book is beautifully illustrated and multifaceted, dealing with various aspects of dance, including sponsorship and patronage, the teacher-disciple relationship, and the contemporary classical dialectic. Unique in its vast range of covering all the classical forms, Indian Classical Dance is a must-read for dancers, dance historians, students, and teachers of dance, as well as those interested in this fascinating field of Indian culture.