A tribute to Indian Culture and Heritage - Classical Dance forms : calendar 2013
Indian Dance Forms - Excellence of Mind, Body and Soul. Indian Classical Dance is a relatively new umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in Natya, the sacred hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharat Muni (400 BC). Sangeet Natak Akademi confers classical status to eight Indian Dance styles - Bharatanatyam (Tamilnadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Sattriya (Assam). Apart from these, Pung Cholom (Manipur), Koodiyattam (Kerala), Chhau (central and eastern India) have been acknowledged by the UNESCO as forms of world human heritage. I also thought of including Dandiya and Bhangra as they are two of the most popular fold dances of India. As I travel widely and capture the fascinating spaces, including performing arts, especially Dance, I always felt the urge to pay tribute to India classical dance forms. This calendar will be an annual tribute to the rich culture and heritage of India, through the Indian Classical Dance forms.
