DTH 4125 CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE
Classical Indian Dance or BHARATA NATYAM is one of the oldest dance forms of India. It is usually performed by a solo dancer who portrays all of the characters in the performance, drawing from the entire mythology of the epics (the Mahabharata and the Ramayana), the ancient stories (Puranas) and from life experience. Complex rhythmic patterns alternate with poetic text interpreted through the technique of storytelling (abhinaya) using hand gestures and facial expressions. Indian dance and music combine both traditional structures and improvisation. This course will give students an overview of basic techniques, including body posture, rhythmic footwork, mudras (hand gestures) and sculpturesque poses. A short composition will be taught using both the rhythmic technique and the storytelling technique. Fall, 2 cr. No preq.