The Rhythm Of Change
Nilam T.
Anna C.
We chose to do our project on the tug of war between traditional and modern Indian dance. One of us being Indian, we know that Indian dance has been greatly shaped through many different generations, and this change is portrayed in Indian movies. We chose to do our Wiki on Indian dance because it is an extremely expressive way of representing the rich Indian culture. The tug of war in Indian dance is the difference between modern and traditional dance, which has an impact on adolescent Indian Americans, and especially their parents. Parents are determined to keep traditional cultural aspects in the lives of their children, while many younger generations want to learn more modern dances. Through movies, this change is expressed. For example, in older Indian films, many older songs and dances are expressed, such as bharatanatyam, while much more modern movies from Bollywood portray more modern dances, such as garba and raas. This major change in Indian dance is definitely part of the struggle of keeping traditional Indian dance in the lives of Indian American youth. Our page is titled "The Rhythm Of Change" because the styles, music, and dress used in Indian dance is greatly changing. This change depicts the tug of war between modern and traditional Indian dances, and the struggle of keeping traditional dance in the lives of Indians.
The traditional Indian dance bharatanatyam is extremely difficult and takes years of practice to perfect. It commonly uses motions made by the eyes, hands, and feet. Bharatanatyam is highly enjoyed by parents born and raised in India. The dance is accompanied with highly traditional and old Indian music. It is common among women. There is a definite tug of war with keeping this dance in the lives of youth, especially when they want to learn more modern dances with the Bollywood influence.
www.artists-india.com/
Raas is a simple rhythmic dance performed by beating sticks together that people hold in their hands. In this dance, people keep a distinctive beat and dance in a circle. It is common among both males and females and is performed often for fun purposes. Raas and it's complementary dance garba are both performed in public places, such as temples. These dances are becoming much more popular and are "taking over" traditional dances.
www.chicagodesisounds.com/
The Bharatanatyam Dance
The Garba Dance
Typical Bollywood movie scene.
Slideshow of variety of Indian dances
Mock Dialogue
The following dialogue is between an Indian mother and her first generation Indian American daughter.
Daughter: Hi mom! So next Saturday, my school is holding a talent show, and I entered!
Mom: Oh, that’s wonderful! You have so many talents, so what will you be showing off there??
Daughter: I'm going to do Indian dance.
Mom: Wow! You know when I was a child in India, I loved to dance - especially the Bharatanatyam!!
Daughter: ...The what?....
Mom: The Bharatanatyam - it's a form of Indian dance...classical Indian dance.
Daughter: Oh yeah, I remember now - sorry the name is just too long so I blanked out for a moment! And, that's okay, I think I'll do the Garba.
Mom: ...Honey, since when did you know how to do the Garba??...Didn't we raise you learning the Bharatanatyam?
Daughter:I don't know it, but I saw Aamir Kahn do the Garba in Lagaan!! *sigh* He is just sooo cute!!
Mom: I really think you should do some classical Indian dance though! How about the Odissi...or even Kuchipudi- you might find these to be quite fun.
Daughter: Um, that's ok. I don't really like the music that accompanies classical Indian dances anyways. Plus, the Garba looks so cool!!
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