Modern fusion trends in classical dance forms

Subashini Pathmanathan

DANCE: Many classical dance forms have a long standing history, background, growth and development. Each region, each country, has its own classical dance forms which are closely linked with regional language, habits rituals, mythology, and ancient defined texts.

Even sometime these dance forms are borrowed or influenced by the adjoining regional classical dance forms. This type of affinity and influence could be seen mostly in Indian classical state dance forms.

Even such influence could be seen in neighbouring countries. Even long-standing cultural, linguistic, regional background influence could be seen in Western, Eastern and Far Eastern dance forms.

Each classical dance form is associated with historical, social, regional and religious influences. Classical dance forms have firmly defined clear regulations, norms, clear cut systematic standing position, leg movements, toe movements, leg position, head position, head and neck movements, jumping position, leaping position, stance, hand movements, hand gestures, turning positions, body positions, neck positions, facial movements and facial expressions.

Similarly, each classical dance form has its own unique dance costumes, make-up, and usage of meaningful costumes, defined ornaments and head decoration, hair style.

Oriental dance forms are guided by sastras, slogans, texts and literature. The classical dance forms are supposed to adhere to the above said aspects. Even practically many times it is not possible to adhere to the positions described in the sastras and slogans. But it is a must to some extent, we must have to follow and stick to certain demarcated frame structure and norms of a selective classical dance form.

One must understand that a particular classical art form must be preserved properly and be handed over to the next generation without changes. Today all the classical dance forms are well developed and have acquired a high esteem in society.

Some mediocre level artistes are trying to reform the classical art form on their own. And ultimately they succeed in destroying the whole concept of the art form. These ancient art forms are well refined, and there is no room for further more development.

One has the right to impose his or her own ideas, and modify and handle the classical dance form under the name of the same classical dance.

Some teachers combine other classical dance forms, without knowing the particular classical dance forms properly, and the nuances. And they give the name fusion dances.

Actually the fusion dances mean confusion dances; without any proper base. But sometimes they use the classical dance costumes, or their own designed costumes for these dances.

This shows the dance teacher’s lack of knowledge, dedication, and commercial mentality. This superficial attitude is mainly to attract the innocent young generation to learn their own weird composition.

These advertisement based artists introduce and trade all sorts of innovations to these ancient art forms which have been preserved and protected for centuries. At last it affects the pristine purity of the classical dance forms.

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