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It is well-known that Indian classical dances, rooted in deep traditions, came virtually into their own after the nation`s Independence. But the process had begun in the 1930`s, gathered momentum soon and received ample re-vitalisation within next half a century. Interestingly, it was in the 1930`s, too, that modern dance – based on contemporary sensibilities – also burst upon the scene. Inspired by the Western sources, but consolidated by Uday Shankar and his ardent disciples, many exciting dance-styles have emerged which depend primarily on their practitioners. The collective corpus of their work is seen here through an analytical eye, — in dialogue with the dancers: so as not to miss their own creative viewpoints. To each critical survey`s body-and-soul has been added the dancers` own voice, — by including Kolkata and Delhi overviews by two prominent professionals of contemporary genre. This is an unusual stance, — steering clear of high scholarship and capturing, instead, the aura and aroma of practice alongside personality. Indeed, multiple ideas and issue — with newer and newer themes even for classical solos and resembles — have re-discovered their nascent focus; dance-dramas and ballets have touched new pinnacles; myriad folk forms are re-arranged to usher in new resilience; and choreographic festivals are energised to inject novel concepts. Lands, far and near, have frequently discovered new affinities with this ancient civilisation. Not least, a process is on to digitise and archive prevalent dance-creations, often throwing up unexpected angles. All in all, the book – lavishly illustrated — tries to faithfully mirror the exciting times that Indian contemporary dance lives in today.
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Pages : 138
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