Hindu Dance-Bharatanatyam by Rajashree Warrier

[dakkumar]

Saraswatipravah ji (part 1 of 3)

I thank you very much for uploading the clip, but I do not like the title. I don’t like it for at least three reasons which, with your indulgence, I would like to explain.

First, an attribute does not constitute a description. A part of an elephant is not the elephant. I’d rather not call Bharatanatyam a “Hindu Dance” for the same reason I’d rather not call it the “Dance of the Naughty Temple Girls.”

[dakkumar]

Saraswatipravah ji (part 2 of 3)

Secondly, I would find “Bharatanatyam by Rajashree Warrier” an adequate title. The fact that the dance came out of Hindu temples, and the fact that it used to be danced by devdasis before Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale made it respectable for our mothers and wives and daughters to dance it, might belong better some place other than in the title.

[dakkumar]

Saraswatipravah ji (part 3 of 3)

Lastly, inclusion is better than exclusion. Why draw lines where none need be drawn.

[dakkumar]

But why call it "Hindu Dance" right up front? I don't like that. It's Bharatanatyam. It belongs to the entire syncretic tradition of India.

[Saraswatipravah]

@dakkumar No it is pure Hindu dance mainly religious. Infact, all classical dances of India are primarily Hindu religious dances with some like Kathak have absorbed Persian influences thats it:)

[dakkumar]

Very very beautiful! Exquisite! The dance, and the music as well.