Classical Dance by Meenaxi Sheshadri - on DD

This is a Meenaxi Sheshadri performance in early 90's on Doordarshan (Indian TV)

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• classical dance
• Meenaxi Sheshadri

[Khwaab]

..for elders but I´m not allowed to bow down to any statues or to a person. Not even to my parents. I show very very much respect but in my faith, we just bend down a little to ask for the blessings of the elders by letting them touch our head. Quite similar.

Anyway, I´m dying to learn this beautiful art form but I´m so scared of misunderstandings. It´s sad cause I really feel something spiritual when I dance. It feels healing and the Indian way of regarding dance is quite unique.

[Khwaab]

..the respect for the teacher and how the teacher also teaches about life.

Also "Nayar82", I think the aspect of offering to God is beautiful...and the way they teach you to be respectful to the earth and asking for "permission" to step on it. That´s very nice! However I just don´t want to step into a class and offend anyone. I just wish I could find a teacher who would understand this and that I really, genuinely love Indian classical dance. I can also relate to the respect for...

[Khwaab]

@nayar82

Oh thank you so much for your friendly and helpful answer! I really appreciate it!

Many things that really attract me to Indian Classical dances and to the Indian way of regarding dance are: they see it as something spiritual (not vulgar or offensive) and it shows in the graceful movements and the respectful dresses. Secondly, the music isn´t about something offensive as naked women etc. As a woman, I wouldn´t want to dance to for ex. degrading rap music.

Thirdly, the...

[nayar82]

@Khwaab Dancing Bharatanatyam is essentially considered an offering to God, and specific pieces are often in praise of various Hindu deities, hence the bowing to idols. There are certain "pure dance" pieces that don't involve any prayers or Gods. If you're interested in learning but wary of the religious aspects, I would ask your teacher to teach you a pure "nritta" piece such as Jathiswaram.

Best of luck on your dance journey :)

[Khwaab]

Wow, this is so fascinating! Just to learn that posture must take ages!

I just have two questions though...First of all, if ppl want to learn this dance form, do they have to bow to statues? I really respect that it´s their belief but what if the student is Christian or Muslim and isn´t allowed to do that? Secondly, do you have the rest of the show?

Sorry, I really don´t mean any disrespect. I think this looks very difficult and would love to try.

[akhilat]

Both she and her sister were trained in classical dance at a young age from very good gurus.

[guptasheetal7]

I miss this kinds of show in india..very thoughtfull and classic.

[muthushiv]

@vvinay21kumar I completely agree with you....Her foot work is perfect, quick and graceful!

[vvinay21kumar]

i would have never regarded meenakshi to be such a wonderful dancer if i hadn't seen this video clip

she is truly a great dancer and her perfection is of the league of vaijyantimala ji

[shabnam39]

would be nice to see the second part of this program!!