NATRAJ: Indian Dances Through the Ages

Dancing is an universal phenomenon. As an important and integral part of human creativity it has found an amazing expression the world over and acquired the status of a most subtle fine art.

Although every race and culture has its dances which are praiseworthy and have their respectives merits. Indian Dances are unique and by all standards artistically and historically the most developed. One important reason is India is a diverse cultures and hence many different styles of dancing have developed here to perfection. The prominent among these classical styles are no stranger to the world now.

The technique of Indian Classical Dancing is Difficult for rhythmic performance as it depends on many factors. Movements of body parts is one but more important is the central theme as well as the flow of sentiments which guide and control the body movements.

This book is an endeavour to depict the difficult and ancient subject in a modern setting. History of development of different styles of Indian Dances has been given along with essential theoretical knowledge. Illustrations, numbering about 200, are detailed and profuse and show the precise movements of body-parts in clear-cut fashion. Five classical songs appropriate to the illustrated dances have also been added along with their tunes in combined notations. The artist can play these tunes without the help of teacher. A glance at the contents will reveal the vast range of topics dealt with in the book.

The book is sure to prove a great help for the authors, teachers and the scholars of music and dance in India as well as abroad.