Friday, December 26, 2008

Ode to Art




The first lesson you are taught is to perform is a Namaskar - an embodiment of gratitude. An expression to mark your respect towards God, Guru, learned audience and towards Earth, which would get stomped timelessly during the performance.



I feel transported to 13th century, imagining the genesis of an art form in Kuchipuddi, a small village in Andhra Pradesh...


Kuchipuddi Dancers were typically men and it was only later that women got an opportunity to participate. Typically perfomed in groups, the dance was enacted as a drama in royal courts and temples..





With every dance step, my admiration for the art increases, realising the hardwork, discipline and dedication which goes in the act...It's a journey of discovery - of your body, mind and self.

I wondered if technology has made it's imprint on this art and there were '10 easy steps' to grasp this talent ...Immediately reprimanded, I was told that this is a skill which gets transferred through a bond - through a connect established between the Guru and Shishya...

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