Influence Of Classical Dancing In Kolkata

By Author: Meghamita Mitra
Total Articles: 14
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While the world may be dancing to the tunes of the west, the charm of classical Indian dance has managed to maintain its position in the priority list of most dance enthusiasts in Kolkata. The city where celebration and festivity is a constant, classical dancing adds to the meaning and richness of the occasions. Be it Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Mohiniattam or Kathak, including a recital of any of these tends to attract the attention of both experts and laymen enthusiasts. Thousands of classical dance performances are held every week of every month in Kolkata, and thousands go to attend the shows. This has necessitated the requirement of dancers who would fill in to meet the demand for classical dancing. This also goes on to explain why almost all dance schools in Kolkata are perpetually packed.

A Classical dancer Kolkata has an advantage over the rest who attempt to make a career in dancing. This can be owed to the fact that Kolkata houses some of the best dance schools / institutions and also some of the best trainers from renowned ‘gharanas’ of ...
... classical dancing. The reason why kolkata takes so much interest in furthering the cause of classical dancing is the fact that the people here are quite naturally inclined towards learning what their own culture and traditions have in store for them. It is a fact that to survive in the competitive world of entertainment of the present times, it is essential to include western dances, contemporary hip hop and creative dancing as well, but to make one’s way into all these mentioned forms of entertainment, it is required in the part of a dancer to have their base built on some of the classical dancing forms.

As compared with the rest, the number of Kathak dancer Kolkata are quite a lot. People in this city are somehow, more enthusiastic about this form of classical dance than Bharatnatyam or Odissi. This, in no way means that enthusiasm for Bharatnatyam or Odissi is any lesser in the part of the dancers or the audience. Popularity of Kathak in Kolkata is partly because, the depiction of Krishna leela (the exploits, activities, birth and growth of Lord Krishna) is perhaps the most likable to the audience through this dance form.

Kathak as a classical dance form has a temple origin, where the ancient dancers used to narrate divine stories through various dance movements and was basically a solo. Groups Kathak performance is a comparatively newer idea and its introduction to onstage performance can be owed to the world renowned Birju Maharaj along with Kumudini Lakhia. Today, Kathak is not only performed in group (besides solo performance), it is also included in creative dancing. This is a touch of sheer genius and enhances the profile of any Kathak dancer Kolkata. Evolution of dance (be it classical or contemporary) is shaped by the demand for change and transformation. The most important reason why Indian classical dance tends to maintain its impact on the people even today is because it could successfully embrace transformation keeping its base intact.

Meghamita Mitra is a well known Kathak dancer Kolkata and has performed in various cultural programmes. She is also a sought after Classical dancer Kolkata and has years of experience of performing on the stage.To find more about her, visit http://www.dancermeghamitakathak.co/.