Natya – The Spirit of Dance at Esplanade theatre studio

Adapted from the 2013 F.Y.I production, Beyond Bollywood – The Rhythms of Dance, this performance explores the origins of the classical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam, and its impact on contemporary Indian dance genres and Bollywood dance. Watch how music and movement come together in Bharatanatyam and see how elements of this classical dance form are used in popular Bollywood dance sequences. Decipher the language of Bharatanatyam such as hastas (hand gestures), abhinaya (facial expressions) and thaala (rhythms) with the help of the dancers and join them on stage to attempt the different hand gestures and leg movements. The performance will be facilitated by the choreographer and director, Kavitha Krishnan.
Natya – The Spirit of Dance will help students to learn more about the elements and history of Bharatanatyam and how it has influenced contemporary Indian dance and Bollywood dance.