Page 1 - Oct-Dec 2011

INTACH

THE HERITAGE CLUB NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 VOL. 8 No. 4

From Us to U Festive Folk Dances
Festive Folk Dances
Hi Heritage Pals,

Have you ever danced with DANCE DIVERSITY
abandon? Isn‛t it joyous, fun and
exhilarating? In a country as A large number of non-classical dance
diverse as ours in which every forms can together be termed as folk
region has a distinct language, dances. These dances generally have a
topography, cuisine, costume,
music, etc.; there is also a distinct rural origin. Folk dances include both folk
dance form, which is integral to as well as tribal dances. The diff erence
each region. between folk and tribal is largely cultural.
Folk dances are the extensions of a rural connection of
Indian folk dances are everyday
dances performed on ‘everyday‛ a signifi cant number of people from a particular region,
occasions to express feelings of while tribal dances are done by a tribe or community
joy, love, gratitude, and devotion. living in remote parts of the country.
Folk dances celebrate the arrival However, what is common to both tribal and folk
of seasons, to welcome a newborn dance is that these dance forms are performed
or are performed during weddings
and festivals. While some dances on special occasions along with singing,
are performed by either men colourful dresses and the use of a variety of folk
or women exclusively, some are instruments. Both folk and tribal dances are unique in their beauty and beat.
performed together by both men There is great emphasis on the technique and sophistication in a classical dance form.
and women.
Portrayal of emotions and moods called navarasa and the use of hand gestures or
Many of the folk dances are mudras are also of great signifi cance in the classical style.
characterized by exquisite and
extravagant costumes and masks
PERFORMINGFORMING
and this varies with each region. PER
In some cases the dancers sing The Dancing Shiva
FOLK!
themselves and in some they are FOLK!
accompanied by artists who play According to Indian mythology Lord
a variety of musical instruments, Shiva who is also known as Nataraja This genre requires no formality,
while in others a group of No dexterity, no skill and no precision.
musicians provide the music and or the ‘Lord of Dance’ taught natya The biggest of follies too are forgiven.
the dancers only dance. or dance to human beings. Lord Shiva
So let‛s celebrate the spirit of performs the eternal dance in his It moulds joy into intricate steps,
dance together! Like a little hop to the right, a little to
Nataraja form. the left.
The festive spirit makes it energetic,
CONTENTS
The performing folk make it charismatic.
Festive Folk Dances 1 Activities 4 U 9
Dance Along 2 Anshuman Bhasin, Std. 8,
Folk Riddle Folks 10 Amity International School, Sector 43,
To the Tribal Beat 3
Heritage News, Subscription Form 11 Gurgaon
Dance Dhamaka 4
Incredible India 5,6,7,8 Prize Winners, What’s Next? 12

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