History, Present and Future of Classical Dance

History of Classical Dance

India boosts of a very rich dancing heritage but only eight dances have the classical status, namely:
Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North Indian States), Odissi (Orissa), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala) and Sattriya (Assam)
These dances are based on mythology and scriptures. They often depict stories of Gods and Goddess through their routines.

Bharatanatyam:

 It is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu, India. One of the oldest of the classical dance forms in India, it is also known as the fifth Veda. Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical music. Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance-form known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses.

Odissi: 

It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as chauka.

Kathak: 

This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers.The structure of a conventional Kathak performance tends to follow a progression in tempo from slow to fast, ending with a dramatic climax.

Does classical dance have any future in India?

Certainly! We must understand that traditional dance forms that are more than 2000 years old cannot and must not be allowed to pass into oblivion forever. True, the majority of youth today have digressed towards modern dance forms. Hence arises the need to create awareness and genuine interest in the minds of these young people, so that they are able to enjoy classical dance performances in the real sense of the term.
Apparently thousands of young people are heavily into non-classical dances; but there is no dearth of real talent and latent qualities in many individuals, who will religiously carry forward the traditions in future.
People like Vijayalakshmi are determined to make this art form more popular among the youngsters. She currently teaches more than 35 students from all the corners of the country.

Career

After mastering the dance you can go into being a full time dancer or choreographer, have your on troop and tour countries. There are many who choose to pass on this to the next generation and become teachers.
Just like any profession you must have dedication. Money is good when the sponsors are good. If you just want to be in for the money or fame then you may want to rethink, the dancer must have love for the art to survive in this field.

Notable Dancers

Padmashri Rukmini Devi Arundale responsible for the Modern rebirth of Bharatanatyam,
Padmashri Leela Samson present director Kalakshetra, Chennai and a prolific dancer,
Padmashri Ranjana Gauhar Odissi danseuse,
Pandit Birju Maharaj leading exponent of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak,
Shovana Narayan a noted Kathak dancer.