A 55-minute dance recital will bring together eclectic folk dances from eight Indian states
Baul from West Bengal
To celebrate India's diversity, a group of dancers from Dr Tushar Guha's Nrityanjali, the institute of performing arts, will stage a 55-minute non-stop dance act, featuring folk dances from eight Indian states. Titled Hum Ek Hain, the recital includes Kaikottikali from Kerala, Kummi from Tamil Nadu, Rangabati from Odisha, Marwari dance from Rajasthan, Baul from West Bengal, Garhwali from Uttarakhand, Balya from Maharashtra and Dandiya Raas from Gujarat.
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Creating this act was no mean feat for Guha, who conceptualised, choreographed and directed the act. "I had to visualise creatively. Blending the performances for the urban audience without losing the rustic essence was a challenge. I had to give the original dance and music a different touch at times, because the typical folk music tends to become monotonous and lengthy," he says.
Blend of Adivasi from Tamil Nadu
A disciple of Kathak legend Lacchu Maharaj (Birju Maharaj's uncle), Guha's affinity with classical and folk dance forms encouraged him to conceptualise Hum Ek Hain. "After learning classical dance for many years, my quest for knowing India led to my travels across the country. The folk dances of different provinces were mesmeric. I feel they are not accorded the adulation they deserve. To this day, folk dancers are not treated on a par with their classical counterparts," says Guha.
Kaikottikali from Kerala
While travelling across several Indian states to understand their folk forms, Guha noticed that simplicity remained common to all. "Deep-rooted beliefs in certain ways of life typical to their community and a sense of pride were a constant, too. People didn't hesitate to share their thoughts, beliefs and art," he says, adding that there was likeness among the dance forms. "Similarities in the number of steps and movements were noticeable, but each form had a distinctive style. The deviation in movements of the waist and feet gives every folk dance a different presentation."
Shetkari dance form Maharashtra
On : January 12, 6.30 pm
At : Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call 22824567
Entry : Rs.500
Folk tunes from Indian states
Kaikottikali, Kerala: This subtle dance is performed by women during Onam.
Kummi, Tamil Nadu: In the urban and rural areas of the state, Kummi is only performed by women. But in the tribal belts, both men and women participate in the vibrant form.
Rangabati, Odisha: This dance is themed around love, with artistes depicting hesitancy, shyness and union in their performance.
Baul, West Bengal: Bauls, a group of mystic travelling minstrels, move from village to village, singing folklore and devotional songs.
Garhwali, Uttarakhand: This dance form from the hills is joyful and energetic.
Marwari, Rajasthan: It's usually performed in the courtyard and women share their dreams and hopes through their moves.
Dandiya Raas, Gujarat: The energetic dance form is in celebration of Phagun, the 12th lunar month of the Hindu calendar.
Balya, Maharashtra: The all-male dance intends to seek God's blessings. It will be the closing presentation of the folk dance series.
Finale act: The finale, titled Hum Ek Hain, will see performers dance to a Bollywood song, to depict unity in diversity.
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