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Manipuri dance : an assessment on history and presentation / Sruti Bandopadhay
Manipuri dance : an assessment on history and presentation / Sruti Bandopadhay
Manipuri is one of the seven major classical dance forms of India. Originating and nurtured in Manipur, the farthest northeastern state of India
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31/12/2010
Manipuri is one of the seven major classical dance forms of India. Originating and nurtured in Manipur, the farthest northeastern state of India, this dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. What strike the most about Manipuri dance are its colourfully decorative elements, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. Costumes used in the dance are captivatingly colourful and the music accompanying it carries a quaint charm.
Unequivocally religious in its spirit and temper, the Manipuri dance is not just a medium of worship and delight, but also an essential part of all socio-cultural ceremonies of the Manipuri people. Viewed from a religious and artistic perspective, it is believed to be one of the purest, softest, mildest and meaningful dances. Manipuri dance, in itself a blanket term, covers all the dance-forms that exist in Manipur. It can, thus, be called a basket of various dances. And, of all the classical categories, the 'Rasalila' (a greatly evolved dance drama, choreographed on 'Vaishnavite Padavalis') is the utmost expression of artistic genius, devotion and excellence of the Manipuri people.
This book offers an in-depth study of Manipur Dance, against the historical, anthropological, sociological and cultural milieu of Manipur – the land of its origin. The author: herself an internationally reputed performer and scholar, tries to explore all its hidden nuances, along with a touch of spiritual depth and aesthetics. She not only examines the theoretical aspects of Manipuri dance, but all that goes into its presentation -- songs, rhythm patterns, hand gestures, feet movements, and costumes, among others; besides the performances of Rasalilas. The book is profusely illustrated with both colour and b/w photographs.
Dr Sruti Bandopadhay: a notable scholar and one of the foremost danseuses who, during the last thirty years, has given national and international performances, is currently Professor of Dance at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.
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