ABSTRACT

The book is a wide-ranging collection of essays on Indian classical dance, which include writings on dance appreciation, the criticism, theory and philosophy of dance, as well as some historical and light controversial articles. Also included is a seminal and unique monograph on the contribution of Sanjukta Panigrahi to the development of Odissi. The book approaches the subject from an internationalist point of view and opens up new possibilities for the appreciation of Indian dance in the context of a global intercultural critique. In addition, it is beautifully illustrated with a number of photographs captured by Arun Kumar. It will enrich and provide new ways of understanding for classical Indian dance, both for the dance community and for the general reader.

chapter 10|5 pages

When is the Rasika Really a Rasika?

chapter 13|5 pages

The Presence of the Absent Dancer

chapter 22|6 pages

The Problem of the Pushpanjali

chapter 24|5 pages

Classical Indian Dance is a Humanism

chapter 27|5 pages

On the Terrible Beauty of Moksha in Odissi

chapter 31|5 pages

The Karma of Classicism in Indian Dance

chapter 32|3 pages

A Note of Thanks

chapter 33|4 pages

On the Dancing Feet

chapter 35|5 pages

A Note on Sringara Rasa

chapter 36|9 pages

Classical Indian Dance at the Crossroads

chapter 37|6 pages

On Filming Classical Indian Dance

chapter 38|6 pages

Rasa in Filmed Classical Indian Dance

chapter 39|5 pages

The Ineffable in Classical Indian Dance

chapter 40|4 pages

On the Movement from One Adavu to the Next

chapter 41|6 pages

The Personal Approach to Dance Criticism

chapter 44|5 pages

On the Freedom of Odissi to be Itself