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India comprehensively
2019
Dance themed movies in Bollywood
From Disco Dancer to Street Dancer 3D, the different moves of Bollywood
With the approaching International Dance Day on April 29, here is a look at how the Bollywood dance-based movies are faring.
Dance has always been an integral part of Bollywood movies and Bollywood style of dance, a freestyle form, has gained recognition globally since India became the largest producer of films in the world around 1970s. Though recent dance-based movies like ABCD: Any Body Can Dance are paving the way for Indian movies to compete with Hollywood movies like Step Up franchise, they are still lacking some elements to make them reach that coveted position.
Bollywood has always been in a relation with dance be it classical, folk or even western. The few of the earliest movies based on dance Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) and Navrang (1959) showcased and celebrated the Indian classical dance. The dance based movies of 80’s Disco Dancer (1982) and Ilzaam (1986) brought in disco and street-dancing into Bollywood style. The dance themed movies from 90’s have mostly been about dancers, dance troupes and struggles of dance artists with more technically choreographed dance sequences.
Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997)
This musical romance features the love lives of the dancers in a dance troupe. The movie was appreciated for the innovative choreography by then upcoming dance director Shiamak Davar and performances by Madhuri Dixit, Karishma Kapoor and Shahrukh Khan.
Naach (2004)
Naach (Dance) deals with the love story of two people struggling to make a mark in their fields of acting and choreography. It showcases the struggles of dancers in establishing themselves in their profession.
Aaja Nachle (2007)
Aaja Nachle (Come, let’s dance) is a movie with an US returned choreographer trying to save her dance theatre in her hometown. The dance drama in the end was its main attraction.
Chance Pe Dance (2010)
Directed by Ken Ghosh, the movie is about a struggling actor in the film industry who participates in a dance competition to realise his dream of being an actor. The young man even teaches dance at a school to make his living at one point in the movie.
ABCD: Any Body Can Dance (2013) and ABCD 2 (2015)
It was Remo D’Souza’s ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and ABCD 2 that brought along a new revolution in how Bollywood views dance-based movies. Both the movies tell the stories of small Mumbai-based dance troupes who struggle to create an identity for themselves. In the second movie the troupes even go to compete at an international level competition. The third part is expected to be out by the end of this year and will be titled as Street Dancer 3D.
“ABCD: Any Body Can Dance is the start of dance movies. It is a movie which shows hip-hop and street. I don’t see exactly a ‘Black Swan’ (in the future), but (we are) going into that space. We have dance troupes going on seven-month-long tours as a contemporary dance company because we don’t have that kind of audience here,” Ashley Lobo told an Indian news agency. “There will come a time when that kind of work will be in films,” he added.
Source: https://mediaindia.eu/cinema/dance-themed-movies-in-bollywood/
Bhagyashree and Sandip Soparrkar Unveils India Dance Week Season 6 trophy
2018
Free Training for International Dance Day
https://citytoday.news/free-training-for-international-dance-day/
International Dance Day: Throwback to when an 8 YO Hrithik Roshan danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller
On the occasion of World Dance Day, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan shared a throwback picture in which he can be seen dancing on King of Pop Michael Jackson's popular track Thriller.
April 29 marks International Dance Day. On the very occasion, Bollywood's Greek God and superstar Hrithik Roshan, shared a throwback picture of his memory of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In the photo, an eight-year-old Hrithik is dancing to Michael Jackson's then 1982 release Thriller. The 44-year-old actor, who is one of the best dancers in the Hindi film industry, posted the picture on Twitter. "1982. MJ's Thriller has just released. That's an inspired 8-year-old me doing nonsense but to mom and dad I was Jackson that night," Hrithik captioned the photo.
In the picture, little Hrithik is suited up and dancing on the song, as his parents Rakesh Roshan and Pinky Roshan cheer for him. Hrithik Roshan is a self-confessed fan of Michael Jackson. The actor who made his debut with Kaho Na Pyar Hai and stole hearts with his 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' moves. There is no millennial who can ever get over that signature step. Be it Dhoom, Bang Bang, Krrish to name a few, Hrithik's dance has always been an inspiration to many. Watching Hrithik dance is always a treat, whether on screen or live the actor has always been hugely appreciated.
On the work front, Hrithik will next be seen playing the role of mathematician Anand Kumar, from Bihar, in Vikas Bahl's directorial titled Super 30. Fans from Bihar have made a video giving a tribute to the dancing legend on International Dance Day. The 1.5 minutes fan made video is a Bihari ode to Hrithik Roshan terming him as Bihar Ke Lala. The video showcases visuals of the actor's songs and dance moves that became cult of their time.
Step up on International Dance Day
Dance in India has moved way past the eight classical forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. There are ballet, hip hop and contemporary dancers, along with pretty much any genre you can think of. World over, we are increasingly known for more than just our Bollywood dance.
Take 16-year-old Amit Shah for instance — last year, he was accepted to American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York, making headlines the world over. Not least because the youngster was a welder’s son.
Numerous reality TV shows in India have become a platform for aspiring dancers to make a name for themselves. And to stand out, they experiment with form and technique, pushing the boundaries of what has been practised in the country so far. These dancers have gone on to build large fan bases on social media, where they frequently share their work.
Beyond horizons
Terence Lewis, Mumbai-based choreographer and popular judge on Nach Baliye 5 and Dance India Dance, says that the internet has had a positive influence on dancers in the country. “Earlier, people might have thought that their teacher is the best. Now, the benchmark has risen. The knowledge of how dance is approached across the world is keeping us on our toes, and making sure we do not remain mediocre,” he says.
It is not just about improving our own standards. Social media followings have charted the way for international collaborations, which Lewis says have “brought cultures and dancers together”. While these encouraging stories are increasing in number, veteran choreographer Ashley Lobo feels that there is a flip side as well. “I was at the Czech Republic a year back, and when people saw the kind of work I was judging, they were quick to ridicule the standards,” says the dancer, who has 35 years of experience, and is in the industry since 1994.
Long way ahead
It has to do with the fact that the influence of global styles has only made its appearance quite recently. “The international community needs to understand that we’ve only been doing this for about two decades, compared to their centuries of practice. Besides, the language of our native dances are completely different, whereas they progress from ballet to jazz to contemporary quite seamlessly,” he says.
Lewis says that the way forward is to keep improving. “To really excel,” he tells aspiring dancers, “is to ask yourself why you’re doing this? Dance itself should make you happy. It shouldn’t be about the frills that come with it.”
http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/step-up-on-international-dance-day/article23698383.ece
Vijayawada Dance Festival to begin tomorrow
A three-day Vijayawada Dance Festival (VDF) will unfold at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in city on April 27, coinciding with the International Dance Day, celebrated on April 29.
The event is being organised by Sri Kiranmayuri Kala Nilayam, a Kuchipudi dance centre based in Hyderabad and Vijayawada with the support of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority.
“The festival is about celebrating classical dance and we aim to make it a calendar event,” said a spokesperson of the Kala Nilayam, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Classical dancers of national and international repute will perform at the first edition of the VDF. They include recipient of Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Pandit Gopal Prasad Dubey (Chhau dancer), Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Vyjyanthi Kashi, Bismilla Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee Prateeksha Kashi (Kuchipudi), Tamil Nadu heroine Lakshmi Menon (Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi), Raman Kumari (Odissi), Kiranmayi Desaraju (Kuchipudi) and Sudip Ghosh (Manipuri).
Indian connect through dance
Ahead of International Dance Day, April 29, two Indian descent dancer-choreographers discuss their journeys in the US and their unique fusion of Bharatanatyam and tap dance
A few weeks ago, a mutual friend shared a video. Curious over its title ‘Alarippu Reinvented’, I tuned in and was pleasantly taken in by the seamless blend of Bharatanatyam and tap dance.Choreographed by Ramita Ravi, an alumnus of Univ. of Pennsylvania, and Vikas Arun from Columbia University, the fusion brought together performers Maya Chandrasekaran, Devika Gadhavi, Maddie Murphy, and Rebecca Cannaday.
Ramita and Vikas, both Ivy League university graduates, have a thriving individual dance career in the US, and often push the boundaries to experiment. The two met through a friend from their participation in the American television show So You Think You Can Dance. Ramita is in Pennsylvania and Vikas in Seattle. She’s a pro in Bharatanatyam and he in tap dance, though both are adept in Indian and western dance forms.
During their first meeting, Vikas felt it was clear they have similar goals and methods of working. It was uncanny that both had been wanting to combine tap dance and Bharatanatyam but hadn’t found the right collaborator. “It was important for both of us to not compromise the integrity and authenticity of either style, and it was easy to work together because both of us had knowledge of each other’s art form,” says Vikas. Once they found a piece of music, the creation process of ‘Alarippu Reinvented’ took them only 2.5 hours. They had access to talented dancers who were willing to come on board, he recalls, “But everyone was busy. So our first rehearsal was while we were shooting, and we pulled it off in one take.”
Ramita looks at the similarities and synergies in their work and says, “He is one of the best tappers I’ve met, and I was eager to play around with rhythms that could be created with the union of Bharatanatyam and tap footwork.”
In the past, she had tried this fusion concept but it didn’t click until she collaborated with Vikas. Ramita and Vikas are both American-born Indians, with their respective parents’ hailing from Chennai. Establishing themselves as dancer-choreographers in the US alongside their academic pursuits came with challenges.
“I was attempting to pursue a dance career while at an Ivy League university. Very few attempt this, Ramita being one of those few. The second challenge was that Indian-Americans are heavily under-represented in Western entertainment so there were scenarios in which I got typecast,” says Vikas. He also wanted to develop a unique voice to shine among the many dancers/choreographers in the country.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/international-dance-day-ramita-ravi-and-vikas-arun-on-alarippu-reinvented/article23681844.ece
KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL IS LIKE A PILGRIMAGE TO US: SAYANEE CHAVDA
Khajuraho dance festival is like a pilgrimage to us and for me it was like a dream come true,” says the young Kathak exponent Sayanee Chavda.
On the occasion of International Dance Day Sayanee Chavda talked with The Pioneer about the charismatic features of kathak and her journey of 14 years. Dance is both an art form and a method of communication in cultures across the world and so International Dance Day is observed on April 29.
Sayanee Chavda is one of the young and talented exponents of Kathak dance. She is practicing Kathak when she was 2 and a half years old and after 34 years of dedication Sayanee has created a niche for herself in the field. She has not only experienced changes in the field but also in techniques and audiences too.
Sayanee has undergone Kathak training from Pt. Vijai Shankarji, a stalwart of Lucknow Gharana form of Kathak. Even today she remains a keen learner and is in constant pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
“There have been a lot of changes over the years. The introduction of reality shows has changed the mindset of dancers and also the increase of private platforms has given different opportunities to dancers,” she added.
Sangeet Kalaratna awardee, Sayanee Chavda completing her 15 years of journey started her own production house ‘Nimagna’ which in 2009 has produced a group performance Phoenix-Rising from the Ashes which has been showcased twice. Kathak is the most natural way of expressing any feeling and this is most charismatic feature of this dance, she added.
Talking about performing at Khajuraho dance fest, she said, “In February 2018 we performed at Khajuraho and the stage was like a temple for us. It was the most wondrous feeling ever.”
An expressive performer, she effortlessly combines grace and rhythm in her dance. Her performances are marked with high energy as well as youthful charm. She is seeking to bring new dimensions in her field as an artist. Sayanee has performed numerous solo and group performances throughout India and has given dance recital in some of the most prestigious shows.
Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/khajuraho-dance-festival-is-like-a-pilgrimage-to-us-sayanee-chavda.html
2017
"Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion."
- Martha Graham
This April, Artsphere celebrates its Anniversary the entire month with summer workshops, programmes and performances.
World Dance Day Celebrations by Artsphere
Avayava Contemporary Dance Festival by Swapnil Dagliya
Link to the Dance Therapy E-Journal by Creative Movement Therapy Association of India
Aikido Seminar with Lisa Tomoleoni Sensei by Pune Aikikai
Robocurious for Children by Lydnow
Cedar Summer Camps by Cedarwood
Happenings around Town
'Me to We' Residential Camp for Children by Kaveri Kalakshetra
WORLD DANCE DAY CELEBRATIONS by Artsphere
Date - 29th April
Time - 10 am onwards
Contact - 9561720001 / 985033772 for detailed schedule
*Prior Registration Required*
International Dance Day is celebrated all over the world on 29th April. Artsphere too commemorates this wonderful day with a host of various dance workshops for free! The grand finale will be held at the Balaji Temple in Kalyani Nagar, where there will be an insightful talk on Temple Art and Architecture, followed by a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance by renowned dancers of the 'Kalavardhini Trust'. Come celebrate World Dance Day 2017 with us!
2016
Bharatha Natyam Dance marks International Dance Day
21 Photos That Reflect The Beauty Of Different Indian Dance Forms
Let’s dance, its International Dance Day tomorrow
Waltzing arround: On International Dance Day,
dance to the rythm of the world
TV celebs on their favourite dance forms
2. Title of event- So you think you know dance!
3. Organizer- Dr. Indira VMD, Founder, Nrutyadhyeya Vidyalaya
4. Description- 6 quizzes on various dance forms and dance personalities around the world. These quizzes would be posted on www.tenquestion.com. Participants can take the quiz and learn more about dance and dancers.
5. Contact details:
2015
Jaipur to host a 3-day dance festival as part of International Dance Day celebration
Jaipur is going to witness a number of events and activities as a three day dance festival on the occasion of International Dance Day (IDD, April 29) this year to raise awareness of the importance of traditional and folk dances among the general public and youth of the city.
Jaipur Dance Festival will be organized by the Thirak India Cultural Society and Gunijanakhana ofCity Palace from April 27 to 29 in which noted Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancers and troupes will participate.
A symposium on the status of Kathak Dance will be held at Badal Mahal of the City palace on April 27. A two-day workshop on dance will also be held at the City Palace School on April 28 and 29, it has been announced.
However, overarching goal of the IDD is to persuade institutions to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education. On this day, seminars, dance workshops, open-door-courses, exhibitions, articles, dance evenings, special dance shows, street shows, and special performances, etc. are organized across the globe.
Across the world, the International Dance Council (CID), Paris, coordinates the events for the promotion of various dance forms on IDD. The day was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO's International Theatre Institute to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre - a French dancer and ballet master and a great reformer of dance born in 1927. The CID is currently represented by over 120 countries including India.
