Classical Dance recognition criteria
Q. What is the criterion for Sangeet Natak Akademi for deciding whether a dance is classical or not?- Published on 08 Jul 16a. If recognized by Ministry of Culture
b. If it incorporates Natya Shastra techniques
c. If it’s origin can be traced back to ancient India
d. All of the above
ANSWER: If it incorporates Natya Shastra techniques
- The term "classical" (Sanscr. "Shastriya") was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-based performing art styles.
- A dance style is classical to the extent that it incorporates Natya Shastra techniques. Some of the styles, such as Kathak, use very few of these elements.
- Currently, Sangeet Natak Akademi does not consider the recently reconstructed dance styles of Andhra Pradesh, such as Andhra Natyam and Vilasini Natyam, as "classical." Bharatanrithyam, despite being the dance that most closely follows the Natya Shastra's precepts, is considered as a variety of Bharata Natyam.
- A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the mudra or hand gestures by the artists as a short-hand sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion. Many classical dances include facial expressions as an integral part of the dance form.
