Dance 143 - Classical Indian Dance

This course is an introduction to the basic patterns of formal Indian classical dance movement that include gestures and facial expression in expressive and mimetic interpretations through poetry, music compositions, and rhythmic structures. A study of mudras (hand gestures) will include practice and memorizing an established vocabulary of gestures from a ninth-century classical dance text. Using these gestures we will explore their application within a traditional/contemporary framework of movement, poetry, and spoken ideas. Readings and videos will be assigned to augment class work for historical, religious, and cultural understanding of dance in India.