JOIN USPassing on a legacy
ITC Royal Gardenia and The India Japan Initiative had jointly organised the event to introduce the Japanese women to the varied flavours of Indian classical dance.
More than 50 Japanese expatriate women in the City and young Japanese girls benefitted from the workshop and some of them even showed keen interest in learning the Indian dance forms. Vyjayanthi’s in-depth presentation on the intricacies of various dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam gave the ladies a clear idea about these dance forms, their origin, styles, costume and make-up.
As Vyjayanthi performed a few dance styles, the ladies got a first hand look at the tapestry of classical dance. Her Kuchipudi recital on a brass plate mesmerised the audience. The dance piece on Ardhanarishwara helped them understand the nuances of facial expressions and body language. “We wanted our Japanese friends to have a glimpse of the varied hues of Indian classical dance. These kinds of workshops will help create awareness and generate interest in each other’s culture. And it makes us proud to showcase our cultural heritage and glory,” said Geetanjali Kirloskar, chairperson of Indian Japan Initiative. Most of the participants knew only Japanese, yet they showed great interest in understanding the legacy of classical dance formats through the help of a translator.
“This is the first time, I am watching the Indian classical dances. I am impressed by the gestures, body movements and facial expressions involved in this art. Though today, our instructor Vyjayanthi Kashi has demonstrated many forms, from Kuchipudi to Odissi, I am particularly interested in learning Bharatanatyam, which I found most gracious and beautiful,” says Hiromi, one of the participants in the workshop.