Traditional Art Influences Modern Phenomena

Saturday was our last day being hosted by the students and staff of Sophia College here in Mumbai. As a send off we were treated with a song, lunch, delicious chocolate cake, and an amazing dance performance by Professor Jeroo, who has shown us the most gracious hospitality while studying in her class.

The dance performance was the an ancient dance form called “Bharat.” This dance form is only one of many traditional dances that come from India. The dances were performed in temples to both celebrate and honor the many gods. Most of them are telling stories of old Indian epics and myths.

There are many stories to tell with this beautifully choreographed art that was almost forgotten. Jeroo performed stories from the Ramayana, which is one of the oldest Sanskrit epics in Indian history. The story tells tales of Rama and his wife Sita. A brief summary can be found here.

In the Ramayana dance facial expressions are key and very important to the art. Jeroo showed an array of emotions as we were watching the love story between Rama and Sita. She would flutter her eyelashes and flirt with the idea of falling in love. When there was fear or pain you would be able to see the expression in her face even if there was no movement of her body at the time.

As I was sitting and watching this ancient tradition being performed I couldn’t help but be reminded of all of the Bollywood movies that we have been attending. The exaggerated expression is one of the only reasons that I have been able to follow the plots and emotions of the Bollywood films. It is apparent that the ancient art and epic stories have influenced the modern phenomena of the cinema.

The elaborate dance numbers just reflect all the different styles that are seen throughout India. Not only is there a number of different types of dances but the costumes are just as ornate and detail-oriented as the dancing itself.

It was truly an experience watching such beloved tradition. And being able to see it permeate through time into modern art is really fascinating.