Table of ContentsIntroductionOrigin of Indian Classical DanceOrigin of Indian Classical MusicConclusionIntroductionIndian culture has become part of the lives of many people here in Canada. The arts have played a major role in the lives of many South Asian Canadians. Whether it's helping isolated children born in Canada build community and reconnect with their culture or making the lives of immigrant children more comfortable as they transition to a new society. Most importantly, it gives South Asian students an escape from the racism they face on a daily basis. Growing up, I used classical Indian dance and music to express myself in a way that only other arts students would understand. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay Indian classical dance, also known as Shastra Nritya, is a term for various performing arts rooted in musical styles Hindu religious people. You can trace the theory, origin and practice of classical dance back to the Sanskrit text. There are approximately eight recognized classical dances; however, depending on the source and scholar, this may vary. Most people who practice Indian classical dance recognize the following eight Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, Kathakali from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Odissi from Odisha, Pattaya from Assam, Manipur, from Manipur , and Mohiniyattam, from Kerala. As you can see, the dances are traditionally regional and all include specific music and recitation in the local language or Sanskrit. They all represent the unity of fundamental ideas in a diversity of styles and expressions. Indian classical music is the main type of music of the Indian subcontinent. It has two main divisions: the North Indian style of classical music called Hindustani and the South Indian style of music is called Carnatic. These styles only became distinct around the 16th century, during the period of Islamic rule in India. Music styles became more distinct and separate after this period. Hindustani music is known for emphasizing improvisation of all aspects of the raga, which is the central concept of Indian music. Although Carnatic music tends to be short and composition-based, the two styles have more in common than differences. Practicing Indian classical arts has helped many people cope with their differences here in Canada. Personally, dance and music have made my family members feel more comfortable here in a new country. Classical Indian music and dance have helped many Canadian South Asians embrace their culture and make an easier transition into modern society. Origin of Indian classical dance Natya Shastra, the Sanskrit text on the performing arts, expresses the foundations of classical dance in India. The book can be attributed to Bharata Muni, ancient Indian musicologists, according to Harold Schramm's Musical Theater in India. The best-known version of the Natya Shastra text consists of approximately six thousand verses structured into thirty-six chapters. The paper describes the theory of bhava, expression, gestures, playing techniques, necessary steps and standing postures, all of which play a huge role in Indian classical dance. According to Mirror of Gesture, written by Ananda Coomaraswamy and Gopala Kristnayya Duggirala, "dance and the performing arts," states this ancient text, "are a form of expression of ideasspiritual, virtues and essence of the scriptures”. Although the Natya Shastra is the revered ancient text of the Hindu religion, many other ancient Sankrit texts relate to dance. They further discuss classical performing arts, such as Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Bharati, Natya Darpana, Bhava Prakasa and many others, seen in Mandakrants Bose's Movement and Mimesis: The Idea of Dance in the Sanskrit Tradition. Indian classical dances are traditionally performed as an expressive form of religious performance linked to pan-Hindu epics and Vedic literature or even popular entertainment that includes tales from Sanskrit or regional language plays. They are either performed inside Hindu temples or near them as a form of religious art. It can also be performed as entertainment at weddings, in royal courts and even at festivals. As mentioned earlier, there are around eight types of Indian classical dance. However, there are six specific types performed in Canada today: These beautiful dances are typical of what we see. Bharatanatyam is a dance from Tamil Nadu, which is the southern part of India. It was initially a temple dance reserved for women. It is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. This style is often known for its fixed upper torso and Armandi, bent or flexed legs, combined with spectacular footwork. Kathak is a North Indian dance, more precisely from Uttar Pradesh. This is often called a dance of love. It is performed by both men and women, and the movements include complex footwork. It is accentuated by bells worn around the ankles and stylized with gestures adapted from ordinary body language. Kathakali comes from southwest India, more precisely from the state of Kerala. Like Bharatanatyam, it is also a religious dance. It is inspired by the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Unlike Bharatanatyam, it is traditionally performed by boys and men. Kuchipudi, originating from Andra Pradesh in southeast India, unlike the other styles mentioned, requires talent in both dancing and singing. It is highly ritualized, with an introduction of song and dance, sprinkling of holy water and burning of incense, as well as indications from goddesses. Odissi is indigenous to Orissa in eastern India and is primarily a dance for women. This dance form is believed to be the oldest surviving classical Indian dance, based on archaeological findings. It is also known to be a very complex and expressive dance. Manipuri comes from Manipur, in northeast India. It has its roots in the popular traditions and rituals of the state and often depicts scenes from the life of the god Krishna. Unlike other more rhythmic dances, this one is characterized by fluid and graceful movements. Origin of Indian Classical Music The roots of classical music in India are mainly found in the Vedic literature of Hinduism. It is also found in Natya Shastra, similar to traditional Indian dance. According to Rens Bod's A New History of the Humanities: The Search for Principles and Patterns from Antiquity to the Present, Sarangadeva's 13th-century Sanskrit text Sangrita-Ratnakara is considered the definitive text by both Hindustani music and scholars. Carnatic music styles. Two fundamental elements are found in Indian classical music, the raga and the tala. The raga forms the fabric of a melodic structure, while the tala measures the time cycle. An artist can create a melody,.