Now Reading: Classical dances outside Kathak, Bharatanatyam fight for survival
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Classical dances outside Kathak, Bharatanatyam fight for survival
Classical dance forms in India other than Kathak and Bharatanatyam are struggling to attract students and audiences, practitioners tell The New Indian Express. Limited awareness, shortage of trained gurus, regional concentration, reduced…
The Story in Brief
Classical dance forms in India other than Kathak and Bharatanatyam are struggling to attract students and audiences, practitioners tell The New Indian Express. Limited awareness, shortage of trained gurus, regional concentration, reduced media coverage and pressure to pursue secure careers are cited as reasons. At Delhi's Triveni Kala Sangam, free trial Chhau classes are offered but inquiries remain low. Experts note that Bharatanatyam and Kathak had a head start in visibility and institutional support through centres like Kalakshetra and Kathak Kendra. Many students leave after secondary school due to academic pressure, and government support has declined for some forms, says exponent Dr Sapan Kumar Acharya.
The Indian Opinion
Lazy narratives often blame young Indians' lack of interest or the fast-paced world for the decline of lesser-known classical dances. But the real story is unequal institutional support and media neglect. Bharatanatyam and Kathak thrived because they got Kalakshetra and Kathak Kendra. Chhau never got that push. The test is not whether children will dance, but whether government and cultural bodies will fund all eight forms with equal seriousness. Will the next budget show a line item for every recognised dance tradition?
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
