Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CLASS VI
DANCE
Introduction to Dance
STUDENTS MANUAL
UNIT - I
CONTENT:
l Introduction to dance
- Definition of dance
- Different kinds of dances
l Introduction to classical dances
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE
Definition of dance
Dance is a form of art that uses the body to feel, express and perform through
movements to the rhythm of music and beat. The movements vary in tempo
and mood set by different melodies. There are many forms of dance such as
classical, folk, western or modern. The classical dance forms have a specific
character and follow a system of set rules for hands gestures and body
postures.
There are many kinds of dance, each with some form of religious
background which follows a system of set rules for hands gestures and body
postures. Though different, they all convey meaning using every part of the
body. Eyes, hands, legs, feet, and face come together in the dance through the
use of movement, gesture and body language to portray a character,
situation and music to set mood and tell a story or an abstract concept to the
audience. It is a form of non verbal communication where the language the
dancer speaks is through his/her gestural vocabulary and facial expression.
Definition of what constitutes dance are dependent on social, cultural,
aesthetic, artistic and moral constraints and range from functional
movement (such as folk dance) to virtuoso techniques such as ballet. Dance
can be participatory, social or performed for an audience. Dance can embody
or express ideas, emotions or tell a story.
Activity - 1
Different kinds of dances
1. CLASSICAL
Classical dance in India is thousands of years old. In contemporary times the classification of the
classical Indian dances has been created. The different names of the dances are:
i.
BHARATANATYAM
ii.
KATHAKALI
iii.
ODISSI
iv.
KATHAK
v.
KUCHIPUDI
vi.
MOHINIATTAM
vii.
MANIPURI
viii. SATTRIYA
Kathakali
Bharatnatyam
Odissi
Kathak
Activity - 2
Understand the difference between classical dance styles and folk dances. List put
three points that describe what is a classical dance?
Look at Youtube to see the different folk dances in the region you live in
Learn one folk dance from the teachers in the class
Practice the basic steps the teacher teaches you.
3. CONTEMPORARY DANCE
The term contemporary dance is sometimes used to describe dance that is not in any of the
traditional classical, jazz or ballet forms but is a natural creation of movement. The characteristic of
contemporary dance is often a series of movements that have an awareness beat and rhythm but is
beyond limits of any specific form. Contemporary dance is a very interpretive style of dance that
focuses on unconventional movements. It was considered unconventional because it shifted away
from classical ballet and lyrical dance forms. Contemporary dancers were considered
revolutionary, pulling from non-western styles such as African or Asian styles of dancing. Unlike
classical ballet, contemporary dance does not have fixed movements; instead it is a search for new
forms and dynamics. It focuses on oppositional movement, alignment, raw emotion, and
systematic breathing. At times both modern dance and contemporary dance may be reminiscent of
physical exercise, formations and other choreographic imagination.
Activity - 3
What is the kind of music used in contemporary dances?
Watch some programmes on Youtube to understand how participants create dances.
Try to capture the beat of different music and try to move to the beat and rhythm
In each class play music, identify the beat and move to the rhythm of the music.
4. MODERN DANCE
Modern is a term used to describe contemporary dance. Modern dance centre's on a dancer's own
interpretation instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. A modern dancer does
not necessarily follow the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for
deliberate falls to the floor. Modern dancers express their innermost emotions through dance, often
becoming closer to their inner-selves. Before attempting to choreograph a routine, the modern
dancer decides which emotions to try to convey to the audience.
5. POPULAR DANCE
Popular dance is expression of people's joy to film music. In current times Bollywood music has
received a worldwide acclaim and use in small festivities and family rituals. Young children and
family members play music and move to the beat of film songs. The ease of owning musical players
helps to bring music to the homes and add to expressing through the body. Usually a person's
dancing to popular music and creating popular dance does not emerge from any training but is
natural response to the beat and rhythm of the film songs.
6
Activity - 4
Follow the movements the teacher tells you. Make sure that you learn the basic
positions in a correct manner. In classical dances there is a lot of importance in
moving the body to the correct positions such as where the body should bend, how
much distance between the two feet. Watch the teacher carefully and look at yourself
in the mirror to know if you are getting it just like the teacher.
a) Learn the simple movements of the dance by observing the teacher carefully.
Preferably practice in front of a mirror so that you can coordinate the body
movements.
b) Practice to different beats.
11
12
13
14
15
Activity - 5
Listen to different kinds of music and understand how you move when the music is
fast or when the music is slow. Practice the exercises and steps you are learning in the
class.
Watch films to understand how dances are different and what the features that could
be same.
Complete the worksheet 1
Beginning of dance: Concept of the guru, mother earth and the audience
Teaching and learning of dance is a based on the notion of Guru Shishya parampara in the classical
dances as each dance has its unique style which has to be learnt with exactness. In learning of the
classical dance the whole basis of the relation between the teacher and the student is that of respect
and followership as precision cannot happen if there is no obedience. The following of the exact
body position, the pattern of steps, and the sequence of learning has to be maintained to sustain the
tradition of the dance form. Without a total obedience the learning of the classical art would be
difficult. It is only after learning the basic rules of dance that a dancer can experiment. If the value of
the Guru is ingrain among the students and the respect follows diligently pursuing with practice it
will be help in mastering the dance form.
16
Activity - 6
Bhumi pranam consists of paying respect to god, guru, mother earth and the
audience. So learn the steps of Bhumi Pranam properly and follow the instructions of
the teacher carefully. Bhumi Pranam must be performed every time before you start
the dance.
Activity - 7
Practice the basic dance steps. Follow the instructions of beat. The changing speeds
help in understanding the movements. If the fast speed makes you do the steps
incorrectly, first do the steps in single beat as it helps for the body to internalize the
step.
Activity - 8
Create a scrapbook of pictures of dancers from different regions and label them with
the names of the classical dance forms.
17
18
CBSE-i
CLASS VI
DANCE
CONTENT:
l Movements and body postures
19
2.
Bhumi pranam
Basic steps and movements in relation to the beat at slow, medium and fast
tempo :
Learning the basic steps is of prime importance. Unless the students master the initial steps
such as take the aramandi position and do tatte tai thayyam tai (1-2-3--- 1-2-3) the body will
not get the rhythm and sense of movement. Similarly in Kathak it is important to learn ta aa
theai theai tat to feel the footwork. All dancers need to practice the basic steps in all the speeds
slow, medium and fast to be able to internalize the step in the prescribed position of the body
and feet. Student's must wear comfortable clothes so that the teacher can see the formation of
the body posture and help you by correcting your posture and support you in maintaining the
beats.
4.
A talam is a traditional rhythmic pattern, which does not have a fixed tempo and can be
played at different speeds. Each repeated cycle of a taal is called an avartan. A tala is generally
divided into sections (vibhaags), not all of which may have the same number of beats.
21
22
Activity - 1
Identify the music beats being played by the teacher. It is important to understand
that different music has different beat.
Listen to different kinds of music, identify and note down the differences in beats
5.
23
Activity - 2
Practice the hand gestures. This usually becomes easy when done in a rhythmic
pattern with a simple melody. Test out like a game with other classmates the different
hand gestures and their names.
6.
Aramandi in Bharatanatyam
24
Activity - 3
Familiarise yourself with the slow, medium and fast paced beats. Maintain your body
positions at instructed by the teacher and change them according to the beats.
25
CBSE-i
CLASS VI
DANCE
CONTENT:
l Understanding the elements of dance
26
Activity - 1
Practice the asmyukta mudras every day. Make sure you learn all the mudra and
remember them.
Activity - 2
Draw all the mudras and label them accordingly . Complete worksheet 1 on
asmyukta mudras.
Activity - 3
Unique point for the student: Follow the teacher and watch yourself in the mirror to
get the correct body position. If possible record basic beats to follow the simple steps
of the dance by yourself even after the class. Practice exercises in different beat and
the steps also. Practice the folk dance that may have learnt.
chualk
29
31
Activity - 4
Learn the body positions and practice with the steps and slowly add the hand
gestures. Ensure that as you do body position, footwork and hand movements and
you keep the precise nature of the dance form. Practice helps to gain better control
and coordination of the body position, footwork and hand gestures.
Most dancers learn to begin any dance lesson with prayer. This beginning is called Bhumi Pranam.
Besides regular lessons, performances also begin with a prayer piece. The Bhumi Pranam is a
prayer to god, the guru, mother earth and the audience. In the teaching learning of dance, the
dancer learns that respect for the teacher (the guru) is of primary importance. The learning of
movement is best learnt one to one which promotes a strong relation with the guru. In fact often in
classical dance the guru-shishya parampara is a well-known model relationship. This
Parampara or sustaining the tradition is important to keep the purity of movements and the
dance form. This deep respect for the teacher helps in learning with commitment which leads to the
complete respect for the Guru.
The Guru shishya parampara is unique to the performing arts because skill in the performing arts
like music, dance or playing instruments is incomplete unless there is correct transfer of technique.
The specific features include the correct body postures, body positions and maintaining the body
stances while in nritta or nritya. The imbibing of the skills in dance is learnt both by observation,
practice and the will of the teacher. At times if the guru is able to spot weak talent and feels a lack of
interest in the learning the willingness to invest in the student is not high. The tradition of the art is
32
Activity - 5
Look at different videos showing different classical dance forms. Identify the various
parts of the dance and the unique features of the dance. Complete worksheet 3
Look at the chart of asmyukta mudras given below and identify at least 10 and write their names
1. ______________________________________
2. ______________________________________
3. ______________________________________
4. ______________________________________
5. ______________________________________
6. ______________________________________
33
34
35
(i)
(ii)
36
(i)
(ii)
37
CBSE-i
CLASS VI
DANCE
CONTENT:
l Folk dances and dance schools
38
2. Kolkkali:
Kolkali is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala. It is a mixed dance in which
both men and women can participate. All the performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and
keeping rhythm with special steps. The circle gets expanded and contracted as the dance
progresses further. When the accompanying music rises at a pitch, the dance reaches at its climax.
Around twelve to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp,
tapping the two feet long wooden sticks held in their hand.
39
3. Ghoomer Dance :
Ghoomer dance is a community dance of women in Rajasthan. It is performed on various
auspicious occasions like fairs & festivals. It is the famous dance of Rajasthan. It is called as
`Ghoomer`, from the `ghoomna` of ghaghra i.e. the flowing of ghaghra, a long skirt of the
Rajasthani women. The graceful gyrating of ghaghra displays the spectacular colours as it flows
due to dancing steps. It is basically a community dance of the Rajputs. It is traditionally performed
only by the women. There are simple swaying movements with special kind of footwork, to convey
the spirit of any auspicious occasion. However, there is an amazing grace as the skirt flair slowly
while the women folk twirl in circles, their faces covered with the help of the veil.
Women young or old, can participate in Ghoomar dance. Sometimes it may continue for hours or
whole night. It is considered as one of the traditional rituals among this community. So, on the
occasion of marriage, a bride is expected to dance Ghoomar after welcoming at her husband`s
home.
While dancing, the dancers move in a circular direction with clockwise and anti-clockwise steps.
The performers sometimes unite their hands and even clap their hand in-between. The performers
move gracefully on the beat of the songs in synchronizing steps. As the tempo of the dance
increases, the dancers swirl fleetly.
3. Pavai Koothu:
Pavai Koothu is considered as a form of early year`s puppet shows. Some called it as a glove puppet
theatre of the sixteenth century. Pavai means `woman`, koothu means `play`. An appropriate name
as all the stories concern with the feelings of Vali, one of Lord Shiva`s attendants, for Subramanya,
one of Shiva`s sons.
The papier-mache puppets are used for this performance. These puppets are generally one foot tall
in height and wear paper or coconut-fiber garlands. A single person to work as manipulator is
required to monitor the show. His thumb and little finger move the puppet`s arms, the middle
finger works for the head. The language of the show is predominantly Tamil, and the songs are
predominantly folk in nature. The idakka drum and cymbals are used for music of the
performance.
41
3. Jhummar Dance:
The Jhummar dance is a dance of ecstasy. It is a living testimony of the happiness of men, so
performed only by men. At any time Jhummar is performed but mostly at a time of melas, weddings
and other major functions and celebrations. Performed exclusively by men, it is a common feature
to see three generations - father, son and grandson - dancing all together. Therefore, in some part it
is termed as generation dance. There are three main types of Jhummar dance, each of which has a
different mood, and is therefore suited to different occasions & for all reason of that predominating
mood.
43
2. Khuallam Dance:
Khuallam is a dance that is performed at the time of ceremony called `Khuangchawi`. It is also
known as `dance of the guests`. During the `Khuangchawi` ceremony, the invited guests enter the
area performing Khuallam.
Special type of Mizo cloths that are hand woven are wore for the dance. They are generally called as
Puandum. It is wrapped over the shoulders and the dance is performed. In performing various
dancing steps the swaying of cloths is seen. The costumes are colourful, having stripes of black, red,
yellow and green colours. These typical costumes are very much significant in their culture, as
every girl has to take it along with her after getting married. If the husband of her dies, this cloth is
used for covering his body.
The dance is performed with an accompaniment of the sounds of gongs known as darbu`.
Similarly, there is no lyrics for the song that is sung. It is usually performed in large numbers. This
dance can be termed as community dance
44
2. Harvesting Dance:
Agriculture is the main source of earning livelihood in Bihar. This fact is reflected in a better way
from all kinds of folk arts. Harvesting is the main field activity while farming. In the harvesting
season, male and female villagers do their work on field & dance with singing. It is believed that
there happiness and joy is the symbol of upcoming good harvest. Such dances are closely
connected with the local culture & tradition.
3. Kajari:
Kajari is a song of rainy season. The popular melodious tune of Kajari songs produces a sweet
sensation in body and it is sung from beginning of the Shravan month with the rhythmic note of
rainy drops. The main content of these songs is about describing pleasant change that is derived by
rainy season. Not only nature get changed in green colour, but mental refreshment & relaxation
that is associated with human beings is also well described in these kinds of songs.
45
2. Dandia-Ras:
The most popular Dandia-Ras is also known as the `stick` dance. An another form of dance that is
also a feature of most welcomed festival, Navratri.
The word Ras in `Dandia-Ras` signifies Ras dance, which is, considered a form of Ras Leela. Ras
Leela, which was an inseparable part of Lord Krishna`s childhood action he used to perform at
Gokul and Vrindavan. The Ras is simple and is generally performed by a group of youthful people
who move in typical style in measured steps around a circle, accompanied by a singing chorus and
a host of musical instruments like the dhol, cymbals, zanz, shehnai (flute).
It is one of India`s most popular folk dances & is full of energy and excitement. It is considered that
this dance form is from the Limbdi region of Gujarat (a state in Western India), over a period of
time, the Dandiya Ras has imbibed in all parts of India. Like most folk dances of India, the Ras too is
one of collective impulse and enthusiasm. It`s always performed in a group. In the ancient times,
men essentially performed this folk dance. And it said that Dandia -Ras counterpart to the Garba,
exclusively performed by women. Today it is equally enjoyed and danced by both men and
women.
3. Charkula Dance:
This is the most spectacular dance performance from Uttar Pradesh. It is widely performed in the
Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. In the performance of Charkula, veiled women with balancing a large
multi-tiered circular wooden pyramid on their heads, dance in various steps. The wooden pyramid
is lighted with 108 oil lamps. The women dance on the `rasiya` songs of Lord Krishna., Charkula
dance is especially performed on the third day after the Holi festival- on Dooj. On this day, Radha, a
concert of Krishna was born.
46
47
Activity - 1
Learn one folk dance from the teacher. And explore the local celebrations and learn
one local dance
Prepare a scrapbook with pictures of different types of folk dances and label them.
Complete worksheet 1 and 2
Activity - 2
a) Pick up any one folk song which you like and write down its lyrics with the
meaning.
b) Prepare some steps for the song and share this song with the other students.
48
B. Fill up the missing spaces and complete the name of the folk dance:
1. KO_A_TT_ _
2. K_L_E_ _YA
3. TH_ _U_AT_I_A_A_I
4. B_D_S_A
5. M_AN_H
49
50
51