Commonwealth Games a 'No Go'?

[Ram]

They did one thing right and on time: the opening ceremony was beautifully done. Lots of color, lots of dancing. The dancing with the seasons segment and the Gandhi tribute was lovely.

I just love this part. Especially the "kathak" (the last dance in the vid).

 

[gsdx]

I just love this part. Especially the "kathak" (the last dance in the vid).

I hope this isn't an embarrassing question for either of us, but is there a significance to the 'head wobbling'?

 

[Ram]

I hope this isn't an embarrassing question for either of us, but is there a significance to the 'head wobbling'?

Neil!

From what I understand, the head movement is just as significant as the symbolic hand gestures or the powerful leg maneuvers.

Dancing in India in the past -- past as in 5000 years ago -- serves more practical purposes. Dancing and music were just one of the ways the ancients told their religious stories of mythological proportions. Utilizing parts of your body, like the "head wobble", alongside the "unnecessary spinning" and "gaudy make-up", assist the dancers in expressing their feelings, emotions and intentions.

The Indian dance is more than a dance or art, it is a form of communication with the help of gestures, movements and dressing.

 

[gsdx]

^ Interesting. So it's very much like Hawaiian dancing. The 'whole' tells a story.

Thanks for the info.

 

[zoltanspawn]

The Indian dance is more than a dance or art, it is a form of communication with the help of gestures, movements and dressing.

All the way down to the posture of the eyes themselves in some cases!