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Saheli 2001
Cross Cultural Solutions Insight India Program

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PERFORMANCE
Classical Dance

.Classical dance relates back to the Hindu god Shiva's role as Nataraj (Lord of the Dance). Dancing was an integral part of temple rituals. The dancers, known as devadasistold stories from The Ramayanaand The Mahabharata.

.Temple dancing is no longer practiced. However, classical Indian dance continues to be based on Hindu roots. The dance is expressed through eye, hand, and facial movements. The dancers' positions are taken from temple sculptures. Thus they always dance with bent knees. To appreciate the dance, one must understand Hindu mythology.

.Here Kiran Segal performs Odissi, a dance from the state of Orissa that depicts the love story of Radha and Krishna.

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Related Web Sites

Information on Kiran Segal:

Information on Odissi Dance:
General information on classical dance in India


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2001 Saheli Insight India Program
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