Chapter 10: Inner Dynamics of Dance

Summary

• Importance of breath control in dance for enhancing presence and expression.
• Foundational concepts: sthāna (stance), chāri (leg movement), gati (gait).
• Connection of sthānas with everyday movements.
• Differentiation of chāris and gatis in choreography.
• Encouragement of creativity in dance compositions.

Key Concepts

• Breath Control: Vital for movement and expression in dance.
• Sthāna: Types include standing, sitting, and reclining postures.
• Chāri: Types include bhaumi (earthly) and ākāshi (aerial) movements.
• Gati: Characteristic movements reflecting different characters.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the role of breath in dance.
• Demonstrate understanding of dance postures and movements.
• Create choreographic sequences incorporating various dance elements.
• Express emotions through dance.
• Explore cultural diversity in dance forms.

Common Mistakes & Exam Tips

• Mistake: Ignoring breath control during movements. Tip: Practice breathing techniques to enhance performance.
• Mistake: Confusing different types of chāris and gatis. Tip: Study examples of each to differentiate.
• Mistake: Lack of creativity in choreography. Tip: Experiment with combining everyday movements with dance postures.

Important Diagrams

• Postures in Dance: Illustrations of sthānas (standing, sitting, reclining) and their significance in various dance forms.
• Movement Types: Diagrams showing bhaumi and ākāshi chāris, and examples of gati movements.

Chapter 10: Inner Dynamics of Dance

Learning Outcomes

• Recognises the importance of breath control in both stillness and movement, and its role in enhancing presence and expression in dance.
• Demonstrates an understanding of foundational concepts of sthāna (stance), chāri (leg movement), and gati (gait) in dance.
• Creatively connects sthānas or dance postures with stylized movements observed in everyday life, showcasing an understanding of form and function.
• Identifies and differentiates between various types of chāris and gatis, and understands their application in choreographic sequences.
• Displays enthusiasm in choreographing dance compositions that incorporate a range of postures and movements, reflecting creativity and an understanding of dance vocabulary.

Pedagogy Principles

1. Help students understand the importance of a relaxed body for dance and the importance of breath.
2. Understand the concept of a still point and movement emerging and finishing in still point.
3. Learn about the cultural diversity of India through its major traditional and various folk dance forms.
4. Use of hand gestures as a communicative device.
5. Expression of emotions-comfort level in expressing emotions. Encourage students to express both positive and negative emotions to foster emotional well-being.
6. Learning concepts of inclusivity and gender sensitisation by role-playing in traditional dances.
7. Understanding contemporary Indian dance and its role in popular culture. Exploring creativity with movements.
8. Learning and researching notable Indian dance personalities.
9. Understand the importance of teamwork and collaborative effort in dancing.
10. Holistic appreciation of dance and movement, and embracing the importance of nature.

Elements of Dance

• Dance is a combination of being static and dynamic, with moments of stillness in postures and motion in movement.
• Each movement starts and ends with a static posture.

Postures in Dance

• According to Natyashāstra, sthānas are of three types: standing, sitting, and reclining postures.

Motion in Dance

• Motion can involve various levels of postures, speeds, extensions, leaps, and pirouettes.
• Chāris are of two types: bhaumi chāris (earthly movements) and ākāshi chāris (aerial movements).

Combination of Postures and Movements

• A complete dance movement phrase includes postures and movements combined with arm movements and hand gestures.
• The coordinated movement of hands and feet in dance is called the karana, with 108 such karanas described in the Natyaśhāstra.

Examples of Chāri and Gati (from Abhinaya Darpanam)

Chāri Examples:

• Chalana: simple walking steps
• Veginī: quick steps
• Saranam: wide steps
• Kuṭṭanam: thumping steps

Gati Examples:

• Deer step: quick, high-leaping movement
• Monkey step: strong steps and jumps
• Tiger step: powerful weighted movement
• Garuda (bird): light and airy jump

Activities

• Activity 10.1: Breathing in Stillness and Motion - Observe breath flow through movements.
• Activity 10.2: Pose the Postures - Identify unique postures in daily activities.
• Activity 10.3: Picture Perfect - Discuss postures of various characters.
• Activity 10.4: Spirit of Movements - Create movements based on human and animal characters.
• Activity 10.5: Dancing from Head to Toe - Create a sequence including static posture, leg movement, and hand gestures.