Indian dancing

INDIAN DANCING

of Pattambi, and Narayan Nair of Kavalapara, three of the foremost gurus, have helped to train many pupils, some of whom have, unfortunately, cheapened the technique with vulgar innovations.

Ragini Devi and Gopinath, trained in the Kerala Kalamandalam, have done much to bring Kathakali to the people of the cities. Instead of presenting it in the traditional way, they have adopted the method of portraying a few scenes lifted from the Kathakali epics. Thus, the highly complicated art can be enjoyed by those without a thorough knowledge of it.

A highly specialized technique, the histrionic art of Malabar is a perfect blend of elements borrowed from various soutces. It seems to incorporate the best that each school has to offer. Through Kathakali, the fusion of the arts of painting, sculpture, and dancing, as well as of drama, may be splendidly achieved. If the cumbersome costumes could be modified and the duration of a performance curtailed, this dance form would be eminently acceptable to the avetage audience.

72