Bharata Natyam in Cultural Perspective

Bharata N?tyam as currently practiced is one of the major classical dance forms in existence. Its rich repertory of poetical texts; its highly developed vocabulary of expressive gestures; its intricate syntax of pure dance patterns; its music, displaying a wealth of complex rhythms and melodies; its sumptuous costumes – all make it one of the most sophisticated dance traditions in the world. When performed by an accomplished dancer and fine musicians, it affords aesthetic experience of the highest order. It is rapidly becoming known and appreciated all over?the?world,?as?it?indeed?deserves?to?be. In this volume, five scholars – inspired by the magnificent dance performances of the renowned exponent of the Pandanallur style of Bharata N?tyam, Padma ?r? Alarmel Valli – have contributed to an interdisciplinary understanding of this great living art form. Disciplines represented include philosophy, humanistic studies, dance ethnology, ethnomusicology, art history, and comparative historiography. About the Author Professor George Kliger earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota in 1967, where he has since been teaching interdisciplinary humanities courses. His researches have focused on classical Hinduism, from the Guptas to the thirteenth century, and the aesthetics of the N?_tya??stra, ?nandavardhana, and Abhinavagupta. During his frequent visits in India he has studied?Hindu?temple?sculpture?and?Indian?classical?dance?traditions.