Chapter-6

THE ROLE AND POSITION OF CLASSICAL DANCE IN MODERN INDIA

In the process of modernization, which India has been experiencing since the beginning of the last century, almost all socio- cultural spheres have got affected. This also applies to the leisure activities and different arts in society. As people change their lifestyle, their tastes and likings also get changed. In such a situation various major transformations take place in the field of creative vision or in different arts of society. Since the present study is devoted to the performing art of dance, the major changes that have appeared in this field have been studied. In the previous chapters the situations in ancient, medieval and pre-independent India regarding dance have been discussed. The present chapter deals with the situation in post independent India. The main aim of this chapter is to understand the present position of classical dance in Indian society. The various aspects regarding dance related situation have been analysed in this chapter with the help of empirical data. Such aspects include various minor and major issues that show the recent and changing trends in society regarding the field of classical dance in India. These aspects are as follows.

186 1. The socio- economic background of the respondents. 2. Their individual interests that motivated them to learn dance. 3. Their views about classical dance. 4. Relationship between classical and popular dance. 5. Benefits of dance in personal life. 6. Present and future of classical dance and dance artists.

Some of such aspects that are related to dance in ancient India have been studied in earlier chapters of the present study. This chapter mainly deals with the present situation of classical dance in India.

Section -1

The Socio-Economic background of the Respondents

The socio-economic background of the person plays an important role in moulding one's own life, more so in the case of the persons choosing any vocation. Individual's personal and family background such as age, sex, religion, caste, educational qualifications, marital status and family pattern generally influence a person's choice or preferences for vocation or a career. The choice of a vocation or a career is largely determined by the person's perception of the career, mental attitude to undertake specific type of a career, willingness to face the challenges posed by the chosen field and to undergo physical exertion and readiness to adjust to the social environment. These

187 mental and physical requirements of any profession play a crucial role in its choice.

In the case of dance artists, these factors assume even greater significance because of the specific characteristics of this profession and its distinctive requirements. The socio-economic background of the respondents helped to know the present situation regarding dance such as, the class of artists, their castes, religion, educational qualifications, etc. These factors are of very much significance while studying the transformations in dance related situation because the analysis of social strata of the upcoming artist gives a clear picture about such issues. Accordingly, the socio-economic background of the respondent upcoming dancers is highlighted below with reference to such aspects as:

1. Age composition 2. Religion wise distribution 3. Caste composition 4. Educational qualification 5. Marital status 6. Economic status of family 7. Individual economic status 8. Family pattern.

188 Age Composition of the Respondents:

While collecting data about Kathak dance artists in Pune, those who have completed their basic training in Kathak and are trying to make their careers in this field, were chosen as respondents. The survey was confined to dance artists who have fulfilled these conditions as it was assumed that such respondents would have developed perceptions to judge - by their experience - the situation regarding dace and the status of dance and dance artists in society, impact of popular dance on classical dance and its reasons and consequences, the present and future of classical dance and views of society towards dance artists and towards women dancers in 2r' century etc. These respondents are all upcoming artists who are trying to make their career in this field. Some of them have already achieved some recognition in this field. Such artists belong to the age group of 18 to 35 years. The frequency distribufion of 75 respondents by their age group is shown in table No. 6.1.1:

189 Table No. 6.1.1

Distribution of Respondents by Age Group

AGE GROUP NO. OF PERCENTAGE (IN YEARS) RESPONDENTS

Below 18 — — 18 to 21 6 08.00 % 22 to 24 15 20.00 % 25 to 27 22 29.33 % 28 to 29 10 13.33% 30 to 32 11 14.66% 33 to 35 7 09.33 % Above 35 4 05.33 % Total 75 100.00 %

A glance at the table makes it clear that a maximum number of the respondents belong to the age group of 25 to 27 that is 29.33 %>. 20 % respondents belong to the age group of 22 to 24. It shows that total 70 %) respondents have reached to this stage before 30 years of their age. No respondent belongs to the first age group. It seems that it is difficult to achieve certain position in this field below 18 years of age as this profession requires prolonged training, hard work and devotion.

190 Only 5.33 % respondents belong to the last age group. It seems that those who are still learning dance in this age group may not wish to make a career in this field, as it may be difficult.

It is clear that the respondents who are trying to make a career or who have already achieved certain position in this field mainly belong to the age group of 22-27. The respondents who belonged to the age group of above 30 are mainly the professional artists; they have already reached at a certain level in this field. However still they assume themselves as students or upcoming artists out of the feelings of devotion and gratitude for their Guru.

Religion of the Respondents:

Classical dance in India has a long history. We have seen in the earlier chapters that it is having religious connotations or significance from the beginning. As we have seen in previous chapters, Kathak dance has been originated and developed in Hindu temples. This underlies its religious importance. Later it was influenced by Muslim culture. From temples it shifted to the courts of the Muslim Emperors and under their patronage dance was nurtured and flourished for several years. Even today we can easily find the Muslim impact on Kathak dance in its many aspects such as costumes, some technical terms, jewellery used by dancers at the time of performance, instruments used and even some contents in Kathak dance.

191 Thus it becomes important and even necessary to find out the religion wise composition of today's Kathak artists.

Table No. 6.1.2

Religion Wise Distribution of the Respondents

RELIGION NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE Hindu 75 100.00%

Muslims — —

Others — — Total 75 100.00 %

In so far as religion is concerned, it was observed that all the respondents were Hindus. The predominance of Hindu respondents can be explained by the fact that the respondents were mainly selected from Pune City. In Pune the population of Hindus is more. According to census report in 1991, total population of Pune District was 4164500 and Hindus were 3541100 (82.90 %). However the overall picture of Kathak artist also reveals that there is predominance of Hindu dance artists in the field of Kathak. Almost all renowned Kathak artists in Pune belong to Hindu religion.

It can be said that the Muslim impact on Kathak dance is still visible. However Muslim girls are not engaged in this profession. It may be because of the fact that even when the Muslim emperors were

192 the patrons of the art, the Muslim dancers at that time did not enjoy social recognition. They were ill famed. This may be the reason that even when dance has got its dignity back due to the efforts made by some pioneers and when dignified people started taking interest in it, Muslim families did not allow their family members to choose this field as a career. One more reason may be responsible for this fact that in Pune and even in other parts of India almost all renowned Gurus and Kathak dance artists are Hindus. This may be the reason of majority of Hindu upcoming dance artists.

Caste Wise Distribution of the Respondents:

The caste system has divided Indian society in to different strata based on occupations and other factors. Due to a close association between caste and occupation in Indian society, one has to take into consideration caste wise distribution of the respondents while analyzing their socio-economic background. Without knowing a caste affiliation the socio economic background of the respondents remains incomplete.

Traditionally Indian society was fully controlled by the caste system. Different castes had their monopolies in certain occupations. Kathak was not a monopoly of any particular caste. Kathakas were Gaur Brahmins, Kanujia and Saraswat Brahmins. As we have seen before even some tribes were involved in this art, such as, Bachal,

193 Bais, Bargujar, Chhatri, Dhobi, Surajbansi, Saruaria, etc. Initially when it had religious importance there must have been the predominance of some of the dominant castes in this profession but with the declining status of the artists, lower caste people must have entered into profession. However the present situation is totally changed. Table No. 6.1.3 helps us to understand the present situation about the castes of classical dancers.

Table No. 6.1.3

Caste wise distribution of the Respondents

Caste No. Of Respondents Percentage Brahmin 68 90.66 % Gujrati 4 05.33 % Sonar 2 02.66 % C. K. P. 1 01.33% Total 75 100.00 %

Table No. 6.1.3 clearly shows that there is predominance of higher castes, especially Brahmins among the respondents. These days the situation has been changed. 68 out of 75 respondents belonged to the Brahmin caste that is almost 90.66 %. 4 respondents belonged to a Gujrati community that is 5.33 %. Another 2 respondents were Sonar (2.66 %) and 1 belonged to the C. K. P. caste that is 1.33%.

194 This data clearly shows the predominance of Brahmins in this field in the present situation. Rather it can be said that the Brahmins are establishing their monopoly in the field of the classical dances especially on Kathak dance. It seems that other castes are lagging behind in this field.

Though the Marathas belong to higher caste, and although it is considered as a dominant caste in Maharashtra, not even a single respondent in the present survey belongs to this caste.

Following reasons may be responsible for the present caste wise structure of respondents.

1. It seems that in Brahmin Families girls have more freedom, to go out of the house and make a career in desired profession. 2. Maratha community may be still conservative about such professions that they do not allow their daughters to make a career in such fields. 3. The training schools of Kathak dance are mostly located in urban areas where Brahmins are numerically predominant. Moreover they are more progressive in their cultural outlook.

195 Educational Qualifications of the Respondents!

Modem society has given much more importance to formal, academic education. It has been assumed that whatever may be the profession a person should be at least a degree holder. This is the basic requirement of any career or profession in modem society. Hence the educational qualification of the respondents of the present study should be taken into consideration in order to understand present position of dance and dance artists.

Table No. 6.1.4 Distribution of Respondents by Their Educational Qualification Qualification No. Of Respondents Percentage Under Graduate 7 09.33 % Graduate 37 49.33 % Post Graduate 8 10.86 % Post Graduation in Dance 8 10.86% Other 15 20.00 % Total 75 100.00 %

196 Table No. 6.1.4 indicates that the dance artists of younger generation are well educated. Even though a person does not need any academic qualification for being a dancer 9.33 % that is 7 respondents are doing their graduation. 37 respondents are degree holders and they constitute 49.33 % of the total respondents, and some of them are engaged in doing their Post-Graduation, while 8 respondents have completed their post graduation. The most striking fact is 8 respondents that are 10.86 % of the total respondents have done their post graduation in dance in Pune University. 15 respondents that is 20 % replied that they have completed their education in some other fields like Diploma in Interior Decoration or Computer Applications etc.

Thus it can be concluded that the younger generation of classical dance artists is well educated even though such academic and formal education is not necessary for their profession. Such well-educated and qualified artist are eligible to develop dance and make some new innovations in this field, for example, fusions of various dance styles or new experiments without damaging its traditional pattern or by developing some techniques in dance, they could lessen the impact of popular dance. The art of performing dance has now become an elite art. Those who are performers of the art as well as those who are its fans generally belong to higher socio economic bracket. The

197 commoners have not as yet developed interest in it. It has become an art of classes and not of masses.

Marital Status:

Socio economic background would remain incomplete with out the analysis of marital status of respondents. Marital status of the respondents is given in table No. 6.1.5

Table No. 6.1.5 Distribution of Respondents by their Marital Status

Marital Status No. Of Respondents Percentage Married 30 40.00 % Unmarried 45 60.00 % Total 75 100.00%

Among the total respondents 40 % respondents were married and rest 60 % were unmarried as they are still younger. Not even a single respondent said that she doesn't want to get married for the sake of her career.

After analyzing the statistics regarding this question it can be said that in Indian society still marriage is considered very important for a

198 girl. Thus every respondent wished to get married. It seems that marriage doesn't affect their professional career to a great extent. Today many renowned women dancers in Pune are married. It may due to the fact that they all belong to well educated families in urban areas where the attitude of people towards classical dance has been changed. There may be some limitations but it seems that marriage doesn't totally affect their career. However some respondents were not very sure about this. Some expressed their hidden feelings during the discussions that still there are some people who are not much in favour of making a career in this field. Some people may like watching classical dance or they may not against it but they may not allow their daughter in law to make such a career. It may create some problems for a girl dancer after marriage.

Economic Background of the Respondents:

Economic background plays an important role in one's professional life. Thus the economic background of the respondents has to be taken into consideration. Individual's economic status or position affects his / her professional life. Individual's choice of selecting a profession, aspirations, capacity, attitudes, performance in work, all these factors are related to economic background.

199 Learning any classical art and making a career in it has apparently become a monopoly of a particular group or community may be caste, class and gender. Initially dancing was the monopoly of some castes then it has lost its status and became the thing to be done by some particular communities or groups. After some years only Devadasis and women of ill fame started doing it and in 20"^ century as classical dance regained its status due to the efforts made by some renowned dancers, middle and upper class people started taking interest in it. And now it has almost become a monopoly of these classes. Today dance education has become very expensive and that is why the girls who belong to middle and upper classes can only afford to make a career in this field. Some middle class girls also learn classical dance but they have some limitations. Present survey also reveals the similar facts. Some respondents have noted that learning classical dance is an expensive affair. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to manage it unless there is adequate financial support. Tuition fees of classical dance teacher are high as well as the training period is also too long. Dance examinations, dance performances etc. are also very expensive tasks. That is why dance artists especially upcoming artists require a sound financial support, which is not always possible. Expenses of auditorium charges, charges of accompanying musicians, costume, jewellery, advertisement, chief guests' honorarium and conveyance, all these things are necessary but very costly. Even to appear for any

200 higher examination in this field an artist needs some financial provision. In such circumstances it helps, if they are self-sufficient.

All the respondents are either trying to be professional dancers or some of them have already achieved certain position in this field or some of them have just started earning with the help of dance.

Table No. 6.1.6 Distribution of Respondents by Their Annual Individual Income Annual Individual Income No. Of Respondents Percentage (In Rupees) Nil 13 17.33% Below 50,000 17 22.66 % 50,000- 1,00,000 15 20.00 % More Than 1,00,000 30 40.00 % Total 75 100.00 %

Table No. 6.1.6 reveals that sfill 17.33 % respondents are not earning. This is possible because they have not yet started teaching dance or are not yet able to perform their art professionally since have not acquired the level of proficiency in the art that is required. But many of them believe that soon they will be able to earn. 20 % respondents come into the second category that is income below Rs. 50,000 per year. Most of them belong to the age group of 20-25, and

201 they are sure about the growth in their income in coming years. Other 20% respondents reported themselves in the income group of Rs. 50,000-1, 00,000 per year. And rest 30 respondents belong to the last income group of earning more than Rs. 1, 00,000 per year.

Though majority of the respondents are earning less than rupees 1 lakh per year at present, they all are hopeful that their income will increase in the near future. The reason for their low income at present may be that they all are upcoming artists. However it seems that it is not easy to earn more money in the initial stage of their career.

In addition to their individual income, respondents' family background helps to comprehend the clear picture about the socio economic class of the respondents'. That is why the information about the same is also collected.

202 Annual Family Income:

Table No. 6.1.7 Distribution of the Respondents by Their Annual Family Income in Rupees

Income Group No. Of Respondents Percentage (In Rupees) Less Than 2 Lakh 3 04.00 % 2 Lakh to 4 Lakh 12 16.00% 4 Lakh to 6 Lakh 23 30.66 % More Than That 37 49.33 % Total 75 100.00 %

The data in the table shows the economic background of the respondents. As said earlier learning classical dance is an expensive task. To reach up to the stage of Visharad that is the degree level, a student has to learn dance for minimum 9 to 10 years, and if a student wants to make a career in this field he or she has to learn for more years. It's a kind of devotion. At present 10 to 12 years training requires a minimum of Rs. 25,000-30,000 to be paid as fees to a dance teacher. Now a days it can be extended to Rs. 50,000 also. Other necessary expenses are not included in this amount. For example, accompanying musicians' charges, costumes, make-up, musical

203 instruments, workshop fees, entry fees of various dance programs of other dance artists which an upcoming artist has to attend if one has to make a career in this field. These are some inevitable expenses.

Hence, it can be said that it is very difficult to make a career in this field for an individual who belongs to a lower economic strata. It is difficuh but not impossible for middle class students. Thus it seems that in modem days people belong to economically higher middle class or upper classes have their predominance in this field.

The data reveals that only 4 % respondents belong to the income group of less than Rs. two lakh per year. 16 % respondents pose themselves in the income group of Rs. 2 to 4 lakh per year. 30.66 % come in to the income group of Rs. 4 to 6 lakh per year. And majority that is 49.33 % respondents belong to the last income group of more than Rs. 6 lakh per year.

The present data reveals that almost half of the respondents belong to the higher economic strata and may be some of them belong to the higher class. Slowly classical dance is becoming a monopoly of economically sound, educated and elite class.

204 Type of Family:

As a stigma was attached to this profession in the past, becoming a dance artist is not only a matter of personal choice rather the consent of family members becomes important factor. In this matter it becomes significant to find out the type of families of the respondents.

Table No. 6.1.8 Distribution of Respondents by Their Family Type

Type of Family No. Of Respondents Percentage Joint Family 7 09.33 % Nuclear Family 68 90.66 % Total 75 100.00

%

The present table shows that 90.66 % respondents belong to the nuclear family and only 9.33 % respondents belong to the joint family. This may be due to the fact that the present survey was conducted in Pune City and in cities predominant family type is that of the nuclear family. Though 9.33 % respondents are from joint families, these are definitely not typical traditional joint families. It seems that the setting of traditional middle and higher middle class

205 joint families may not be in favour of this profession, due to which most of the upcoming dance artists are from nuclear families.

It clearly reveals the fact that still the family plays an important role in ones professional life. Family guides individual's choice of selection of the profession.

Section - 2 Extra Curricular Activities

One of the most important determinants of individual's professional life or career is his or her extra curricular activities. Individual interests, choices, likings, etc. play an important role in an individual's life. These interests help individuals to choose their career. His or her hobbies and leisure time activities help him to determine the profession. Even these activities help individual to develop the skills that are required for a desired profession. In the present study an attempt is made to know the extra curricular activities of the respondents other than dance, such as drawing, writing, travelling, reading etc. as it must have been helpful to them in developing their skills that are required to be a classical dance artist. It also helped to disclose the recent trends in society regarding the present subject. We have already seen that most of the respondents belong to middle and upper classes. That is why it can be said that it

206 has become one of the pre requisites of this profession to have a sound economic background. Then the question arises what may be other requirements or recommended qualities that are essential for making a career in this particular field? This quest also helped the present researcher to find out the growing consciousness of people about this field. Rather it helped to know the attitude and awareness of people about dance and career of their daughters in this field. Following table helps us to know about this.

Table No. 6.2.1

Respondents' Hobbies and Participation in Extra Curricular Activities

Activity No. Of Respondents Percentage Debate 9 12.00% Writing 7 09.33 % Travelling 65 86.66 % Reading 30 40.00 % Drawing And Painting 46 61.33%

A Multi Response Table

A profile of extra curricular activities of the respondents during their period of educafion is set out in the table No. 6.2.1.

207 The survey discloses that respondents take interest in several extra curricular activities, some intellectual and some general. An analysis of these activities showed that about 61.33 % of respondents expressed their interest in drawing and painting as their favorite activity. No doubt there is certain relationship between drawing and dance. Knowledge about geometry, colour combinations and its effects, definitely help a dancer. Dance performances, setting choreographies and formations, and some other matters such as light effects, make up, drapery etc. requires the knowledge of drawing and painting to some extent. 12 % respondents have shown their interest in debate. Any artist should have a good presence of mind and he must be intelligent enough to present his art before the audience. If a dancer is able to talk to the audience and to explain his art to them, it becomes an additional qualification, which is definitely helpful in establishing a good rapport with the audience. 9.33 % respondents have noted that they have interest in writing articles, short stories, and reports of dance programmes, competitions and festivals.

Travelling is the most common hobby among them. 86.66 % respondents have made it clear that they love travelling. Most of them have travelled in many parts of India for the purpose of dance. It may be for performances, dance fesdvals, dance competitions, exams and for workshops organized in different parts of the country.

208 40 % respondents have interest in reading. A personality of a dancer must be versatile in order to be a successful artist or to have a successful professional life. And books are one of the major sources of seeking knowledge, which uhimately helps him in developing his personality.

It is interesting to note that a substantial proportion of respondents showed a keen aptitude of participation in extra curricular activities during their school and college education, which underlines their enterprising nature.

All this shows that respondents harboured potential seeds of enterprise and boldness even during the period of education. The quality, which is essential for any individual engaged in this profession, includes facing the challenges with courage. This quest makes it clear that all these activities developed the capacities of the respondents and helped them to make their career in this field. Doing these activities along with dance training and academic education is not easy. It is time consuming as well as expensive and may be affordable only to financially well off people more easily than others. It may not be easily accessible to lower middle class or financially weak people. Thus to acquire a better position in this field, again economic condition of an individual plays an important role.

209 Participation in Cultural Activities:

There is definitely some interrelationship between dance and some other cultural activities. Such activities may help a dance artist to develop necessary skills. An attempt is made here to find out how consciously dance students and their parents are taking efforts to make a career in this field and how they are being aware of all such important things that have become conditions for being a dancer.

Table No. 6.2.2 Respondents' Participation in Cultural Activities:

Cultural Activities No. Of Respondents Percentage Music 13 17.33% Drama 36 48.00 % Films 3 04.00 % Vocal 46 61.33%

A Multi Response Table

All these cultural activities are related to dance directly or indirectly. Participation in some of these cultural activities helps a dancer to develop skills. A good dancer has to have basic knowledge

210 of music, drama and singing. These are some of the basic requirements of this profession.

Table 6.2.2 makes it clear that 17.33 % respondents have participated in music related activities (playing instruments). 48 % that is almost half of the respondents have participated in drama, one act play, mono acting, and drama competitions. And this activity has helped them to improve their skills as an artist. As 'natya' is one of the major components of 'nritya', it helped them a lot. A small proportion of the respondents that is 4 % have acted in films. Such a small proportion shows that acting in films is still not a common phenomenon. There may not be a favourable attitude towards films in educated, reputed and well off families, so the girls in such families are not allowed to participate in films. It seems that classical dance has acquired more status than acting in films or is considered as a more dignified field in which girls from dignified families can make their career. One more important aspect of this matter is that hardly any dance-oriented films that are dedicated to classical dance are produced these days. That is why the dance artists who are trained in it are not willing to act in films.

46.33 % that is almost half of the respondents can sing or are learning classical singing, which definitely must have helped them in developing their skills, required for their profession.

211 The respondents' interest in cultural activities, throws a good light on the efforts taken by them to develop their skills. It shows the growing aspirations of dance artists in modem India that they are consciously trying to develop their dancing.

Thus it can be concluded that the classical dance artists and their parents have become more conscious about this field. Consciously they are taking some efforts, which ultimately will enhance the rank of their daughters as dance artists.

Scholarships or Academic Awards Won By the Respondents:

In modem days academic education has received immense importance in society. At the same time the training in extra curricular activities is also becoming significant. Especially an artist in modern society needs both the things. It has been seen in the previous section that almost all the respondents are fairly educated. In the present section an attempt is made to find out whether they have performed well in academic field or have only concentrated more on their art. In this regard a question was asked to them whether they received any scholarship or academic awards in their school or college life. Table No.6.2.3 gives information about awards and scholarships received by the respondents.

212 Table No.6.2.3

Scholarships or Awards Won By Respondents during Their School or College Days

Options No. Of Respondents Percentage Yes 13 17.33 % No 62 82.66 % Total 75 100.00%

Table No. 6.2.3 reveals that though less in number, some of the respondents have received such awards and prizes. 17.33 % respondents have informed that they have got such awards or scholarships in their academic career. At the same time 82.66 % have not achieved any awards and scholarships. It may be due to the following reasons.

1. These respondents must have been more interested in making their career in dance than in the academics. 2. Due to their dance related activities they must have ignored their academic career. 3. It may be difficult to pay attention at both the things at a time and as all the respondents have done well in dance, it mustn't have become possible for them to concentrate on their studies well.

213 4. Though they haven't got any prizes or scholarships their academic performance is fairly good, they all are well educated.

All these questions and respondents' responses to them clearly indicate that the awareness of people regarding classical dance is growing. The respondents are more consciously taking efforts to develop their skills as dancers and even parents are helping them in doing all these required activities.

Section- 3

Aspects Related To Dance

There are some aspects that highlight the present situation of a particular fact in society. They also show the recent trends in society regarding different facts such as professions, arts, technologies and many other things. They also point out, how a particular phenomenon or fact has attained an importance in society at that particular time and what are the views of society regarding it that affect the fact favourably or adversely. These factors are nothing but changing trends in society and the views of people about it. Certainly there are such factors that enabled the present researcher to know the recent facts and attitude of classical dance students and their parents about the classical dance. Such as proper age of starting dance training, period

214 of training, appropriate age of completion of dance training, respondents motivations for learning dance, reasons for the selection of particular style, importance given to dance examinations and competitions, and to which examinations of dance the respondents have given preferences and the importance given by the respondents to dance practice even during school or college examinations. These exercises facilitated the present researcher to know the current situation about classical dance in society.

Age Factors:

Indian classical dance has become peculiar due to some facts related to it. One of the major facts is that if one wishes to make a career in this field, he or she has to start learning it at the earlier stage of life. Almost all the renowned artists have started learning their art right from the early part of their childhood. It may be due to the fact that these arts need lifetime devotion, hard practice, discipline, concentration and sacrifice. If a person starts learning it since his or her childhood, he gets habituated to such a disciplined life easily. These days it is impossible for any student to concentrate only on dance and to ignore academic education fully. That is why nobody can spare all of his or her time for dance training or practice. Thus if the person starts learning it at an early age, it becomes possible to achieve something along with the completion of academic education. And one more important reason to start this at an early age is that, one's

215 aptitude and liking can be judged at this stage and if a person doesn't have an aptitude or liking in it, it becomes easy to choose another line.

Experts say that the proper age to start learning dance is seven to ten years. This is because the proper dance training takes at least twelve to fourteen years and if a child starts training at the age of seven to ten years then one can complete the basic training by the age of twenty two to twenty four years, which is the proper age for commencing one's professional life.

Table No.6.3.1

Age of Commencing Dance Training

Age Of Commencing No. Of Respondents Percentage Dance Training 6-8 25 33.33 % 9-11 33 44.00 % 12-14 09 12.00% 15-17 08 10.66% Total 75 100.00 %

This information helped to assess the present situation of classical dance and the views of respondents about the age of commencing

216 classical dance training. It helped to find out how consciously people are looking at dance these days. Table No.6.3.1 clearly shows us that 33.33 % respondents have started their training at the age of 6 to 8 and 44.00 % at the age of 9 to 11. Thus it can be said that the most common and may be the proper age of starting dance training is 6 to 11. Another group of 12.00 % respondents started their training at the age of 12 to 14 and 10.66 % at the age of 15 to 17. Thus one can start learning at the age of 15 to 17 also but it becomes difficuh to complete training at proper age, which is considered as the age of starting a professional career or the age of being independent performer or they may find it difficult to compete with their competitors. The girls who start it at an early age can complete it up to the age of 20, which helps them to develop their vocation. The majority of the respondents have started their training at the proper age. It also shows the consciousness of their parents in this regard.

Thus if one wants to make a career in this field he or she has to start dance training at the early age but if one wants to learn it only as a hobby or as a leisure time activity, he or she can start learning it little later also.

Duration of Respondents' Dance Training:

Respondents were asked one more significant question about their training period that is how many years they have been learning it.

217 Their responses to this question helped to understand the fact that classical dance needs extensive training and it is almost a never- ending process. It indicated their seriousness and commitment to this field.

Table No.6.3.2

The Duration of Respondents' Dance Training

Years No. Of Respondents Percentage

5-7 — — 8-10 16 21.33% 11-13 16 21.33% 15-17 32 42.66 % 19 + 11 14.66% Total 75 100.00%

As the respondents were mostly senior students, all of them have been learning it for more than 8 to 10 years. 21.33 % respondents have been learning dance since last 8 to 10 years. The same proportion of the respondents (21.33 %) is learning it since last 11 to 13 years. 42.66 % respondents are doing it for the last 15 to 17 years and 14.66 % are for a long period of more than 19 years. It reveals the fact that learning dance is an unending process because even well

218 known dancers and esteemed Gurus also say that still they are students and still learning this art. Thus many dancers keep continuing their practice in the same institution from where they have learnt it and they modestly say that they are still learning it. Almost all the respondents have noted that they would continue it for the whole life. They will not leave their Guru. This may be due to the following reasons.

1. Due to the feeling of gratefulness for their Guru they do not want to leave him. 2. Dance training is an unending process. 3. The techniques and science of this art are getting modified all the time that is why they always want to be in touch with their Guru. 4. It may be difficult to make a career alone. Even the modest association with their Guru becomes necessary in order to get help and support from their mates and even from Guru. 5. Continuous practice is very important, which becomes possible by being with the Guru's institution. 6. Sometimes the Guru also needs his well-trained and thus well- established students to be with him either for new projects or to teach younger students or for some other purposes. 7. They all must have accepted the fact that learning classical dance is not an easy task and needs extensive and hard training.

219 Thus all the respondents had completed a prolonged and extensive training. It shows that the younger generation in present times also has a great amount of patience and feelings of devotion towards this art. It also gives us the account of the importance given by them to their profession and the significance of the classical dance in the present society.

Selection of the Particular Field:

While studying any profession it becomes very important to know that whether the person has chosen his profession on his own volition or not. It is an influential factor. It affects on individual's performance, development and obviously his success in life. A person who has chosen a particular professional field on his own than he shows a keen interest in it and makes efforts to achieve some position in this field.

This particular issue is very important as far as the present study is concerned because a person chooses the profession or parents persuade their children to choose a profession, which has some dignity or importance and obviously, which helps its professionals to achieve a good posifion in society. The status of dance ardsts is always fluctuating in India. It has not remained same throughout the history. This issue helped to assess the present status of the dance and dance artists in society.

220 Decision of Selecting This Field for Carrier:

It may be possible that successful and well-known dance artists may not have chosen their profession on their own; somebody else must have persuaded them. In this regard the question was included in the schedule that did they join the dance school on their own volition and responses are as follows.

Table No. 6.3.3

Respondents Decision about Joining a Classical Dance School

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Yes 45 60.00 % No 30 40.00 % Total 75 100.00%

As mentioned earlier, a keen inspiration shown by a large proportion of respondents towards the participation in extra-curricular and cultural activities during the period of education shows their liking or aptitude towards arts. No wonder, a predominant proportion of respondents (viz. 60 %) covered by our survey displayed a keen interest to join the dance school on their own volition. And a comparatively less proportion (viz. 40 %) has not joined it due to their own interest. But somebody motivated them. In spite of it they have

221 decided to choose it as a career and are devotionally trying for that. It may be due to the fact that classical dance in India has that much gravity to attract and involve people especially students towards it.

It may be said that though some respondents have chosen it on their own volition, their parents must have played an important role in this regard, because most of the respondents have started learning it at the early age. Thus it must be their parents' decision that whether to register their daughters in a dance school or not.

Who persuaded them?

Some respondents have answered that they have not chosen the profession on their own volition. Some other persons have motivated them. This point is very important in this regard because in pre independent period the dance artists did not enjoy social status or dignity in society. Moreover the girls belonging to middle and higher middle class and dignified families were not allowed and ready to enter this profession. Their parents or friends never persuaded them to choose this profession. Most probably the ill famed women were engaged in it. On this background this question helped to understand the changing process, which is very significant as far as the present survey is concerned. The change, which is taking place in society since last 50 years is being reflected in the answers to this question.

222 In case of 40 % respondents their parents have persuaded them in choosing this particular profession. This change is a landmark in the process of transformation of Indian classical dance. Such a change helped to survive and sustain these dance forms.

Persuading Reasons:

The respondents who have chosen it on their own were asked one more question in this regard to know the reasons due to which they were attracted towards it and started learning it. They were given some options in order to draw certain conclusions. This question also facilitated to understand the views of girl dancers that helped them to select this profession for their career. While analyzing the information received in response to this question it was taken for granted that though the respondents have started learning dance on their own, their parents must have played an important role in this regard.

223 Table No.6.3.4 Reasons, Which Persuaded Respondents to Learn Dance

Reasons No. of Respondents Percentage Liking 25 55.55 % Hobby 20 44.44 % A good physical exercise 6 13.33% As a leisure time activity 4 08.88 % It will help to become 15 33.33 % independent in future

A multi response table (45 respondents were asked this question who have chosen this profession on their own.)

Table No. 6.3.4 reveals the reasons, which motivated the respondents to learn classical dance. 55.55 % that is more than half of the respondents had liking for dance. The question arises then if they have started learning dance at an early age, how did they develop the liking for this art in such an early age. It may be possible due to the media impact or due to parents' inspiration or it can be said that after starting dance training they must have developed interest in it. The same justification may be applicable to the second option also. 44.44 % respondents noted that they have started learning it as a hobby.

224 13.33 % respondents said that they found dancing a good physical exercise and that is why they have joined a dance school.

8.88 % respondents have started learning it as a leisure time activity. Today's parents are becoming more and more conscious about their children's leisure time activities. Many think that extra curricular activities can be good leisure time activities. They are becoming more conscious about it and started taking interest in the matter. This also shows the growing importance of dance in society.

This quest reveals a changing and welcoming trend that parents are encouraging their children to learn such a traditional art, which was looked down by the society five to six decades ago. Such a change is in favour of classical dance forms in India, which definitely will help these forms to survive and develop in future.

Selection of the Particular Style:

As we have seen earlier, there are seven acknowledged Indian classical dance forms. All are traditional. All are well known but the level of their popularity is not same all over India. Each style is popular in some particular region. For example Kathak is popular in Uttar Pradesh and in Maharashtra. It cannot be seen in Kerala or in Kashmir in such a developed manner. Kathakali and Mohini Attam are popular only in Kerala. Mostly these styles are well appreciated at

225 the places of their origin and in nearby regions. But in the case of Kathak it can be said that though Maharashtra is not the place of origin of Kathak, it has come to Maharashtra and especially got a substantial response in Pune. In the present survey an attempt is made to find out the reasons for the respondents choosing this particular style.

Table No. 6.3.5

Reasons of the Selection of This Particular Style

Reasons No. of Percentage Respondents Parents liked it 22 29.33 % With some particular objective in mind. No particular reason. 40 53.33 % Liking 13 17.33% Due to convenience and 42 56.00 % availability.

A Multi Response Table

Table No. 6.3.5 indicates some of the important tendencies in society regarding dance such as 29.33 % respondents have started learning this particular style because their parents liked it. It is due to

226 the fact that more than 75 % respondents have started learning dance in the age group of 6 to 12. So we can draw a conclusion that the respondents did not have any specific interest in mind before starting their dance training, as they were too young to decide this. Obviously their parents must have decided this. Not even a single respondent has said that she had any particular objective in mind before starting the dance training, such as, to earn money in future or to achieve higher status or to get publicity. 53.33 % respondents have noted that they have started learning Kathak due to some reasons. 17.33 % respondents have started learning Kathak, as they liked this particular style. 56 % that is the majority of the respondents honestly conceded that initially they did not have any knowledge about it. They have just selected the dance school, which was available and convenient to them or just because of the suggestions of relatives or friends.

The above description makes it clear that many people are still unaware about the particularities of classical dance styles. While enrolling their children in a dance school, most of the time people are unaware about the style, its importance, its future and the future of their children. They just enroll their wards in a dance school, which is available and convenient to them.

Some respondents have expressed some other reasons during the discussions with them, that they have started learning Kathak as they were introduced to this particular style in the school. Some schools

227 have started teaching dance as a regular subject. It is a good change that if at least some basic knowledge of these arts is being given in the school, people will be aware of the rich tradition of our society. It will be helpful for sustenance of classical dance.

Dance Examinations and Competitions:

In this section an attempt was made to get information about the career of these respondents in the dance field. The present researcher has tried to find out whether the respondents have appeared for any dance examinations conducted by university or any other equivalent institution. Are there any such institutions, which conduct dance examinations? Does the University conduct such examinations? Is there inclusion of dance as an academic subject? Such issues also helped the researcher to know the present situation of classical dance in society.

In some Universities dance has been included as a regular subject. Students can get their Bachelor's or Master's degree in dance and music. It is being taught in the University of Pune, S. N. D. T. University etc. Universifies, which have established performing Art Centers, conduct the Bachelor and Master Degree courses in Dance, Dramatics and Music.

228 In Maharashtra there is one more very old institution known as Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahvidyalaya (A. B. G. M.), located in Miraj, in Sangli District, which gives training in several Indian classical performing arts such as Dance; Kathak and Bharata Natyam, Music and Instruments etc. and conducts examinations. This institution is well known for its disciplined and quality education. The A. B. G. M. has its centers all over Maharashtra and the examinations of dance (Kathak and Bharata Natyam) and music (vocal and instrumentation) are being conducted twice a year at these centers. The A. B. G. M. and its examinations are so popular that almost all the dance schools allow their students to appear these examinations.

Table No.6.3.6

Respondents Appearing for Dance Examinations

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Appeared for examinations 75 100.00%

Not appeared — — Total 75 100.00%

Table No. 6.3.6 reveals the fact that all (viz. 100 %) the respondents have appeared for the dance examinations conducted by the A. B. G. M. It shows the vitality of examinations in this field and even the consciousness of people regarding dance in society. The girls, who learn dance or wish to make a career in this field appear for

229 these examinations and reputed institutions in society are conducting such examinations. All this highlights increasing status and popularity of classical dance in society. Previously the girls from reputed and educated families were not even allowed to attend dance programmes. Now not only they are learning dance but also are trying to make their careers in dance.

All these respondents have attended the following examinations.

Table No. 6.3.7

Distribution of Respondents by the Examinations They Have Appeared

Name Of The Exam No. of Respondents Percentage B. A. (Pune University) 8 10.66% M. A. (Pune University) 8 10.66% Visharad (A.B.G.M.) 40 53.33 % Alankar (A.B.G.M.) 19 25.33 %

A Multi Response Table

The present table shows that some of the respondents are highly proficient in dance. They have achieved higher degree of excellence in dance from reputed institutions. 10.66 % respondents have attained their Bachelor's degree and the same proportion of respondents has

230 attained Master's degrees from Pune University. 53.33 % that is more than half of the respondents have successfully done Visharad, which is a Bachelor's Degree of A.B.G.M. Another group of 25.33 % respondents have done Alankar from A.B.G.M., which is considered as a Master's degree of A.B.G.M., and is considered a very prestigious degree in this field. Almost 25 % of the total respondents have done it. Some respondents have not yet completed their Visharad but they are in process of doing it. It indicates how much they and their parents are serious and concerned about their careers that they are trying hard for it. Many young girls belonging to higher castes and middle and higher classes are not only engaged in this field but they enjoy families' support and encouragement.

Thus it can be concluded that the students who wish to make their career in this field, appear for such examinations. Rather it has become essential for them. It seems that learning dance and successfully presenting it before the audience is not enough today, but respondents have to have certain qualifications in this field.

Dance Competitions

As we have understood the essentiality and importance of dance examinations, one more existing fact should be taken in to consideration that along with the examinations these students participate in certain competitions conducted by some cultural

23] institutions or by some dance schools or by the organizers of various youth festivals.

Table No. 6.3.8

Participation in Competitions

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Yes 50 66.66 % No 25 33.33 % Total 75 100.00%

Table No. 6.3.8 shows that most of the respondents (Viz.66.66 %) have participated in such competitions. Some of the well-known and prestigious competitions and youth festivals in which the respondents have participated are as follows.

1. Kalyani Karandak 2. Firodia Karandak 3. Dahad Vidya Vardhini 4. Mood Indigo 5. Sursingar Sansad Mumbai 6. Sharada Sangeet 7. Mahima Foundation 8. D. B. Paluskar Award Etc.

232 9. Inter University Youth Festival

A large number of institutions and organizers of such competitions highlight the growing importance and the need of these competitions. In this regard an attempt was made to know the respondents' success in these competitions, which will be helpful to understand growing importance and dignity of dance and dance artists in society. Though the participation in these competitions is important, winning awards in it has become more important. It increases the dancers' status among the competitors. A dance artist gets fame and importance in society, which is considered as a pre requisite for being a successful dance artist.

Table No. 6.3.9

Awards Won by the Respondents

No. Of Awards They Won No. of Percentage Respondents Nil or Not Yet Participated 28 37.33 % Only 1 8 10.66% More Than 1 9 12.00 % 5 Awards 8 10.66% More Than That 22 29.33 % Total 75 100.00%

233 Table No.6.3.9 reveals that 37.33 % respondents have not yet received any awards. 10.66 % have received only one award till now. 12 % have received more than two and 10.66 % have received 5 awards till now. It is remarkable that 29.33 % respondents have told that they have received more than five awards.

Thus it can be said that participating and winning the awards in such competitions has become a part of their pursuits. Almost all the respondents are trying for it. A large number of institutions are organizing such competitions and festivals for which they are getting financial support from society in the form of sponsorships. Some 5 or 6 decades ago people did not encourage these arts and girls and women belonging to well to do families and higher castes were not even allowed to learn dance. However, today exactly the opposite situation can be seen. A major proportion of respondents belong to this group. They are learning dance, taking part in dance competitions and winning awards in such a large number and are being encouraged by their parents, relatives and friends to learn dancing.

Practice During School or College Examinations:

Importance given by the respondents to dance indirectly indicates to some extent the importance given to dance by society. All the respondents in this survey are planning to make a career in this field that is why it becomes important to know how much time they spent

234 on dance or what kind of priority are they giving to dance. This can be gauged from the fact that they keep practicing even during their school or college examinations. This helps to know the level of importance given to dance.

Table No.6.3.10

Practice during School/College Examinations

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Yes 56 74.66 % No 19 25.33 % Total 75 100.00

The data introduces an underlined fact. 74.66 % respondents answered that they continued practicing during their school or college examinations, while 25.33% respondents answered that they were doing it till the date of examinations but not during the examinations as basic academic education was equally important for them. Some respondents have noted that the practice provided them an escape from the routine and they could avoid the monotony that emerged due to continuous study.

235 In order to make a career in any field an individual has to take some extra efforts and do hard work for it. As already seen earlier all the selected respondents were interested in making a career in dance, so it was thought necessary to know what kind of additional efforts they are taking for their successful career, such as extra practice, doing some additional courses, reading more material related to dance and watching the programmes of other dancers etc.

Table No.6.3.11

Extra Efforts Taken by the Respondents

Sr. Options No. of Percentage No. Respondents 1. Hours of practice daily 75 100.00% 2 Learning music, vocal or instrumental 60 80.00 % as it is a prerequisite to be a successful dancer 3 Taking part in various competitions 5o 66.66 % as it gives us confidence 4. Attending various workshops held all 46 61.33% over India

236 5. Watching various programmes of 65 86.66 % eminent dancers 6. Trying to learn new things like new 49 65.33 % styles, new trends etc. 7. Teaching dance to juniors in presence 25 33.33 % of Guru as it helps to develop skills 8. Sometimes academic career has to be 30 40.00 % ignored 9. It is important to be up dated 59 78.66 % 10. Continuously trying to bring 70 93.33 % perfection in style, gestures and hand movements (hastaka)

A Multi Response Table

The table number 6.3.11 gives us an idea about the efforts taken by the respondents while trying to make a career in this field. All the respondents (viz. 100%) agreed that one has to practice hard to succeed in this field. Without long hours of practice daily it is difficult to be a good dance artist. All the respondents believed in hard work.

A huge proportion of 80 % respondents noted that it is necessary for a dancer to learn music, vocal and instrumental at least up to a certain level. To be an expert in Laya (rhythm) and in Tala (bits), it is

237 not just enough to learn dance. It also becomes important to learn singing or playing any basic instrument. While composing choreography the knowledge of music helps a lot. It helps to avoid total dependence of a dance artist on the music director. Thus a dancer can work fast and put his ideas in his creations.

A sizeable number of the respondents (viz. 66.66%) have reported that taking part in the various dance competitions gave them a sense of confidence, which is very important for their profession. As we have seen earlier 66.66 % respondents have already participated in such competitions. Such participation gives them an opportunity to present their art before the audience, which becomes useful in their career.

It seems that active participation in various workshops held all over the country helped them a lot to get the guidance of renowned and proficient Gurus. 61.33 % respondents have attended such workshops.

A preponderant proportion of 86.66 % respondents have agreed to the fact that watching the performances of eminent artists is very important as it gave them a chance to know the styles of other schools'. Most of the respondents said that usually they do not miss the chance of watching such programmes. Sometimes they even travel long distances to attend such programmes. During such occasions they

238 get a chance to meet other upcoming and even senior artists. They can exchange their experiences and know new trends in their field.

65.33 % respondents beheve that learning new styles and new trends is also necessary. It gives a wider view to a dance artist and helps her to overcome the bias or misconceptions about the other styles. It definitely helps the dancer to improve the skills and capacities.

Almost 1/3"' of the respondents (viz. 33.33 %) are teaching dance to the other students in their Guru's school, in the presence of their Guru. According to them it makes them more perfect. While teaching in front of their Gurus they have to be more alert, careful and more perfect, which definitely helps them a lot.

A dance artist needs full concentration, devotion and hard work, in order to become a professional dancer. As the respondents in the present survey are trying to make a career in this field they should try it with full concentration and devotion. It must have affected their studies. 40 % respondents have agreed that sometimes they have to ignore their academic career. In modem days it is not possible to concentrate totally on dance and fully ignore the academic career. This was possible in olden days. Today an individual has to concentrate on studies at least till a certain level of skills is achieved in this field. Thus sometimes they have to concentrate on their studies.

239 But sometimes they have to ignore it also. For example sometimes they have to attend a dance festival or dance competition or they have to appear for a dance examination and due to that they have to neglect their academic career.

As a need of every profession even a dancer also has to update his skills and knowledge otherwise he or she will not be able to stand in competitions. 78.66 % respondents are trying to update themselves by attending workshops or other such programmes.

A very large proportion of 93.33 % respondents believe that they have to try continuously to bring perfection in their styles, gestures and hand movements (Hastaka), which is an important part of this art. A dancer has to be aware of the fact that dancing is a performing art and thus the performance becomes very important.

One significant point that emerges here is that most of the respondents are trying their best to make their careers as dance artists. They are taking all the necessary and possible efforts. It can be concluded that almost all the respondents who want to be known as dancers devoted more or less fully to their profession. Thus their conscious efforts to upgrade themselves show a sign of improvement even in the status of dance and dance artists. The social changes that are taking place in society are responsible for such improvements. Growing competition in all the fields led to the increasing tensions,

240 stresses, loneliness in the life of common people, and to the growing need of leisure time activities, which ultimately results in the growing popularity of ancient Indian arts.

Ambitions of tiie Respondents:

While deciding about fiiture career plans or about a career an individual has to have some ambitions in mind. It is difficult to find a person without any ambition. And especially a person who has already decided about career would definitely have certain ambitions in mind. In the present survey an attempt is made to know the ambitions of the respondents as it becomes necessary while studying about the present position and status of classical dance and dance artists in society. The information received was also very helpful to know the present and future of classical dance in society. It was even useful to study the views of the society about classical dance. The table No.6.3.12 displays the information very effectively.

241 Table No.6.3.12

Ambitions of the Respondents

Sr. Options No. of Percentage Respondents No. 1. To be a dance teacher 58 77.33 % 2. Performing dance at various 56 74.66 % places to make Kathak dance a popular dance form 3. To motivate more and more 32 42.66 % people to learn Kathak dance for the preservation of style 4. To make the dance form popular 16 21.33% all over the world 5. To earn more money, fame and 25 33.33 % status through dance

A Multi Response Table

The respondents were given the above options to choose from. Almost three fourth of the respondents (77.33 %) replied that they wished to be dance teachers. This indicates their dedication towards this art. They want dance to flourish and they wish to contribute to the process. There may be some other reasons also.

1. If they want to be professional dance artists they won't be able to do it alone. They need a group of accompanying dancers, which they would get it from their students.

242 2. If they want to set choreographies they need a group of expert dancers. That is why they need their own well trained students 3. Having one's own dance school helps to be independent. 4. It facilitates to be popular at least in the local areas. 5. It helps to bring stability in life.

Due to all the above-mentioned reasons a majority of the respondents must have been in favour of becoming a dance teacher.

74.66 % respondents wish to popularise dance in society and for that they want to perform their art at various places. At present most of them are performing with their Gurus as it is difficult to perform alone because almost all the respondents are upcoming artists. They all are aware of the fact that this is not an easy task to perform individually. As we have seen before, it needs a strong financial support. In addition to that organizing a programme and getting an audience is also very difficult task. Thus presenting their art at various places in order to make it popular is not an easy task especially in the case of any classical dance form. Still 74.66 % respondents have responded to this option not because they are unaware of the above facts but because they have a strong will to preserve it. It shows their devotion and dedication towards it. Though it is very difficult they are trying to perform at various places. Sometimes they try to get sponsorships or at least they try for it and some time they bear their

243 own expenses. Many times they try to minimise the budget by avoiding extra spending but this is not always possible.

The dance performances help to raise the popularity and dignity of a dance artist in society. On the contrary some decades back particularly in pre independent India, the dance performers were looked down upon and didn't enjoy social dignity. This change is very important for the present study. It has become possible due to the growing importance and status of dance in society.

42.66 % respondents have noted that they wish to motivate more people for learning Kathak dance. They wish to propagate it and they believe that this would be helpful for the preservation and survival of classical dance styles. They especially want to concentrate their efforts on Kathak dance style.

A tiny section of 21.33 % respondents noted that they wish to make the dance form popular all over the world. And a small group of respondents (viz. 12.00 %) have very honestly agreed that they will earn more money, fame and higher social status through the dance. This makes it clear that dance can be a means of livelihood as well as a way to obtain fame and higher status in modern society. It also underlines the social transformation that has taken place. Once dance had lesser dignity in society and that is why dancers were also looked down upon.

244 The analysis of the table No.6.3.12 speaks of the high ambitions of the respondents. Thus it can be concluded that the wishes and the efforts of such young and ambitious dancers definitely would help Kathak to survive and develop in the near future.

Prospects in This Field:

It was thought essential to know the views and ideas of the respondents about their chosen career, their confidence regarding this profession and their choice. In this regard the question was asked to them that do they think that they have good prospects in this field. And their answers to this question gave following information.

Table No.6.3.13

Prospects in This Field

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Yes 75 100.00%

No — — Total 75 100.00%

It is significant to note that all the respondents think that they have good prospects in this field, and that they have chosen a right profession. They all are aware of the fact that they have to work hard.

245 And they are doing the same. It definitely undedines the growing popularity of classical dance in modern society.

Section- 4

Benefits of Dance In personal Life

As it has been discussed earlier that though the classical dance forms are very old and well known in Indian society since many centuries, people are not learning it in large numbers due to some reasons, such as, a stigma attached to dance and dance artists in the past, some are not taking interest in it due to the impact of popular dance, etc. Since last 50 years this art is becoming popular among the elite classes. Girls belonging to these classes have started learning classical dance and parents not only are allowing them to learn it but are also encouraging them. And due to this fact the number of classical dance artists and students is growing day by day, which has led to the easy survival and vigorous development of classical dance. Such a development must have helped people to be aware of the benefits of dance in personal life, which would definitely help classical dance in future.

In the present section an endeavour is made to find out the opinions of the respondents about the benefits of learning dance in

246 personal life. In this regard a question was asked to them that as a dance artist are you getting any advantages in your personal life? It was a close-ended question and respondents were given options, which they had to select if they agree with.

Table No. 6.4.1

Benefits and Advantages of Being a Dancer

Benefits No. of Percentage Respondents Physical fitness. 75 100% Helped in getting more prestige and 42 56.00 % fame among friends and relatives. Got a chance of foreign tour. 40 53.33 % Got a chance of travelling in different 60 80.00 % parts of India. Got a chance of performance on T. V. 45 60.00 % As a dancer got a chance of meeting 56 74.66 % different people who are well known and honourable in different fields. Dance has helped to achieve the higher 41 54.66 % status in society.

A Multi Response Table

247 Table number 6.5.1 clearly indicates that all the 75 respondents (Viz. 100 %) have replied that dance has helped them to keep physically fit. Definitely it is a very good exercise and all the respondents are doing daily practice in order to make a career in this field. Thus all of them think that they are physically fit and only regular and hard practice has made it possible. It is a fact that rapidly changing lifestyle has resulted in the growth in mental and physical stresses and dance definitely helps to minimize it as it releases mental stress also.

More than half of the respondents (56 %) believed that they are getfing more importance and fame among their friends and relatives because of the fact that they are dance artists and doing something different and great, which everybody cannot do.

A third possible benefit is that as a dance artist whether the respondents have got a chance of foreign tour. A very interesting fact that has come out was, more than half of the (viz. 53.33 %) respondents have already got the chance of a foreign tour for their dance performances. The respondents, who have not yet got such chance, some of them have mentioned that after achieving certain position in this field, they will definitely get such an opportunity in future.

248 Those, who have got such a chance, have visited the U. S., Japan, Singapore, U. A. E., Thailand, Russia, Malaysia and some countries in Europe. Some of them have visited to more than two countries also. Some have got the chance due to their personal contacts and efforts while some have gone with their Gurus. The important thing is that all of them believed that only because of dance they have got such a chance.

80 % respondents have noted that they have got a chance of travelling to different parts of India for dance performances, workshops, competitions and for different dance festivals. Such travelling helped to make them more confident, bold and has given them a lot of experience, which they would not have got without it.

One more important option in regard to the present study was given to them and it is very attention grabbing that 60 % of the total respondents have got a chance to perform on Television. Television is an effective means of communication. It gives more public exposure to the artist within a short period of time. Many people watch T. V. programme at a time. And performing on television has attained a great significance in society in these days. It needs to be underlined the fact that though less in number, classical dance performances are also been presented on T. V. channels these days.

249 The respondents have got the chance of meeting various people because they are dance artists. Such people may be well-known and honourable artists, politicians, film actors, film producers, industrialists or businessmen. Sometimes such meetings may help them for their future career. A substantial proportion of 74.66 % that is almost three-fourth of the respondents have experienced it.

As one of the major objectives of the present study is to ascertain the status of dance artists in present society, it becomes necessary to know whether they have achieved any particular status in society as an artist. It has revealed that all the above-mentioned benefits, which the respondents are enjoying as classical dancers, have helped them to achieve certain status in society. It not only helped them in attaining higher status but also to keep them physically and mentally fit, to be confident and to be positive towards life. According to them these are the most important benefits they have acquired only because of the fact that they are classical dancers.

While discussing about the benefits enjoyed by the dance artists it also becomes necessary to find out the difficulties faced by them in this field.

250 Difficulties Faced by Them:

It is necessary to know the difficulties; they have faced while making a career in this field and how they have overcome them. In this regard the question 'whether they have faced any difficulties while making a career in this field' was included in an interview schedule. This also helped to understand whether there are any such situations, which still may create some problems for dance artists even in modem days.

Table No. 6.4.2 Did you face any difficulty while making a career in this field?

Options No. of Respondents Percentage Yes 37 49.33 % No 38 50.66 % Total 75 100.00%

The above table clearly indicates that half of the respondents (49.33 %) have faced certain difficulties while half (50.66 %) did not have any difficulty in this field. In-depth discussions held with the respondents helped to know the difficulfies faced by them while making a career in this field. Many of the respondents have discussed their difficulties in detail. The striking fact that has come out of the

251 survey is the respondents have faced quite similar difficuhies. Their main difficuhy is related to financial matters. As it has been already discussed earlier, learning classical dance is an expensive affaire and those who don't have good financial background, faced such a problem. The high rates of fees of dance schools, expensive costumes, charges to be paid to musicians, examination fees and fees of various workshops are the necessary and unavoidable expenses in an early stage. After that if a student decides to make a career in this field, these expenses grow gradually. Such as buying necessary musical instruments, appointing musicians for regular practice, a place for own dance school and for practice, costumes, travelling, make up kit, organization of performance and many other things. No doubt that they start earning at this stage but their earning is often less than the expenditure in the initial stage of their career. Thus they need financial support from the family. And if it is not possible this situation becomes problematic. In spite of their efforts and caliber they lag behind their competitors.

The responses of a small group of respondents in this regard are also very significant. Although they have said that it can be solved with some efforts up to certain extent others did not agree to it. They have mentioned that it is not that easy to overcome the problem.

252 Thus it can be concluded that the main problem faced by half of the respondents is a financial problem. Now a days Government and some private institutions have started giving scholarships to the students for higher education in dance. Albeit, this has helped to solve the problems to some degree, however it has not been fully solved. Hence the classical dance is becoming a reserve of financially well to do people.

One more major fact came out of the survey is that the respondents have faced only financial problems. It may mean that the problem related to stigma attached to dancing has become inactive today. Nobody has mentioned it. It underlines rise in the status of classical dance and dance artists in society.

Section -5

Relationship between Classical Dance and Popular Dance

While discussing the issues related to the survival, preservation and development of Kathak Dance and the impact of social conditions on it, it would be apt to think about some popular dance styles such as film dance, modern dance and imitation of western dance. We have seen that the classical dance styles have maintained their importance and impact as well as popular dance styles also have a greater impact

253 on society. This impact is also growing day by day. The popular dance has become a threat to classical dance since long back. It is necessary to find out the reasons and factors that are responsible for it.

Some factors have guided the changes in the patterns of leisure. Some of these factors are social mobility, migration, urbanization, development in technology and media and intensity of culture contacts fi"om within and outside the country. Further the younger generation in society is intensely motivated towards new patterns of leisure and recreation. Such changes have eroded the elements of humanism; free self-expression, participatory communication and institutionalized collective sharing. The social and human character of leisure is damaged by these developments. The symbolic relationship between work and leisure is vanished. Leisure has turned into a commodity and started to be bought and sold in the market. But such changes have introduced several contradictory trends in the form of leisure. Though the changes have begun to take place the traditional pattern still exists.

After Independence, especially after 70s popular dance started becoming more popular. It may be due to the impact of modernization, westernization, growing popularity of Bollywood films and film dances and the development of mass media, mainly television. We have seen earlier that popular art is a saleable art and is treated as a commodity product, which can be purchased and sold in

254 the market. Though not enduring, it has a massive impact on people. One more reason that makes popular dance more popular is, these dances can be easily learnt and presented. Developments in media have played an important role in its publicity. Though the classical dance is surviving, or is adapting to social changes the popular dance is growing strong. It is not only happening in the domain of dance in urban areas but also in rural areas. The folk theatre groups, the artists and traditional entertainers are speedily vanishing by new developments and social transformations. And those who are surviving are adopting popular art as their art of presentation.

Television is rapidly entering into the spheres of leisure. Despite preserving traditions, it is encouraging material values and market culture through its programmes. According to Yogendra Singh, it would threaten and rupture the cultural and social objectives of modernization of our society.

Thus it can be said that today the popular dance has an immense impact on society and many factors are responsible for it. Today the most popular pattern of dance in Indian society is the film dance. It has a greater impact on society. Although popularity of classical dance is growing in India as well as in other parts of the world, popular dance is frightening classical dance. Along with film dance popular dance includes semi classical, western and modem dance styles. Bollywood films have developed its own style of dance that is

255 well popular in society and people appreciate it to a great extent. It includes mainly the imitation of classical, folk and western dance styles and some general body movements, some of which are very vulgar and cheap. And the mass media has helped to popularise it. However, it is also remarkable that the impact and importance of classical dances in society too is increasing slowly but steadily. Number of classical dance schools and students is also growing. Thus it can be said that the popularity of both the styles; popular dance and classical dance is growing but the level of popularity is different.

Growing impact of popular dance has become a barrier in the development of classical dance. Here an attempt is made to know from the respondents the reasons that are responsible for the growing impact and influence of popular dance and its consequences on classical dance. A question was asked with twelve options as replies. It was a closed ended question. Respondents could respond to more than one fact.

256 Table No.6.5.1

Do you agree to the following facts about dance?

Facts Yes No

No. Percentage No. Percentag e

Due to media film dance has 75 100.00% — — become more popular. Attractive costumes, famous 56 74.66 % 8 10.66% film actors and fabulous *(not sure) *11 music have made film dance 14.66% more appreciable. People like film dance more 56 74.66 % 14 18.66% than classical dance because *5 06.66 anybody can do these dances by imitating it. Common people find it 68 90.66 % 7 09.33 % difficult to understand classical dance. Due to this reason they do not like it. Learning classical dance 60 80.00 % 9 12.00% needs more time and *6 *(not sure)

257 patience, which all people do 08 .00% not have. Thus the number of students learning it is limited. Learning classical dance is an 45 60.00 % 30 40.00 % expensive task. Due to the growing interest in 60 80.00 % * *(Not classical dance, number of 15 sure) students learning it is also 20.00 % growing. The impact of classical dance 61 81.33% *14 * 18.66% will also keep growing in society. Thus all these dance styles will maintain their popularity in society. There are different classes of 59 78.66 % 8 10.66% people in society having *8 * 10.66% liking towards different types of dance styles. People like some particular 57 76.00% 7 09.33% popular dances very much. *11 * 14.66% But these dances loose their impact very soon. Still some people feel it bore 62 82.66 % 9 12.00%

258 to learn classical dance but *4 *5.33 % they appreciate popular dance. Up to some extent the use of 60 80.00 % 15 20.00 % classical dance in films has made the classical dance familiar to common people.

A multi choice question

* Not sure or can't give any opinion.

Table No.6.4.1 helps us to understand many important facts. All the respondents (Viz. 100%) agreed that media has played an important role in popularizing film dance (Bollywood dance). Today almost all the entertaining T. V. channels give importance to film dance. They conduct film dance competitions, choreography competitions etc. based on film songs. Such programmes are getting tremendous response from the people from all sections of society. Some popular T. V. channels continuously telecast the programmes that are related to Bollywood films, which definitely influence people. After watching it many times viewers develop a liking towards it.

Second option was that "the attractive costumes, famous film actors and magnificent music have made film dances more

259 appreciable." A sizeable number of the respondents that is 74.66 % agreed to the fact. Many Hindi films are high budget films. Expensive and attractive costumes and fabulous music make them more attractive. In addition to that due to the participation of leading, popular and famous film actors, audience likes them. It is evident that there is domination of consumerist values and market culture in television programmes. Many times people rely on mass media for the entertainment and Government depends on it for the promotion of culture. It is happening in the field of dance in India. The audience is greatly impressed by the attractive costumes, music and performances of the famous film actors than the quality of art they present.

Some respondents have expressed the view that the costumes and music of classical dance are also very attractive but if one compares it with film dance, one easily realises the reasons for these differences. There is a variety of music and musical instruments used in films and costumes used are very expensive and attractive, which is appreciated very much by the audience. Though there is a possibility of variation in music in classical dance there are certain limitations of traditions and customs. Furthermore classical dance artist can't even afford to have famous and expert musicians to accompany them for their performance. It definitely affects the quality of their performance and the degree of appreciation by the audience. One more important fact is that an individual dancer is not always able to buy new costumes.

260 The vulgarity that is visible in film dances is not visible in classical dance and sometimes it makes popular dance more popular in society. Particular class in society may like this and it helps popular dance to be more popular. On the contrary there is not even a sign of vulgarity in any of the classical dance style. And the dancers never try to attract people towards them, as was in the case of Devadasis of particular period and the dancers in Mughal courts. Thus one should not compare the individual classical dance artist or a small dance troupe with a dancer in Bollywood films.

Though 74.66 % respondents agreed to the statement, an insignificant group of the 10.66 % respondents denied the statement saying that they do not agree to it. And a tiny proportion of the 14.66 % respondents were not sure about the statement so they have not expressed their views regarding it.

The third option given to them was "people like classical dance because anybody can do it by imitating it." 74.66 % of the total respondents agreed to the statement. They were of the view that people who like to dance can watch it on T.V. or on Video and imitate it. As market culture has gained an importance in society, everybody seeks for instant results. Thus popular dance is becoming trendier these days.

261 At the same time 10.66 % of the respondents disagreed to the statement. According to them this may not be the reason for the popularity of these dance forms. There may be some other elements, which determine the popularity of these dance styles. A small group of 5.66 % of the respondents could not express their views regarding it. According to them it is difficult to say conclusive about the factors that are responsible in determining the popularity of various dance forms.

The fourth statement in the table 4.4.1 was "Common people find it difficuh to understand and appreciate classical dance. Due to this reason they do not like it." A considerable proportion of the respondents (Viz. 90.66 %) have approved it. All of them believed that most of the people do not understand classical dance so they cannot enjoy it. While a small proportion of 9.33 % respondents did not agree with the statement. Some of them have mentioned that to agree with the statement means to agree that those who like classical dance also understand it, which is not always true.

"Learning classical dance needs more time and patience, which all people generally do not have. Thus the number of classical dance artists is limited." It was the fifth statement that has been included in the schedule. It is a known fact that learning classical dance is a task of patience, as it needs an extensive training. 80 % of the total respondents believed that the present statement is true while 12 % did

262 not think so and a small proportion of the 8 % of the respondents could not express their views as they were not sure.

"Learning classical dance is an expensive task" was the sixth statement that has been given to the respondents to respond to. It has been already mentioned that learning classical dance is an expensive task. Fees of dance schools and other expenses are unavoidable. And classical dance training is a prolonged process. Film dances can be learnt easily even by watching movies. Thus people like light dances like film dance or some other forms of modem dance. 60 % of the respondents agreed to the statement while 40 % disagreed while saying that now a day there is a new trend in society of learning film dances from a choreographer, whose fees are also very high. And the number of people learning such type of dance is increasing day by day.

The next option that was given to them that "the number of people having interest in classical dance is growing day by day so the number of students learning it is also growing." 80 % of the respondents assented to the statement and a small group of 20 % that is one fifth of the respondents refused to agree to the statement. No doubt that number of students learning classical dance is growing but if the ratio of the classical dance students to the total population is measured, then it can be said that this number is less. Though the number of people having interest in classical dance is growing, at the same time

263 popularity of film and other modern dance styles in society is also growing. The events and competitions of film dances are being organized in large numbers than those of the classical dance. Famous and so-called prestigious groups organize such events and they get sponsorships also. Thus it can be said that today there is more fascination for film dance than the classical dance forms in society.

It reveals the fact that though the number of students learning classical dance is growing day by day, the other dance forms are also getting popularity in society these days.

The next acceptable fact was that "the impact of classical dance forms will also keep growing in society like film dance or modern dance." Thus all these dances (classical as well as popular) will maintain their popularity in society among different sections of population.

A small proportion of respondents (viz. 18.66 %) believed that it is difficuh to predict about this situation. It may be possible or may not be. In other words they were not sure about the statement.

It is remarkable that a large proportion of 81.33 % respondents assented to the statement that as classical dance forms are surviving in society since last many centuries, definitely there must be some potentials that are helping them to survive. At the same time these

264 other styles are also attracting people towards themselves, this situation has made it possible to conclude that all those styles including classical dance will exist and maintain their standard and popularity in society with a little difference.

The ninth statement in the table 6.4.1 is that "there are different classes of people in society having liking towards different types of dance forms." An analysis of the replies furnished by the respondents shows that more than three fourth (viz. 78.66 %) of them have indicated that each dance form has its own class of audience. Popularity and the status of that particular style depend on the size of that class in total population of the society, their tastes, choices, recent fashion trends in society, impact of that particular class, etc.

A minute proportion of the respondents that is a group of only 10.66 % respondents disagreed to the statement while the same number of the respondents (viz. 10.66 %) could not give any opinion about the statement. Thus they could not express their views about it.

One more important issue that was discussed with them was "people like some particular film dances or some modern dance forms very much but these dances do not have long lasting impact on society."

265 A substantial proportion of the respondents (Viz. 76 %) agreed to the statement as it can be easily experienced in the society. Any popular film dance looses its impact after some days. People quickly forget it after a new arrival. But this doesn't happen in case of classical dance. These dance forms have steadily maintained their popularity in society. Though classical dance does not have a huge audience, it has maintained itself for many centuries.

A minute proportion of 9.33 % respondents did not agree to the statement. Some of them have mentioned that some famous film dances have a greater impact on society for more than two three decades. And rests 14.66 % of the total respondents felt it difficult to comment anything on the statement.

The respondents were asked to react to the statement that "some people feel that it is boring to learn classical dance but they appreciate film or modern dances as they are easier to learn, and are more popular and attractive."

A sizeable proportion of 82 % of the respondents very honestly agreed to the fact that there is a large section of people in society which does not have any liking for classical dance as they find it boring and charm less because they do not understand it or they may think about it as old fashioned and time consuming.

266 Another statement, which is included in the table is, "popular dance has helped classical dance to reach the common man and in a way it has helped classical dance to develop in society up to some point."

The most important fact coming out of respondents' responses is that film dance should not always be criticized as to some extent it is useful for propagating classical dance styles in society. Though it has a face of vulgarity it also helps in surviving a rich cultural heritage of Indian society in the form of Indian classical dance styles. Still there are many people in India who do not know what classical dance exactly is; they never watch programmes of classical dance. In case of such people, inclusion of classical dances in films becomes more important in order to propagate them. That is why 80 % of the respondents agreed to the statement. They are thankful to films for this. There are many such films, which are based on classical dance and people have appreciated those films, such as Naache Mayuri, Payal Kee Zankar, Chitralekha, V. Shantaram's Zanak Zanak Payal Baje, etc.

20 % of the respondents did not agree to it. They may not be sure about the significance of film dance in this regard. According to them such films are very less in number. Most of the times, the gestures, expressions, costumes and wording of the songs in films are vulgar. Many times people who are unaware of the classical dance styles may

267 think that the dance in general is vulgar and girls in dignified families should not do this. They may judge classical dance on the background of film dance. In this way film dances could be responsible for the devaluation of classical dance styles. Thus they did not agree to the statement.

The above analysis helped to find out many existing facts about classical dance and film dance and the impact of popular dance on classical dance. This analysis depicts the clear picture about the interrelationships and present position of various dance forms in society.

In this section the impact of popular dance on classical dance and interrelationship between them has been analysed. Sometimes exactly opposite kind of situation is also seen in society. The other dance forms have their impact on classical dance and they affect classical dance forms, sometimes classical dance also has its impact on popular dance and it also sometimes affects popular dance. So it also becomes necessary to analyse the impact of classical dance on film or popular dance.

268 Impact of classical dance on film dance and relationship between these two dance styles:

As it has been cleared that there is an impact of fihn and modern dances on classical dance in society. It is also a fact that classical dance also has its impact on popular dance. Some film dances are based on classical dance, some are semi classical or some dances are mere imitation of classical dance styles. Thus it can be said that definitely there is an impact of classical dance forms on film dances. As the classical dance forms are related to Indian culture and traditions, some elements in it are being reflected in Indian films because the film stories are also related to society. Producers and directors include classical dance even in some new films, in which modern lifestyle has been shown. Thus it is clear that there is an impact of classical dance on film dance, which indirectly shows the impact of classical dance on society. In this regard the respondents were given some factual statements and they were asked to express their views in two options, yes and no.

269 Table No.6.5.2

Impact of Classical Dance on Film Dance and Relationship between these two Dance Styles

Statements Yes No No. Percentage N Percentage 0. Sometimes only costumes 75 100% of classical dance are used in films but the dance is not classical. Sometimes film dance 70 93.33 % 5 6.66 % includes gestures and movements of classical dance but the dance is not classical. Every time the story or the 63 84% 12 16% theme of the film doesn't require classical dance to be used in it. If a particular story needs 56 74.66 % 19 25.33 % classical dance to be included in it, director tries to set pure classical dance. Film dance and classical 24 32% 51 68%

270 dance are totally two different categories and they don't affect each other. Themes and stories and film 40 53.33 % 35 46.66 line itself have its own limitations due to which pure classical dances cannot be set in films. Film is a specific type of 54 72% 21 28% medium in which a story or theme decides that what type of dance to be set in it.

Multi response table

Many vital facts have come out from the analysis of the above table. It reveals that up to some extent classical dance styles also have their impact on film dances and more important is that there is a definite relationship between them. Both of these dance forms have helped each other up to some extent and up to some level both of them have created problems or obstacles in each other's way. Both the styles have emerged in society and society itself has tried to maintain and develop both the styles. These styles have different origins, different backgrounds and histories; they differ in each and every aspect. However, there is a particular relationship between them and

271 the impact of classical dance styles on films dance also can be easily examined.

The table 6.4.2 shows that 100 % respondents have approved to the first statement that "sometimes only the costumes of classical dances are used in film dance but the dance is not classical." It happens in many cases that the film actors and actresses use the costumes of classical dance, which creates the conflision in the minds of the people unaware of the classical dance that this is a classical dance. This is because of sheer attraction and impact of classical dance on film directors, dance directors, costume designers and on the audience, due to which they advise the use of such costumes. Traditional costumes of such dance forms are used in many films. Even today these customs can be seen in films. It shows the impact of classical dance forms on films or film dance. In other words it shows its impact on society. All the 75 that are 100 % respondents have accepted the fact. All the respondents are classical dance artists and know very well about the other forms also. They are thus easily able to point out whether a certain type of costume belongs to any of the classical dance forms or not. There are very few cases of inclusion of pure classical dance styles in films, for example V. Shantaram's Zanak Zanak Payal Baje. However such films are very few in number.

The second statement that was given to the respondents in this regard was "sometimes film dance includes some gestures and

272 movements of classical dance but the dance is not classical." Many times along with the costume hand movements, gestures and mudras (hand gestures) of classical dance are used in film dance. Many times gestures and mudras from two or three different classical dance forms are picked up. Some times costume of one dance form and gestures of another classical dance form are mixed up in the films. It creates an illusion of classical dance to the people who are totally unfamiliar to classical dance. A substantial proportion of 93.33 % respondents agreed to the fact that many times it is done in films and it definitely creates an illusion of classical dance before the common people. As they do not know much about classical dance, they cannot easily differentiate between pure classical, semi classical and film dances. At the same time 6.66 % of the total respondents disagreed to the fact. They were of the view that such a use of the costumes and gestures of the classical dance doesn't create an illusion of classical dance. But such use of costumes definitely expresses common people's attraction towards classical dance and its impact on them.

The next statement in this regard was "every time the story or the theme of the film doesn't require classical dance." Respondents have made it clear through their responses that film dance is not always an imitation of classical dance as the story doesn't require it every time. Film dance is totally a different style of dance, which has been developed in 20 century especially after 70s which too has become

273 very popular in society. It won't be an exaggeration if it has been said that film dances become more popular than the various classical dance forms. A sizeable proportion of 84 % of the respondents agreed to the statement while 16 % disagreed. According to the majority (84%), many times irrespective of the requirements of the story, some movements and gestures of classical dance have been included in films. It shows the impact of classical dance on film dances as well as the relationship between them.

The fourth statement given as an option was "if a particular story needs classical dance to be included in it, a dance in pure classical form is used in the films." It is not true that always there is an imitation of classical dance in films. Sometimes pure classical dances are set in films. Though their number is less, such films and dances have become very popular. 74.66 % of the total respondents have agreed to the fact while one fourth of the respondents that is 25.33 % have disagreed, as they were of the view that these are some exceptional cases.

The fifth statement in the table is "film dance and classical dance forms are totally two different tasks and they don't affect each other." The analysis of the table shows that only one-third that is only 32 % respondents agreed to the fact and two-third, 68 % respondents were not of the view that these are totally two different tasks. They were sure about the fact that these are two different tasks but they have

274 always affected each other. Fihn producers have always used contents of classical dance in film dance due to which common people think that these are not two different forms. They are not aware about what classical dance is and therefore cannot make out that film dance is different than classical dance. Thus according to 68 % respondents this statement does not have any sense as far as the common people are concerned. The comparison between these two styles only has an importance for the classical dance artists, researchers and critiques.

The next statement in this regard, which has been approved by 53.33 % and disapproved by the 46.66 % of the total respondents was "themes and stories of films and even film line itself have its own limitations due to which pure classical dances cannot be set in films every dme." It means that nearly half of the respondents believed the above-mentioned statement, that even if the film directors and producers wish they won't be able to set pure classical dance forms in films due to several limitations. Such as choices of the audience, theme of the film, type of music that is in fashion, capacity and skills of the actors and actresses, period of the story, available time for the practice and many more. 46.66 % respondents felt that undoubtedly there are limitations; still the use and quality of classical dance in films can be increased up to some extent, which will be helpful for classical dance forms to seek more popularity.

275 This statement shows the interdependence and interrelationship between these two types of dance. Though the classical dance forms have been surviving for many centuries and film dance has emerged in the last century, at present films can help classical dance to survive and develop more effectively, as it is a popular form of media. Thus film dance can help classical dance in one way by showing classical dance styles wherever and whenever it is possible in order to preserve this cultural heritage. On the contrary films can fade them away by spoiling them also.

The seventh statement in this regard was "films are a specific type of medium in which a story or the theme decides what type of dance to be set in it." A substantial proportion of 72 % of the respondents felt that if the story or the theme of the film doesn't require the classical dance to be incorporated in it and if it is included irrespective of the need the story will lose its effect. At the same time 28 % of the respondents dissented to the statement. They were of the view that though the above statement is true the use of classical dance in films can be increased definitely.

This section gives a clear idea about the present situation regarding the relationship between classical dances and film dance. It also gives us the idea about the predominance and impact of film dances in society and its effects on classical dances. Film dance or popular dance has given a challenge to classical dance styles in recent

276 years, due to which classical dance artists will have to take more efforts for the preservation and development of these forms. At the same time this challenge has motivated classical dancers to develop themselves and their art. The important facts, which have been emerged from the present section, are as follows.

1. Though the number of classical dance schools and students learning classical dance is growing, film dances are becoming more popular. 2. Learning classical dance is an expensive task. That is why people belonging to the lower class or lower middle class cannot afford to learn it. It leads to the growing popularity of film dances. 3. Anybody can do film dances only by watching it on T. V. or with the help of a short training. This is one of the reasons of its popularity. 4. Learning classical dance is a prolonged process, thus people prefer to learn film dances. 5. Most of the people do not understand classical dance so they like to watch film dance. Hence, classical dance programmes do not get a large audience easily while the popular dance programmes get more response and popularity due to which such programmes get funds or sponsorships easily. Thus at present film dance has become more popular than the classical dance.

277 6. Due to some factors, such as expensive costumes, jewellery, splendid music, huge advertisements, popular artists, etc. popular dance has becomes more popular.

In spite of these consequences there are some positive signs also. They are as follows.

1. In spite of large number of obstacles, the classical dance forms are not only surviving in society but they are also developing and flourishing vigorously. 2. Though film dances are more popular, their impact is not enduring. People forget them after a new arrival. 3. Though the film dance is more popular, definitely there is an impact of classical dance on it. In many film dances the costumes and hand gestures of classical dance styles are used and such dances have got amazing popularity. Thus both the dances are helping each other as well as creating obstacles in each other's development. In this way there is interdependence and interrelationship between these two types. 4. Film dance and classical dance are totally different dance styles so the comparison between them cannot be done. 5. Apart from the popularity of film dance, classical dance has achieved a higher dignity.

278 Thus with the help of this particular section these above mentioned facts could be drawn which can be considered very important facts as far as the present study is concerned. These facts show the present situation of different dance styles in Indian society, as well as the exact position and importance of classical dance forms.

Section—6

Present and Future of Classical Dance and Dance Artists

In the present study an attempt is made to find out the relationship between classical dance and society in past, present and future. In earlier chapters the past of classical dance has been discussed. In this section, the present and future of Kathak dance, as a representative of classical dance is being discussed. This quest made it possible to understand the relationship between dance and society and the present and future of classical dance.

Present Position of Classical Dance:

In order to understand the present of classical dance, respondents were given some statements stating about the present and future of Kathak Dance and they were asked to tick on the statement they agree with. Table No. 6.6.1. helps to understand the respondents' views in this regard.

279 Table No.6.6.1

Present Position of Classical Dance

Sr Statements, Stating About the No. of Percentage Present of classical Dance Respondents N

0. 1. Classical dance is becoming more 75 100.00% and more popular and is spreading in the wider circle. 2. Status of dance artists is 75 100.00% improving day-by-day, thus middle class and upper class girls have started learning classical dance. 3. Dancers are becoming financially 60 80.00 % independent, thus more students are trying to make a career in it. 4. Many students start learning 15 20.00% dance due to the mere attraction of fame.

280 5. The attraction of films and film 75 100.00% dance is greater than classical dance even today. 6. Academic career is given more 60 80.00 % importance in society. 7. Classical dance is used to create 72 96.00 % awareness about evils in society as a medium. 8. People are becoming more aware 48 64.00 % of the benefits of classical dance. 9. In many foreign countries Indian 68 90.66 % classical dance forms are becoming popular and many foreigners have started learning it.

A multi response table

The analysis of the table No. 6.6.1 gives us the clear idea about the present position of Kathak Dance as a representative of classical dance. It is very gratifying to note that all the respondents agreed to the first statement that the classical dance is spreading in a wider circle. In India, classical dance has created its own space and has achieved certain position in society, and becoming popular in many other countries also such as U. S. A., Australia, Russia, and Japan and

281 in some of the Gulf countries. There are many established Kathak dance institutions, which are trying there to develop it.

Another statement, which has been given in this regard, has been also approved by all the respondents (Viz. 100 %). According to them definitely the status of classical dance artists is improving and that is why the girls belonging to middle class and upper class families have started learning dance. As it has been mentioned earlier that in past the girls belonging to socially low level families and girls and women of ill fame only used to dance. But now a days dance has not just regained its dignity but there is a great deal of improvement in the status of classical dance artists in society. It seems that learning classical dance has now become a status symbol to some extent in society.

The next statement, which has been included in the table, was "dance helps artists in becoming financially independent, and so more students are trying to make a career in it." In these days it has become necessary for every person to earn money and become financially independent. Earning money as a classical dance artist is becoming a very dignified way of earning for living. A substantial proportion of 80 % respondents agreed to the statement. As most of the respondents in the present survey are earning money with the help of dance, they have agreed to the fact.

282 The next option given was, "many students start learning classical dance due to the mere attraction of fame attached to it." A striking reality that came out of it is only 20 % respondents agreed to the statement. It seems that it may not be a very important reason for learning classical dance because learning classical dance and becoming famous and earning money is not very easy task. It has been already mentioned that it needs hard work, patience and devotion. Thus this may not be the prominent factor motivating the students to learn classical dance.

Another statement included as an option to the question was, "there is more attraction towards film and film dance than classical dance." And all the respondents have agreed to it. No doubt there is more attraction towards film dance. Many factors are responsible for it. Such as attraction of film actors and actresses, nice-looking costumes, fabulous music, wonderful locations, popularity of film songs and simple steps to imitate. All these factors help film dance to be more popular. On the contrary, classical dance is very difficult to learn, time consuming, and expensive. Thus people easily get attracted towards film dance rather classical dance.

An attempt was made to find out whether the academic career is given more importance in society. A sizable number of respondents that is 80 % have agreed to it. There are still many people in society who think that there is no problem in learning classical dance as a

283 hobby but their children should not choose it as a career. That is why they do not allow their children to ignore their academic career. Many students learning classical dance (those who are not intended to make a career in it), cannot pay adequate attention to their dance training during their school or college examinations. They leave it during their important academic years that are when they are in lO"" or 12"^ standards. It proves the statement that still the academic career is given more importance and preference in society.

Importance of anything depends on its usefulness. This is true about classical dance also. That is why the statement about the usefulness of classical dance has been included in the table. More precisely it can be said that this statement was included with the view to find out the social function of classical dance in present situation. The statement was, "classical dance is used to create awareness about evils in society as a medium". And a sizable number of respondents (Viz. 96%) have approved the statement. Many respondents have specifically mentioned that dance has proved to be useful in society in numerous ways. The functions of folk and tribal dances and its importance in society are quite evident. When the art of classical dance emerged, it also started performing certain functions in society. They have performed several religious and spiritual functions in society. But in the process of social change societies are becoming more and more complex. Many social problems are coming forward.

284 Some of them have taken a very serious mode. They have become unmanageable. Formal means of social control are unable to control them, in such circumstances informal means of social control have become important, such as norms, customs, mores and folkways along with the local and folk arts. Today these classical dance forms are also acting as an effective tool to tackle some of the problems. Some classical dance artists have performed in world peace conference; some have set choreographies related to some social problems in order to create awareness about dowry, HIV-Aids, domestic violence, gender inequality etc. Several well-known dance artists have performed in various charity shows. Thus it can be said that the classical dance styles are becoming useful in society as far as its social functions are concerned.

Table number 6.6.1 indicates that a substantial proportion of 64 % respondents believed that today people are becoming more aware of the benefits of classical dance. It seems that there are certainly some advantages of being a classical dancer as it has been discussed earlier, and no doubt people are becoming aware of it. Thus more students are getting attracted towards it.

As it is a known fact that today classical dace forms have got popularity in many foreign countries and many foreigners have started learning it. It seems that even the foreigners have realized the advantages of it. A large proportion of 90.66 % respondents have

285 agreed to the fact. This statement definitely throws a light on the present situation of classical dance in society. It is not only the younger generation in India but the foreigners are also attracted towards it. However the respondents have admitted that still the number of foreign students is very less.

The analysis of the table 6.6.1 helps to understand the present position of classical dance in general and of Kathak in particular. The higher status of classical dance in society, its growing popularity and growing awareness of people about it are all good signs in favour of classical dance. It even helps us to visualize the future of the classical dance in general.

Obviously the picture of classical dance in society would remain incomplete without the discussions about its future. It is difficult to predict anything about a social phenomenon. But the extensive study and respondents' views can be helpful in giving some clues. Especially the respondents in the present survey are experienced artists and are engaged in dance related activities for about ten years, definitely they are able to predict about the near future of classical dance.

286 Future of Classical Dance:

The respondents were given some statements about the future of classical dance to see their views. They were asked to respond to the statements. The respondents' views about the future of classical dance can be assessed from the table No. 6.6.2.

Table No. 6.6.2

Future of Classical Dance

Sr. Statements About the Future of No. of Percentage No. Classical Dance Respondents 1. Indian classical dance forms will 61 81.33% spread and develop all over the world 2. Learning classical dance will help 48 64.00 % artists to become financially independent. 3. The number of students learning it 56 74.66 % will definitely grow. 4. The attraction of film dance and 32 42.66 % modern dance will remain always more than the classical dance. 5. Academic career and dance will 56 74.66 %

287 be given equal importance in society. 6. Classical dance will be included in 49 65.33 % University and school education. 7. There will be necessity of some 55 73.33 % measures to maintain the quality and tradition of classical dance forms. 8. The new technology will be 24 32.00 % available for the effective presentation of dance in near future. 9. Dance will be useful as an 57 76.00 % effective aid to deal with major social problems through its impressive presentation, such as dowry, population explosion, alcoholism, drug addiction, social unrest and different social problems related to family, children, women, etc.

A Multi Response Table

288 Table number 6.6.2 helps us to infer about the future of classical dance in India. All the experienced respondents have expressed their views very responsibly. So something exclusively said about the future of dance.

The first statement in this regard was, "Indian classical dance forms will spread and develop all over the world" has been approved by 81.33 % respondents. No doubt that classical dance forms will spread all over the world. This process has already been started. Indian classical dance forms are now known in various countries. In many countries dance schools imparting the training of classical dance have been established. Even some foreign students have started learning classical dance in their own countries as well as in India.

64 % of the total respondents believed that classical dance would help artists to become financially independent. As at present, most of the respondents are earning money with the help of classical dance, they believe that in future also it can be a means of earning for the artists. Though all of them were aware of the fact that it is not very easy for every dance artist to open his or her own dance school and start earning money or to earn money through performances, they agreed to the statement because they feel that though difficult it is not impossible. With a great vision and hard work one can do it.

289 The third statement was "the number of students learning it will definitely grow." And the substantial number of respondents (74.66 %) agreed to the statement. Most of the respondents in the present study are engaged in this field because of their parents' wishes and inspiration. It shows a good initiation in this regard. Today the number of classical dance students is vigorously growing in India. Definitely this will be continued in future.

Almost half of the respondents (42.66 %) have agreed to the next statement that was, "the attraction of film dance and modem dance (trendy dance) that is the popular dance will always remain more than the classical dance in society." At the same time 57.33% of the respondents have not assented to the statement. It can be said that they may not be sure about it or they may be of the view that the impact of film and modem dance is not long lasting but just attracting to a large number of people, especially to younger generation. These are the passing phases in society. The classical dance will be able to maintain its dignity and respect in society forever.

One more statement, which was included in this regard, was "academic career and dance will be given equal importance in society". And a large group of 74.66 % of the respondents has agreed to it. Some of them have expressed their views by mentioning that it will take time but the process has already been started. It has been seen earlier, that in case of many respondents their parents have

290 encouraged them for learning dance and making a career in it. It shows the growing impact of such arts in society. This will lead to growing popularity of classical dance. However during the in-depth discussions with the respondents some of them have mentioned that academic career and dance would be given equal importance in society means dance will be given more importance than now. However, it doesn't mean that everybody will be intended to make a career in this field.

Another statement predicting the inclusion of classical dance in the formal, academic syllabi in the school, college and university education in India is confirmed by 74.66 % of the total respondents. In fact it has already been included in regular syllabus of some schools and universifies, for example S.N.D.T. University, University of Pune, etc. In future hopefully it will be included in the syllabus of many other universities and colleges. However it should be noted that in such universities dance is not a compulsory subject.

Certainly the classical dance forms not only are surviving in society these days but they are being given more importance. In spite of the threat of popular dance, these styles have maintained their popularity in society. A large number of students are learning these classical dance forms, a large number of artists are teaching it and many educational institutions have included its training in their syllabus. Therefore it has become necessary to think about purity,

291 quality and tradition of these dances. That is why the seventh statement that there will be necessity of some measures to maintain its quality and tradition was included in the question. And a considerable group of 73.33 % respondents has agreed to the statement. Some of them have articulated their views by saying that some respected dancers or experts in this field should take efforts in this regard otherwise there will be risk of degradation of its quality. Today many dance artists open their dance schools with limited knowledge and education. They even don't bother about tradition and purity of the dance form. Their main interest lies in earning. And the number of such dance schools is growing today.

The respondents in large number expressed a view that in spite of such a danger there will be rigorous development of these arts. The technology that is needed for the effective presentation of classical dance would definitely develop and help classical dance to develop more vigorously in near future. And the statement in this regard, is approved by a small group of 32 % respondents. Some of the respondents who did not agree to the statement have expressed their views that while maintaining its tradition and purity there is limited scope to change it because such changes can create a threat of losing its purity, immensity and traditionality. And new technology is of less importance. Rather it needs efforts, hard work, devotion and a vision of artists.

292 The last statement included in the question regarding the future of classical dance is very important. It has been seen in earlier chapters of the present study that the classical dance styles have emerged and survived in society as they have performed certain social functions. And these functions have been changing as per the needs of society. Initially classical dance had been performing religious functions for example; the artists were performing some religious rituals through their art. Artists were regularly appointed in some famous temples for this purpose. Muslim invasions in some parts of India and the British rule changed the role and purpose of dance. It became only as a means of entertainment. Then classical dance faced the phases of enormous social changes and still it exists in its traditional form. These days it is playing a major role in society again. Along with religious duties it is performing many other functions. It has assumed importance as a means to deal with social, religious and few other problems. In the modern period the dance has something more to perform than mere religious functions. Through dance the artists have tried to maintain peace, they have tried to deal with many social problems or ill practices, which are harmful to society.

Many respondents have mentioned in this regard during the discussions with them that today dance is used as an effective aid to deal with major social problems through its presentations. It deals with the problem of dowry, population explosion, alcoholism, drug

293 addiction, HIV and different social problems related to family, children and women. It has also been used in the quest of brining peace and gender equality.

If this art tries to fulfill the functional needs of society, it can be assumed that the future of classical dance is bright. It is possible that the performers would become more conscious of their role towards society. For that they will work hard and try to innovate effective ways of presentation, which will be helpful for the development of classical dance.

From the analysis of the responses given to the queries in this section, following facts become evident.

1. Classical dance will become more popular in India as well as other countries. 2. There will be a continuous threat from popular dance to classical dance. 3. Gradually classical dance will have greater academic status. 4. Serious efforts will be taken to maintain its quality, purity and traditionality. And classical dance artists will have to be very careful in this regard. 5. The classical dance will always try to cope up with the needs of society and will try to fulfill new functional needs of society.

294 6. The status of classical dance and dance artists will go up in society.

In brief, it can be said that though there are many hurdles, the present and future of classical dance is quite promising. Dance artists are having higher status in society. Many of them have accepted dancing as their profession and are dependent upon it for their livelihood.

The analysis of the data in this section helps us to know the present conditions and future prospectus of dance as an art form, from the persons in the actual field.

Although not a very detailed and very exhaustive profile of the dancing profession has emerged from the replies of the respondents, however, whatever has emerged is quite indicative.

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