Dance in Films in India

Dance in films

Movie is incomplete without songs and dance in it. In Indian traditional culture also importance is given to songs and dance. Dance is most popular way to express your happiness. Therefore, film director give special preference to dance in songs and take it very seriously. Professional dance choreographers are hired to teach dance steps to actor and actress playing role in movie. Dance choreographer tends to be behind the screen but plays a big role in film industry.

It is important to understand the relationship between theatre, music and dance in South Asia.  Unlike the West, where the "musical" is considered to be just one of numerous genre, South Asians have a very difficult time conceiving of any theatrical or film endeavour that does not have music and dance.  Films that are produced along the Western vein (sans music and dance) are consigned to the "art-film" category and generally meet with very limited commercial success.  The only theatrical genre where song and dance are not expected, appears to be modern TV dramas. (i.e., "soap operas").  The unbroken tradition of linking theatre, music, and dance is traceable all the way back to the Natya Shastra (circa 2nd century BCE.)

Bollywood films must have song and dance, so it is reasonable to look into the styles of these dance forms.  It turns out that this does not tell us much, because of the large number of dance styles that have been enfolded into it.  Furthermore, Bollywood dancing has changed tremendously over the years.

Conclusion

Bollywood dance may be seen as being on the ascendency in the world markets.  Much of this is due to the ever expanding Indian diaspora, but a significant proportion comes from non-Indians who for whatever reason, are taken by the exotic, larger than life qualities inherent in it.

Dance in films

Movie is incomplete without songs and dance in it. In Indian traditional culture also importance is given to songs and dance. Dance is most popular way to express your happiness. Therefore, film director give special preference to dance in songs and take it very seriously. Professional dance choreographers are hired to teach dance steps to actor and actress playing role in movie. Dance choreographer tends to be behind the screen but plays a big role in film industry.

It is important to understand the relationship between theatre, music and dance in South Asia.  Unlike the West, where the "musical" is considered to be just one of numerous genre, South Asians have a very difficult time conceiving of any theatrical or film endeavour that does not have music and dance.  Films that are produced along the Western vein (sans music and dance) are consigned to the "art-film" category and generally meet with very limited commercial success.  The only theatrical genre where song and dance are not expected, appears to be modern TV dramas. (i.e., "soap operas").  The unbroken tradition of linking theatre, music, and dance is traceable all the way back to the Natya Shastra (circa 2nd century BCE.)

Bollywood films must have song and dance, so it is reasonable to look into the styles of these dance forms.  It turns out that this does not tell us much, because of the large number of dance styles that have been enfolded into it.  Furthermore, Bollywood dancing has changed tremendously over the years.

Conclusion

Bollywood dance may be seen as being on the ascendency in the world markets.  Much of this is due to the ever expanding Indian diaspora, but a significant proportion comes from non-Indians who for whatever reason, are taken by the exotic, larger than life qualities inherent in it.