Bharatanatyam Evolves From Temple to Theatre and Back Again

Bharatanatyam is currently one of the most popular Indian classical dance styles, performed throughout India and the world. It originated in southern India, where it was taught by males and performed by female Devadasis, both of whom belonged to the same caste. Traditionally, the dance was associated with Hindu temples and courts and was performed in a variety of sacred and secular settings. Since the early twentieth century, both practitioners of and venues for the dance have expanded. It is now taught and performed globally by people from all castes and nationalities, including teachers and dancers of all genders and religions. Most performances are now public events presented on the concert stage.

Anne-Marie Gaston, traces the development of Bharatanatyam from its religious and secular roots. She gives details of the teachers who were most influential in the transmission of the dance from traditional to modern practitioners and discusses the role of different interpretations (banis). By describing traditional and modern performances and choreography, she traces changes in the repertoire and presentation that have taken place during the post-revival era. Trends in performances at the MMA, considered the most important venue for Bharatanatyam, are described. Comments from the author's in-depth studies of Bharatanatyam, as both performer and academic, give a historical perspective to the current manifestation of the dance. Her observations are drawn especially from recitals at the Madras Winter Festivals, 2011-15. The volume is profusely illustrated with the author's own photographs.

Anne-Marie Gaston (1941-2018) studied classical dances and other arts in India from 1964. She had an M. Litt. and a D.Phil. from Oxford University on Indian Arts and taught at universities and colleges throughout North America and UK. From 1967 onward, she performed several styles of classical Indian dances (Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Chhau and Kathak) extensively in India, Europe and North America, receiving much critical acclaim. Her pioneering work using mixed-media in Indian dance presentations, emphasized the relationships among dance, sculpture and painting. Dr. Gaston, also known as Anjali, choreographed and staged many recitals on non-traditional themes. Her performances can be viewed at www.culturalhorizons.ca .

Anne-Marie died at home in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2018.

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