THEA 320 - Dance - Drama Styles in India

Credits: 4

Various kinds of dance styles are widely practiced and celebrated as part of the cultural heritage of India, and have more recently expanded their identity into other countries all over the world. In this course, students will be introduced to the most important and distinct Indian classical dance styles, such as Bharatha Natyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, in order to develop their knowledge about these classical dance forms. The students will learn the theories behind these complex dance traditions that are associated with dance-drama features while considering the phases of growth, decay, and renewal of those classical art forms over time. This is an introductory-level course appropriate for students with no background in Indian culture and also for students familiar with the region who are seeking to better understand Asian cultural heritages. Restriction: no freshman. Offered regularly.