Akademi presents APOTHEOSIS: Indian classical dance at the British Museum

Presented in collaboration with Akademi & The Motion Dance Collective, this spellbinding performance took place in the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of the British Museum on the evening 15 November 2019 to a live audience of over 1000 audience members. Devised in response to the Museum's South Asia collection, it brought the objects to life and charged them with the life-force they were created to hold.
Following the galleries prolonged closure since March 2020, we are premiering this video to celebrate South Asia Heritage Month 2021. We hope you enjoy.
akademi.co.uk/
www.motiondanc...
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Credits:
Consultant Director: Divya Kasturi
Dancers: Archita Kumar, Odissi Ensemble (Elena Catalano, Kavita Kaur and Maryam Shakiba), Upahaar School of Dance (Daniella Zak Zara Varghese and Piya Verma), Payal Ramchandani and Suhani Dhanki.
Akademi 40th anniversary Producer: Nina Head
Film: James Williams
Thumbnail photo: Vipul Sangoi
Supported by Arts Council England and The British Museum
Special thanks to: Richard Blurton, Sushma Jansari and Freddie Matthews from the British Museum

[@NiyatiBhavsar]

Temple dances were banned in india by the British. Amusing to see a performance in a London museum.

[@karsten11553]

Yeah, It is almost as if even the British civilisation is evolving. But I get your point.

[@rakhimukerji7937]

IT WAS ASSOCIATED with prostitution.Many Devdasies ended on street after serving the temple and its patrons over a long time

[@preethishetty6179]

@@rakhimukerji7937 On what basis you make such claims ?? In hindu beliefs it is said all the dance forms were given to us by brahma himself . You must know Queen Shantala devi wife of popular Hoysala king Vishnu Vardhana in Karnataka was a bharthanatyam dancer herself . She performed regularly in the Temples . There is a Ranga sthala even today in the temple in Belur Halebid where she used to perform in for the deity inside the temple . Music seva and dance seva by artist is common in temples of south india . The dancing figurines in the temples was of her performances.

[@Aman-qr6wi]

@@preethishetty6179 read about devdasi pratha

[@preethishetty6179]

@@Aman-qr6wi i know of devadasi pratha . You should also read about bharatha muni to whom these dance forms wgere revealed through brahma himself as per history. Devadasi existed but it was never a mainstream culture, it was in fringes only . It is very common in the modern education ecosystem of this nation that negativity is focused so much so that it looks like common culture in society. And as far as prostitution is concerned it still exists and existed always across the globe . You cannot blame a whole culture for existence of unscrupulous philanderers in society . Are we going to target the classical dance forms that have a lot of attention and effort gone for its evolving in such technical form ?? The combination of astute music and dance definitely has taken some extreme involvement of guru - shishya parampara and doesn’t seem it is developed for the purpose of mere adultry , glamour and gratification. Most ancient compositions had bhakti as its basis . It is only cinema that has glamourised these art forms .

[@dsr294]

Idols and pieces of art can be stolen, but a real culture lives and blossoms through its people. Those dancers brought those stolen sculptures back to life.

[@kavitapiter]

Totally agree

[@harathidanda5762]

Well said very well said totally agree

[@misterflibble6601]

But stolen Idols and art are a part of a peoples real culture and stealing their art deprives them of the beauty and meaning of that art. It must be returned to the cultures it was stolen from. Theft is theft, and it's wrong. Period . Full stop. End of sentence. Stolen idols and art aren't helping the cultures it belongs to live and blossom while in a museum gathering dust where everyone BUT the culture it belongs to get to admire its beauty and meaning

[@misterflibble6601]

@@harathidanda5762 Sounds more like someone trying to justify stealing and keeping stolen artifacts

[@misterflibble6601]

@@kavitapiter So idols and art aren't "real culture"? Totally disagree. Idols and art ARE a real part of all cultures.

[@MrPrav76]

You gotta remember these idols was in India at one time and these idols have seen countless ceremonies in the past, but after it was taken from its original location, it probably has never seen or heard any Indian ceremonial, dance or songs so after so many years, these idols are awoken back up..

[@marisabullock3065]

I find Indian culture to be exquisite and rich, and this video is a beautiful window into their traditions. But in response to your comments on "these idols" , I lovingly and truthfully say: They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. Psalms 115:5-8 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15 Remember brother or sister, the gospel is this, that we broke/ break the law every day. But God, in all his love, has come to down to do what we could not. He paid our sin debt so that we, those who are guilty, may find eternal life in Christ who died for us while we were yet sinners. Amen.

[@priyagaur1617]

​@@marisabullock3065 you can keep your missionary to yourself. Not to be rude just like you, your Jesus couldn't save his own life from his own people and you go out telling the oldest civilisation, older than your religion n the Bible you love to quote so much, that we are wrong. It's not our fault that almost dieing badly hanging idol of your Jesus doesn't respond to you because our beautiful dresses adorned god smile at us with their heartwarming smiles and love filled eyes whenever we go to them.

[@aritra5197]

​@@marisabullock3065 The deities who inhabit these "idols" are older than Jehovah himself. We have enough religion and philosophy in India. Any input from Western religious traditions are of no real significance. We have been existing before the first Abrahamic thought arose and are still continuing to exist very vibrantly. This civilization, this religious culture is to remain until the universe descends into nothingness.

[@prateek752]

​​@@marisabullock3065Your Abrahamic religion is responsible for most misery in the world

[@nompuehuenu]

@@marisabullock3065 u really decided to preach christianity in a space where we are celebrating hinduism…… typical

[@mnemonyss]

Imagine doing this in an actual temple, how the air would be so charged by the music, and it would feel so different to the dancers.

[@jacku8304]

Can the dancer performed in nude just like the dancing statue in the temple ? It can really charged the atmosphere with a different form of negative desire. That is the reason why the British banned it. It is an erotic nude dance. Not suitable for ruling British residents.

[@h0rriphic]

Exactly what came to my mind. It would be so dope to see this performed in a lush temple, with flickering candles and billowing incense. This setting feels like it doesn’t do these dancers justice.

[@Grizathvili]

Then Kala Kali comes and makes the dancer possessed.

[@91rummy]

Yeah.. But no patrons in India.. rather not enough..

[@adithyanleo3324]

I have my bharatanatyam dance in a temple in 5 days❤

[@devonlawton1149]

There is an uncomfortable tension, I think, in celebrating a culture in a room full of stolen cultural artifacts. That being said, it was absolutely beautiful. You can see the hard work and training in the precision of the movements, the elegance and grace. I love how the clothes compliment and add to the dance, emphasizing the flourishes of the dancers, and the way the accessories add to the music, everything perfectly in rhythm

[@stephanefaure2049]

I had exactly the same feeling.

[@iTzJimBoi]

This exact thought crossed my mind when I saw the title. It's a part of history that people often times forget or refuse to acknowledge.

[@rupalramteke5346]

but i think they should return the stolen cultural things now.

[@devonlawton1149]

@@rupalramteke5346 agreed

[@saerain]

You noticed what's tended to happen to such artifacts where they are not "stolen"?

[@96Jazangel]

I’m not Indian but I admire the people and the culture so much. So much beauty preserved in their arts, traditions and culture. As divine as this presentation is…I do hope those artifacts are returned to Mother India.

[@SIMPLE5725]

That beautiful culture all Vanished by the invasions of West, muslim and British...Hindus have become so addicted to Western's influence and their dirty culture...One thing is most appreciable despite Bharat took so many blows from all the foreign invasions, India is still very strong spiritual nation....there is no doubt in it...

[@johninterlichia3857]

I'm not Indian too, but I admire Mother India too!!

[@ritika_kumari698]

@@SIMPLE5725 Aisa nhi hai bhai !!! Hamara culture hai hi itna rich ki ye log kitna bhi khatam krne ka koshish kre kabhi bhi kamyab nhi ho payenge!!!! Can you imagine that they tried their best to demolish our rich culture by destroying the architecture , temples , rituals for centuries but still they didn't succeeded...... And abhi hamari government bhi bahut kuch kr rhi hai hmare culture ko preserve krne ke liye 🕉️❤️

[@kristinab1078]

@@SIMPLE5725 Rude. She compliments the culture of India, and you feel it necessary to call her culture "dirty."

[@infinite5795]

@@kristinab1078 Islamic influence madam. Do not forget, Kamasutra and Buddha, 2 polar opposites came from this Hindu land only, when there was nothing called the West. Syrian Christians, Armenian Christians, Jews, Zorastrians, Shias, Bahais, animists, all have found a place in this Hindu land for centuries and are alive today because of Hindus, otherwise their own fellow religious people would have eaten them alive. 8 centuries of Islamic rule changed the pshyic in Hindus in Northern India, made them very conservative and backward like Arabs, intolerant and suspicious of the west and Middle East, because of continuous invasions and backstabbing.

[@jcucumbera8066]

I actually love how they aer performing at the british museum. it’s like the indians are mocking the colonizers that however harsh they are, they would NEVER kill the spirit of on culture entirely, the image of the indian woman dancing around the all set up gallery, and the very fact that the british are using the indian culture to attract tourists, love this

[@AmandaFromWisconsin]

That's not what they're doing.

[@stillnotstill]

@@AmandaFromWisconsin oh, Amanda, from Wisconsin. You definitely sound like you can speak for the Indian dancers /s

[@sugarzblossom8168]

​@@AmandaFromWisconsinthey said it's like.

[@sugarzblossom8168]

The colonisers I mist probably dead

[@Jakub-kw1rx]

(Revelation - John: Chapter 5,13) Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him Who sits on the throne, And to The Lamb, forever and ever.

[@CorinaSilva-o1v]

I'm mexican and I understand the point about ancient stolen pieces....an another hand is absolutely beautiful art from India. Greetings from México. 😃

[@radhikarameshbabu5849]

Thank you

[@ryanispro7934]

🇮🇳 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 ❤ 🇲🇽 🇲🇽 🇲🇽

[@Indian-fv8kl]

Glad u like it buddy❣

[@Yarinahira]

Thanks 🙏 I love your tacos and Mexican food

[@jesuscruzcruz3613]

@@Yarinahira haha 😋❤

[@bharathkumarsm1941]

0:15 , 15:10 ( bharathanatyam, tamilnadu(tamil) 🇮🇳) 4:52 (odissi , odisha(odia) 🇮🇳) 9:39 ( kuchipudi , andrapradesh(telugu)🇮🇳) 21:34 ( kathak , uttarpradesh(hindi) 🇮🇳) jai hind!!

[@whocares3132]

Missing Manipuri Dance

[@bharathkumarsm1941]

@@whocares3132 bcz british didn't stole none of manipur historical treasury i think so😂, they performed the state dances of which they hv stolen from indian states.

[@saffrondominic4585]

Beautiful 👌🏽💯

[@nandha_183]

Thank you

[@NEPTUNIAN578]

@@bharathkumarsm1941 bt no kerala?

[@ishraknoor8992]

While marveling at the beautiful dance, I coudn't resist the thought that the place is full of stolen artifacts. This hypocrisy of British Museum sparkled a silent anguish inside me.

[@umamaheswari604]

Exactly

[@vantaa3534]

I feel the same

[@ramagopalj5686]

I see other way - atleast now they are in a safe environment

[@locrianmood3154]

Exactly

[@abhishekcmukhia7914]

shameless feels proud...while humble feels shy

[@jayasuria1214]

Hindu Gods and Deities being rightfully showered with ancient dance form by devotees. It is high time British Museum returns these divine artefacts to where they belong, original land of spirituality

[@srpucsrpuc3509]

👍 * 'Spirituality'.

[@ns.kha29]

@The Cat sadly...

[@ns.kha29]

@The Cat its true we are losing our culture, big problem, doesnt mean bruts shouldn't give back what they stole

[@luffy-hl8tk]

@The Cat no it’s not

[@rakhimukerji7937]

I HOPE THAT WILL NOT.CREATE CONTROVERSY OFWHO GETS WHAT

[@dipanshipriyapriyamvadasri6132]

They banned classical dances in temples.. Even my country was under slavery for more than thousand years yet my country and my culture is unbeatable in it.... Proud to be a Indian.... 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@samewish]

Of course should ban slavery and patriarchy, not dances. Art, dance and humanity culture can fulfil human life.

[@pradeepdeep271]

@@dipanshipriyapriyamvadasri6132 namaste 🙏

[@Naschira]

When I was little, my aunt had a big tea tin at home. On this jar were painted Indian dancers, just like these girls. I immediately remembered this jar.

[@voidmain9519]

Lovely ❤️

[@pkyadav6230]

😅 great

[@brooklynnchick]

India has breathtakingly beautiful cultures and beautiful people. I feel fortunate to be alive as India, once again, becomes a leader among the nations of the world. Health, fortune, and blessings to all Indian people! Respectfully - a woman of the West in America 🇺🇸

[@gauthamkshatriya2953]

Thank you much love from India

[@brooklynnchick]

@@gauthamkshatriya2953 Thank YOU! 🫶🏼 The faiths and people of India have helped me become a better human being. You shine like stars in the night sky.

[@gauthamkshatriya2953]

@@brooklynnchick Thank you Queen for your kind words🙏 💓 you are a family we Indians believe "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam" world is a family. Lots of love from India 🙏

[@brooklynnchick]

@@gauthamkshatriya2953 And all my love for your future happiness and health from the mountains of the Western U.S.

[@gauthamkshatriya2953]

@@brooklynnchick so kind of you thank you so much 🙏🙏💓

[@locrianmood3154]

The first bharatnatyam woman is especially fantastic wow. Each movement and tandav is so precise

[@kalpanakannan6012]

@i think she is @Ms.Suhadi Dhanik disciple of Dr.Sandhya Purecha.

[@rajuvarma5338]

Old Vesyas... Nice Prostitues

[@blackwhite6391]

@@rajuvarma5338 talking about your mum , wife, sisters ?

[@Jiji_here_431]

@@rajuvarma5338 lmao you know no shit do you

[@rajuvarma5338]

Tandav ..Ha na Older Prostitutions..Higher Caste Men did Tandav at Night..

[@shambho_abha]

I cried ..cried and cried.. tears were unstoppable at first remembering all the attacks my BHARAT MAA has gone through all these centuries…. Trying to dismantle our culture… but we were resilient .. and we came out even stronger…. I am absolutely shamelessly proud to be born in SANATANA DHARMA in BHARAT BHUMI… ! 😭🙏

[@bittoolal]

THAT'S OUR HARITAGE, HISTORY,AND PRIDE. ATLEAST WE CAN SAY THAT WE HAVE STRONG CULTURE THAT DIDN'T VANISHED JUST LIKE THAT. COUNTRY'S TRIED TO CONVERT US. BUT OUR ANCESTORS WERE SO STRONG.BECOUSE OF THEM WE HAVE OUR CULTURE AND VALUES. NOW WE HAVE TO PASS THEM TO OUR NEXT GENERATION,SO THEY WILL KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE. JAI BHARAT 🇮🇳🚩

[@user-ny7sg9mz1v]

Don't worry, your ancestors couldn't even enter the temples. Bharat Maa would be proud where we have reached until now.

[@ЕленаМагомедова-ъ8м]

А теперь вы в Англии

[@jacku8304]

The British deemed it as indecent erotic dance. Just look at the statue behind her in the museum. It is naked. Today modern version is fully clothed. That is why the British banned it.

[@अभियांत्रिकी_क्षेत्रज्ञ]

​​@@jacku8304 Indian vedic culture never had much emphasis on clothing the "more coverage of body" style clothing started after the Mugal (Muslim) invaders who plundered our culture, looted and committed unspeakable atrocities to our people including things like r@pe, Necrophili@. You asked for it here's the truth

[@Vedanarayanan610]

Nothing in this world to beat Indian culture and traditions, if one has to attain inner peace, our traditions show the path .Each Indian should realize this .What a beautiful, devoted dance Hats off to the dancers

[@Vedanarayanan610]

@ZQt7xižU Cedar Tamil meant for , what ? First of all we are all Indians , then within India , be a tamilian. If you watch the whole dance performance, they are performing the dances which represents all state . Be an INDIAN first then TAMILIAN . Thank you

[@Vedanarayanan610]

@ZQt7xižU Cedar Can you define the meaning of culture. Go and see the schools in tamilnadu . Most of the students are not able to tell even ten Thirukural . Many schools are collecting fine for talking in tamil within school campus. Most of the tamilians thought is , you know , if anybody speak well in English that person is considered to be the most intelligent ., do you know , many people feel ashamed to talk in tamil. This is the real fact , a practical truth. First make all people to talk in tamil , atleat ask the children to call their mother as Amma. Without developing the language, without appreciating the beauty of tamil language how tamilians can give culture to whole India . Truth is always cruel , think it over ., Go around tamilnadu , see the real scenario, make an effort for the reach of beautiful , scientific tamil words to all . Thanks

[@Vedanarayanan610]

@ZQt7xižU Cedar What's the use , still we are slaves to the British language

[@Vedanarayanan610]

@ZQt7xižU Cedar How many BA Tamil literature or MA Tamil literature graduates are getting good jobs as that in IT field , can you list out. See the practical truth , what's the use of telling Tamil has this and that

[@pc_hmk2204]

@ZQt7xižU Cedar your mentality is still slave to colonizers who spread lies about aryan & Dravidian races 😂😂😂 just watch video of secret of sinauli. your all doubts about all indian races will stop.....and you'll no more divide india on this basless Aryan invasion THEORY not FACT...... Seriously u ppl blindly believe theories presentes by some sanskrit obsessed racist of europe. 😂😂😂😂

[@shaikhmumtazbegum4824]

Truly Indian classical dance is the most graceful dance for both; to either perform or watch someone perform! It is the dance of the ancient times that's why it has so much beauty in each step! Proud to be a part of such a lovely tradition, culture and history. Proud to be an Indian!

[@maha-madpedo-gayphukumber1533]

Islam is not indian religion it's a same invasion, forcefully imposed in invaders foreign religion like British colonial Missionery forcefully imposed Chri'stinity.. ezlam imposed forc'efully on hindus Using violence, force by the mouzlem invaders and hindus paid the ultimate price of this invasions. All the aotracities and Persecution of Hindus in histori and still is goin on continue to go on.

[@ram.ram.saryane8121]

it's hindu dance of hindurashtra not india

[@tn5094]

​​@@ram.ram.saryane8121 but kathak(bcs of hindustani classical music) does have persian influence. It's a melting pot. That's why it is beautiful, bcs of its diversity.

[@ram.ram.saryane8121]

@@tn5094 it's not kathak lol it's 5000 yrs old bharatnatyam fully based on yogic dance forms and sanskrit songs

[@tn5094]

@@ram.ram.saryane8121 the last segment of the video shows kathak. That's why i specifically replied for kathak

[@payalpal6845]

The first Lady who dance d was Suhani Dhakni. Marvellous dancer and she also played Madri in Mahabharat (star plus). All the other dancer were graceful and talented. Kudos to all of them❤

[@simply_neuroscience]

Damn i never knew she was the one who played Madri. What a brilliant dancer!

[@bollymashup5136]

Yes. I guessed too

[@bloodofawarriorsrace3631]

​@@simply_neurosciencesame here

[@keshavvij9736]

This felt unjust and melancholic. To see such a beautiful performance of devotion while being surrounded by stolen artefacts of devotees.

[@Pekabew]

right its so sad and these mc have no shame made a yt channel for that damn fing lootera museum .

[@ivarhakuse8572]

Museums are filled with relics of dead cultures civilisations. Funny isn’t it that our cultural civilizational life is not dead. That those pieces in the museum remain very much attached to our lives. This was reflected in the gestures and offerings made by the dancers to Shiva Nataraja

[@snehaacharya3483]

Hell yeah!!!

[@Métaphores007]

Change the first line...

[@rakhimukerji7937]

One of the beauty of Indian culture is its continuity If a dancer comes back ftom past he/she will immediately recognise thr dance the stories .We still celebrate pujas and ceremonies as we did thousand years ago and lot of water has passed through Ganges since then

[@rajuvarma5338]

Yes, There is chance it being a Temple.. These South Indians will make them Landon Appa, and Landon Amma. Temple.

[@rakhimukerji7937]

@@rajuvarma5338 south Indians know the difference between museum and a temple Very ancient civilisation.

[@Edward4Plantagenet]

Indians wrote 1st book on Songs (Samveda), 1st treatise on Dance (Nattyashastra), 1st treatise on SXX (Kaamsutra), One of the earliest book of Phonetics, Prosody, Grammar, Etymology and Astronomy before Christ.

[@theviper7964]

Bro please get full knowledge then tell others please kamasutra is not only About sex 😢

[@ajitpatel93]

Kamsutra book read give respect women

[@krishnaradha7212]

Samir that Garuda puran samved

[@Edward4Plantagenet]

​@@theviper7964, should I write an essay on Kamasutra in YT comment box?? I have to get to the point in minimum words possible. SXX is catchy word. If I explain in detail, not even you would read dear.

[@dieterpoljarusch4306]

🤝👍

[@ns.kha29]

The kuchipudi dancer was immaculate! Loved herrrr so much.

[@coolguypravara]

Yes I too.. her performance is magnificent to watch

[@ns.kha29]

@@jichuuuuuuuuuuuu sorry maam but they showed other dance forms in this video too, not just bharatantyam

[@JanetBilbrey]

They British need to return all of India's artifacts.!!!! It's their culture and part of who they are

[@BTS.army156]

Then British museum will be empty 😂

[@Senzotan]

Shall they return the Sati ritual too?? So that Indian men can once again burn widows alive?! You're an ignoramus.

[@kitty.static.p0p]

Not only of India's but of every other country's!

[@wisdomfromprystinetheempress]

They would not be able to show off with anything if they returned the stolen artifacts. There wouldn't be any British Museum if they returned the stolen artifacts. I would be actually front row amusing participant of such curious experience! 😅 Do anyone think humanity is that brave to step up and say it to the people who are in charge & not just in the comments!? Do you think that would work out better? Maybe 🤔

[@abbey1999]

And then ambani will buy and sell to modi who will resale back to British museum 😂

[@babureddy6478]

Indian art forms live on through Guru-Shishya parampara. The precise mudras are forever preserved in the form of carvings on our temples. It is heartening to see our youngsters carrying this torch of culture everywhere.

[@ns.kha29]

We are losing culture... All my respect goes to the few in this generation trying to keep it here.

[@samruddhipawar6880]

@@ns.kha29 yes! I hope new generation don't forget our precious and marvellous culture.

[@hrithikmaity609]

@@samruddhipawar6880 we are actually made to forget our culture by these bollywood stuffs but we can revive it only through educational reforms but Our so called hindutva govt isn't interested

[@stardust_007]

1:01 goosebumps at this moment in particular. Nataraja murti behind, is blessing her opportunity to express every bit of it! So proud for being a Bharatnatyam dancer myself, especially this moment is priceless!!

[@wonderfacts7782]

কি অপূর্ব এই ভারতীয় সংস্কৃতি!!! মন মাতাল করে দেওয়ার মতো সুন্দর।

[@globalcitizenn]

You can see how Spanish Flamenco is a direct descendant of Indian Kathak (the last dance) brought to Europe by the Romani people of India (“gypsies”)

[@greypilgrim2028]

globalcitizenn: Hi! Would I be correct in stating that the name "gypsies" is derived from the name "Gupta" which, I understand, was an ancient Indian dynasty? R.S.V.P.

[@jamesaron1967]

@@greypilgrim2028 I don't know about the gypsy word etymology but the Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian civilization renowned for its art, architecture and the sciences. High point in classical Indian civilization.

[@greypilgrim2028]

@@jamesaron1967 Thank you for your prompt clarification.

[@EdiblePlutonium]

Gypsy is short for egyptian. They were believed to be descendants of egyptian pharaohs until DNA & Linguistic evidence proved they were Indian.

[@greypilgrim2028]

@@EdiblePlutonium : Amazing. Do you have any idea when their empire flourished? A. D. or B. C.?

[@saumyasingh9197]

In the 1st and 2nd dance She is not just dancing if you understand the song and different postures then you would get that she is dancing for the deities of temple and unfolding a story about that deity ❤️

[@lenot866]

It is true that all traditional Indian dances speak of religious stories. There is a great digital dance. I hope to learn it one day. It's a kathak dance but there is a problem. I am an Arab girl. I feel like a stranger to them 🙂.

[@angloedu5499]

The Dancing I think you are referring to is called, “Odissi, “ with elements of Arabic Belly Dancing that spread as far as across North Africa, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. I think it’s best if you researched Odissi dance, the Art of Belly Dancing, and then Kathak. All seem similar but very different.

[@bathysphere1070]

I didn't know that, but I figured there must be deeper meanings behind all the movements.

[@filipK14357]

@@angloedu5499I think he is referring to the fact that they really are performing some kind of a scene through their dance. The first one for exemple, she was dancing the Tandava, the dance of creation, and you can see she’s acting as Shiva by some recognizable poses she made, like the Nataraja (There is a Nataraja statue at beginning of the video) and Lalitasana.

[@SaiPriyaEleti]

​​@@bathysphere1070yes dear, Indian traditional dances speak about divine mythological stories without actually speaking.. expressing with mudra (posture) and eyes

[@_.Padmakshi._]

The people who called these dances vulgar are looking at them with awe. Proud of my culture.

[@Flake52]

How it’s vulgar? Do people actually used to think of the dance as this way

[@axnrituraj]

The British had banned these in India when they ruled here. Seems they have evolved since and now finally getting somewhere near the peak we had reached much before them.

[@_.Padmakshi._]

@@Flake52 British used to think bro 😂 idk what vulgar they say. I read that in Odissi dance, they had problem with the eye movements. They were like a girl moving her eyes left & right and all men seeing her is vulgar 😂 Inspite of the fact ki the dancers danced for the deity in the temple. Similar was done to dances of middle east that involved the hip & chest movements & similar was done to a dance called Bihu of dance coz it involves hip movement & chest movement. The Britishers were very lusty. The Indian women did not wear blouse, they wore a cloth covering their chest, which can be open end of Saree or a cloth tied around chest according to the regions. Saree used to be very comfortable before blouse & petticoat. But, british can't tolerate bare arms. So !!!! This was their mentality so, they could call such holy danceforms vulgar.

[@_.Padmakshi._]

@@axnrituraj yesh bro 💔

[@_.Padmakshi._]

@@LisaWilson-eg9zy thank you 😊

[@andynonymous6769]

When I was 10ish, my mom took me to see a cultural festival where a bunch of different cultures could show off their dances. Before the Indian one, they handed out little papers showing what the movements and hand gestures were symbolic of. When the dance started I was amazed see a story unfold in front of me as I watched the girl dance on stage. Afterwards, I was like, “mom I want to do that!” I never got to, but I wonder how that would’ve gone if she’d signed me up considering I’m white as a ghost :P Not Indian at all

[@user-ml1mr1ls2y]

There are a lot of white classical Indian dancers. Colleena is one example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaqsqXSDl8yqqbc And at @7:22 in this video, she is Maryam Shakiba , she's Persian.

[@sattvikavlogz657]

Dear.. We love whites and blacks both.. Kindly, don't blame yourself for you colour.. You are beautiful!

[@kalburry0954]

Oh gods don't see white black and brown , they see for perfection and devotion only

[@swetharavikumar3687]

Your race or colour doesn't matter dear. Only your respect, dedication and devotion to the art form or the practices is needed here🤗😇

[@upwale583]

Pls ask ur mother what their for fathers done to this whole world ... Or watch sashi tharur show...

[@brightdays555]

Omg, beautiful performance. Felt like rewind my life backwards over 5000 years, rich heritage Hindu culture and dancing. These dancers are amazing.

[@irina_ram]

Представьте себе на минуту, что где-то в Индии есть музей, где выставлены иконы, распятия, кресты, фрагменты алтарей и фресок из церквей и прочие атрибуты, которые были вырваны, украдены, чтобы люди теперь на них глазели. Богохульное зрелище глазами христиан. Примерно вот так индуистам и буддистам видится этот музей. Мурти Божеств должны стоять в храме, им должны поклоняться, делать им подношения, а не стоять как декоративные элементы в музее.

[@jam-ss2jc]

Damn right!

[@Healer_work]

What a good person you are 🙏 I think your Russian by the language if I'm right. God will surely bless you . You're right deities need to be worshipped in temples 🛕🕉️🚩

[@AbhijeetKumar-vh1ff]

Well they are so shameless

[@sravaniyadavalli1359]

Yes very true

[@yanadhandharia4781]

True these artifacts belong to india

[@楽徐]

舞者技艺精湛至斯！传达出来的美与仪式感已至令人感动的地步！很羡慕很敬佩你们能够将这些美好而宝贵的东西一路传承下来，并在此向伟大的印度文明致敬！

[@dev_peace_soul]

​@KARNA- Son of SURYA 💪😎 yea they have

[@idkatthispoint-s9s]

@@dev_peace_soul but I don't think it is as well passed down as India. My Chinese friend barely knows anything about Chinese dances. If I ask her about it, she says that only some few really traditional families in rural china do any sort of ancient dances and ceremonies anymore. She also gave a very eye opening reason for why Chinese practices died but Indian ones survived. She said it's because Indian dances and practices are binded by religion, Chinese ones are not.

[@dev_peace_soul]

@@idkatthispoint-s9s but it is well preserved too... they also have different kind of classical dances.

[@bobdelabourer1307]

​@Your_real_dadI think it might be under protection by Taiwan from the CCP.

[@AsthaSingh04]

Thanks I'm feeling really proud ❤

[@hopesky3035]

我用中文表达一下我个人的认识！通过视频舞蹈，过去式印象式理解印度与印度文化，包括当时的印度舞。 通过阅历与各种经验与内心感悟增加再观赏印度舞会有另一番全新感悟与发自内心静静独处欣赏，例如中国一个人独处空间悠然品茶，感悟世间百态思索更宏大世界观宇宙观。过去偶尔接触过印度国歌觉得神圣，刚刚又搜索印度国歌歌词，与印度舞相互关联从中又会有不同个人意境的感受。 从我个人理解，印度舞不仅仅是舞蹈，准确说应该代表是一种神性上的天然肢体动作，把它灵活化舞蹈化，去歌颂赞扬伟大天地之间神的存在。印度民族应该是具有伟大底蕴文化内涵的国度。践行自然法则，至于今天印度社会人口负担不能把他准确归于是文化属性造成的结果。多数原因归于组织与政府乃至社会民间不善管理下的社会负担。印度文化的确很伟大！准确说社会观念与形式已经接近神的范畴。舞蹈是一种最大的民间集成文化符号。凸显民族风尚。民族观念。 通过它的舞蹈似乎感觉印度是一个与神如此接近的民族。对于西方信仰力我不熟悉了解。但就东方信仰力本人绝对有资格去对印度文化与舞蹈定性。印度文化就是东方文化。佛的范畴领域。

[@ravitejacherukuri1819]

I hope this is the accurate translation: Let me express my personal understanding in Chinese! Through video dance, past tense and impressionistic understanding of India and Indian culture, including Indian dance at that time. Through experience and various experiences and inner perceptions, watching Indian dances will give you another new understanding and appreciation from the heart. For example, in China, you can enjoy tea leisurely in a space alone, and you can feel the world and think about a more grand worldview and cosmology. In the past, I occasionally came across the Indian national anthem and felt sacred, but just now I searched for the lyrics of the Indian national anthem. It is related to Indian dance, and I have a different personal artistic conception. From my personal understanding, Indian dance is not just a dance. To be precise, it should represent a kind of divine natural body movement, making it flexible and danceable, to praise the existence of the great God between heaven and earth. The Indian nation should be a country with great cultural connotations. Practicing the laws of nature, as for the population burden in Indian society today, he cannot be accurately attributed to the result of cultural attributes. Most of the reasons are due to the social burden of poor management by organizations, governments and even civil society. Indian culture is indeed great! To be precise, social concepts and forms are already close to the category of gods. Dance is one of the largest folk integrated cultural symbols. Highlight national customs. national concept. Through its dance it seems that India is a nation so close to God. I am not familiar with Western beliefs. But in terms of oriental beliefs, I am absolutely qualified to characterize Indian culture and dance. Indian culture is Eastern culture. The domain of Buddha.

[@ravitejacherukuri1819]

Love to China and Eastern philosophy from the Land of Buddha, India :)

[@ravitejacherukuri1819]

@Om Soha Xièxiè. Thank you for your kind words for India and it's people. I love Chinese culture and it's hardworking people. I hope Chinese culture is preserved in it's original form in China and elsewhere for the World to experience. So glad to know that Malaysian Chinese are preserving the Chinese culture. Lots of love and well wishes from India :)

[@duvvurivramamohanrao62]

Indian classical fine arts and literature are full of Gods and Godesses. So naturally, the artist transforms and becomes devine to transport the audience into a state of divinity. Unless the former happens, the latter does not take place.

[@Trackandshield]

This translation in Hindi goes really hard😭😭

[@phineasferb6660]

ஆங்கிலேயர் நுழைவதற்கு முன்பு இந்தியாவில் மக்கள் வாழ்ந்த முறை இதுதான்

[@6ofPentacles]

It breaks my heart to see that they stole our Gods and Goddesses, broke our temples.. for what? So they could decorate their homes and fill their museums. Shame! Hope one day they will pay price for their atrocities.

[@luditebreaker5065]

Did the British really break the temples? Think again or read again

[@Thunder-kw8qn]

@@luditebreaker5065 Mughals broke the Temples and britishers stole our Gods and Goddesses. Gods and Goddesses are meant to be in the Temple and worshipped.But now they are in glass boxes like some normal sculptures

[@SriRaamajayam]

it okay....no one can our Sanaathana Dharma from our souls....they can keep the art work...Supreme Soul that we call God is for everyone...they can keep it in the form of materials and we will keep HIM in our soul and daily lives and share the love and care :) God bless all... Good people are blessed, bad people need more and more blessings from God to become good:)

[@eternity4999]

@@SriRaamajayam Best comment here 🙏.. thanks for uplifting the essence of Sanatan Dharma 🙏

[@vardhanarya]

@@SriRaamajayam its better if they return them .

[@dhavvalgajjar]

Hinduism is so spiritual and so divine ... this lovely dance form reflects the real beauty of Hindu Culture in its true sense ... amazing !! Thanks for sharing

[@suluaniln]

❤

[@TeamArunDubey]

If you can preserve an entire civilization even after being under foreign occupation for a 1000 years, there must be something truly divine about it.

[@clairehorsfall1674]

Without a Doubt definitely Divine..

[@mythreheeh6763]

I came here to watch the dance but I have only been looking at all the sculptures in the British museum....It pains me to see these sculptures in the museum 😔

[@Shauryaprogaming4574]

and most of sculptures belong to India... saddest thing

[@SAKSHI-gm1tk]

Yess 😒🔥..fire I am having in my heart 🔥😒

[@czerwynsk]

@@Shauryaprogaming4574 Very true, same to all the stuff they took from other cultures too. It's so so sad :(

[@kartikkotian5151]

@Mythrehee H But what I feel it's better these sculpture safe in the museum otherwise if we had it I bet I haven't existed yet " we don't took care of our heritage" ......we just do Hindi-muslim and and politics lol

[@rameshraina2517]

Really hurtful ☹️

[@utterlycynthia]

Former Odissi dancer here. Delighted to have stumbled upon this!

[@senturi9645]

Hey congrats ❤❤❤

[@arvindkumarshukla6094]

Dear Cynthia Love you from India

[@RMCMichigan]

The precision of Indian dance just slays me.

[@ayaan_khatib]

This shows how they can steal artefacts,gold,silver,diamonds but sadly they can't steal the art and grace which flows among indian blood ✌

[@voidmain9519]

Well said bhai 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@akshaysharma8940]

True

[@Khushi_R9]

They are not dancing for anyone's entertainment, these classical dances are direct worship of god and are performed in praise of Hindu Gods like- Shiva, Vishnu and Maa Durga etc.

[@crystal6350]

Not only worshipping but praising deity as well explaining events emotions power and perspectives of that particular deity or God

[@Khushi_R9]

​@@crystal6350yes, narration of Vedas and Upanishads

[@rasamalai]

Exactly! They want to "enjoy" it as if they were the Gods it was intended for! And they didn't even set up a proper space for the devidasis! "There, dance around my clutter".

[@Shivu836]

and theyve been doing it for thousands of years.... From Kashmir to Kanyakumari... Bless the eternal Hindu people

[@pradeepdeep271]

Very good 👍 👏 👌 it's for spirituality ....k atmavikas 😊

[@denseone]

The gods are probably reminiscing in sweet melancholy of the times they inspired the creation of these sacred dances, now they are on display away from those who believe in them, prisoners away from their homes, demoted to merely idols stripped of their sacred rites. Yet proud to know their spirit endures in these dancers.

[@ns.kha29]

Yes!

[@RAJEEVRANJAN_07]

Beautifully said.

[@chets6228]

beautifully written!

[@moor5868]

so heartbreaking

[@kristinessTX]

Ladies of India or Indian descent will are all so beautiful. The dancers are so talented. I am glad these traditions have been preserved and shared.

[@jacku8304]

These are new revised version of Indian dance. The original version was banned by the British as it was erotic dance. It once were performed at temples but as a front for prostitution according to the then British rulers.

[@samewish]

​@@jacku8304if erotic, of course not. But these dances are beautiful and fine

[@ahmedelkhwaga2751]

South India

[@preethishetty6179]

@@Wcheqkxieqqceeqaewruwa To enlighten you north also has dance forms like kathak & Manipuri , odissi . Bhangra is folk dance like you have similar in south. Your comments here are reeking pure hatred for other regions of india , seems like either dravidism indoctrination or missionary brainwash . Learn some realistic info rather than gloat in hate of propaganda. And prove sanskrit isn’t indian lol The vedic period is recorded in india and the veda are sanskrit, besides all Indian languages have sanskrit influence, may be tamil has fewer but it still has , and the chola kings themselves used sanskrit in temples .

[@user-ig-gg26j]

@@preethishetty6179 later that person might say british or arabs(muslims) civilized India.see if people are amazed by these Dance,Art,culture etc think about that library which was burnt by that Muslim guy.

[@13sangita]

There is a deep-rooted sadness within me being an Indian. The richness of our culture and teaching within the Vedas are so precious. When I see how we have always been spreading growth and helping others to grow and flourish and yet for power precious and valuable things destroyed,it's an irreparable loss. (Please look up the Saraswati civilization and the intricacies of art, science .....the Cholas to name a few) So much was destroyed by the Invaders..... and massacred by the barbarians. Proud of our government who feels the need to revive and bring back the spirits of the glorious nation. Proud to be an Indian and Proud of my roots, rich culture, and heritage. The graceful dance forms - Bharatnatyam and Kathak is so amazing speaks so much about the history and the present. Blessings be to my Country and the world over. Hare Krishna 🙏 🙏🙏

[@smileybiggs]

This brought me to tears; the grace, strength, balance and devotion is so wonderfully beautiful and powerful. I'm in awe~ let's see those artifacts returned to mother India, now😂

[@devoutmisanthrope5687]

i like how the museum did this as damage control but people saw right through it

[@gayatrimelkote6822]

Fortunately they can't keep these dancers for themselves like they have the art works.

[@sebastiank9175]

you so right but at least I feel dancing among these beautiful "stolen" artifacts at least give these beautiful collections of Indian bodhisattvas, deities and gods another chance to witness these beautiful dance once again. the British museum have stolen the artifacts but at least not the hearts of billions of Indian people. such beautiful ancient culture and people.

[@ami2000vi]

😅

[@pinkpontiac12345]

Temple music and dance in a museum full of stolen art is not a good look for the British museum. It's even worse for the organisation that is complict in organising this 'culture washing' event

[@WYCHWOOD18]

Excellent 🙌🏽

[@rakhimukerji7937]

DEBDASIES STOPPED DANCING IN TEMPLE AFTER ISLAM CAME TO INDIA still kept the dance alive British did not interfere in our cultural life.The Academy is doing great job by teaching dance in UK

[@katakuruma-m2p]

インドから中国とシルクロードを経て、日本に仏教が伝わり仏像も目にすることに成りました。 阿修羅のように手脚を動かし舞う姿を1200年前の大和の人々にも見せてあげたいですね🎉😊

[@carlosberto4984]

J'Adore L'Arts Hindus... c'est Magnifique Divin.. La Musique..les Danseuses Belles Commes des Déesses une Merveille ❤️❤️❤️ Bravo pour L'Inde 💐💐💐💐

[@jsmith3980]

a nice thing to say

[@jichuuuuuuuuuuuu]

Very thoughtful for u to say that

[@smollilbean]

@@jichuuuuuuuuuuuu It is *hindu* culture because it was originated in *hindu* temples as a way to revere to hindu gods. All of these dances in this video. Hello? Yes, people from other religions can also perform these dances thanks to the inclusive nature of hindu temples. But don't call it not non-hindu and don't try to disclaim it from hindus please.

[@jichuuuuuuuuuuuu]

Huh?

[@jichuuuuuuuuuuuu]

Talking to me?

[@Account-user]

Moral: The British can steal our assets but not our spirit ❣️

[@sayeeshinde9499]

Very well said 🧡

[@nishobit.1293]

True, the immaterial is more powerful than the material.

[@vasantkumarbhatt6444]

बहुत सत्य कहा ।

[@wanderingpeasant2881]

@Subhojit Roy Maybe because only British will apologize ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@lll2282]

@Subhojit Roy because this vedio is about British loot not afgan, turk, mughals

[@sh.b.4016]

Превосходно! Сколько изящества, грации, поразительное чувство ритма! Индийскую культуру, танцы, философию всегда принимали и любили в России! 🙏❤️😊

[@sauravmondal4342]

@PeePee PooPoo fuck completely false , he just want soft corner from Indians due to Ukraine Invasion.

[@saumyagupta9708]

We love you From Bharat 🇮🇳🤝🇷🇺

[@saibalsahoo8597]

Thanks 🇷🇺🇮🇳 😊🎉❤

[@letsdosomething9078]

Wow Indian classical dance in a British museum filled with Indian artefacts

[@artemidaversal87]

Глаз не оторвать, так красиво!!! Будто сами древние статуи ожили!!!!!!

[@Roger-go6jc]

Some of our First Nation Australian relics were returned to us, some were not. I read the comments here. I can relate to stolen artifacts. Some thought it was shameful for this dance. I thought it was magical. Here in this sterile building these dancers brought their discipline,mastery,beauty,and ages old teachings with music and dance and reminded the people that the relics are alive- maybe the relics need to go home.

[@kavitapiter]

Agree with you, we must remember these relicts are not dead stones, but history alive, and are meant to be worshipped in temples.

[@aethernity8270]

Just imagine your people dancing infront of your artifacts in british museum feels so weird

[@visible-xk9cq]

​@@aethernity8270why you thinking in front of British think in front of god of creator yhis classical dances shiva, vishnu, durga. Thy are pleasing other but them prying not just dancing its temple music /pry. Its make them happy sad too.

[@lucy-annpope5650]

Absolutely wonderful. Mesmerising, hypnotic, beautiful. Thank you.

[@austinconnor5297]

Lucy Ann Pope, good evening how are you doing?

[@rudra854]

🙏

[@Kittypeony]

Damn… I think Indian culture is the most rich and beautiful one in the whole world !! I’m really enjoying each video I watch about them sooo beautiful !

[@madokakahushi3548]

For all those calling odissi costumes disrespectful, go back and watch early performances by Indrani Rahman and Madhavi Mudgal, to cover one over blouse is okay but one shouldn’t make it a moral debate. It was true to culture and beauty

[@aadiliqbalkhan8216]

literally no is mentioning about their costumes and you were the first comment found it doing

[@madokakahushi3548]

@@aadiliqbalkhan8216 lol go through all the comments, there were many complaining about it

[@annierminx]

@@aadiliqbalkhan8216 just scroll further

[@Edward4Plantagenet]

​@@madokakahushi3548,, I think of odissi dress was bad, in the sense we have better than this. Why not use some more profound beautiful dress insted of this. This dress doesn't justice oddisi

[@glorianyambok7405]

Awesome ! I am 61 yo African. I love it! It's special to see.

[@renjithlal9404]

Search n watch classical dances of india. Total 8 dance forms. Hundreds of folks and Tribal dances are also there 😊

[@tenzind4175]

Incredible India is not just a saying .....They were and are Incredible to this day ❤🙏 🇮🇳

[@singularsink]

As an Indian I am not sure what to make of it, promoting Indian art and culture among the looted ancient artifacts from India... The devastating consequence of the colonial rule on the Indian society and knowledge system, of which art is an integral part, is far more consequential and we are still reeling under it.

[@aethernity8270]

Broooo same very mixed feelings when watching this sometimes i wonder do this current British people know how this artifacts came to their museum

[@TheGeekMonster]

Their clothes are so beautiful! I love her serene, confident smile. She just draws you in and captivates you. I wish we had some explanation of what's being sung and what the dance movements represent.

[@bollymashup5136]

They are paying tributes to lord Nataraja (dancing form of lord Shiva). The songs are also associated with him and natanam which is dance.

[@somamaitra3916]

What a conception to present our heritage of Indian Classical Dances in such an environment!!! Wonderful!!! Speechless!!!

[@krishanu-d1k]

Which environment? It's our properties there. I see that you still love Britishers even after they called you a dog 😑😑

[@sahibvirk]

Ma Bharati is still waiting for its own citizens to respect their culture as much as the world respects it! These performances were simply brilliance!

[@THORMYN1]

I absolutely adore these dancers. The facial expressions and dance moves are stirring. Anyone not moved by this has no soul! This is coming from an umpapa original Bavarian German living in Canada the past 50 years! That only shows that culture, dance and music are universal and people all over the world should identify with and celebrate humanity!❤️

[@mauroacastello6351]

Breathtakingly beautiful dances! They deserved to be recorded in a professional way, specially when it comes to a world wide known institution as the British Museum.

[@sauravmondal4342]

चोर बाजार

[@shortstvhindi4210]

world wide institution of looted art and British atrocities, which is embedded in hollow British pride just like ur hollow economy😂😂...

[@juliuscaesar564]

You mean a world wide well known thief market

[@dearuniverse4091]

Along with the dancers the singer did a marvelous job I'm in love with his voice ✨

[@ns.kha29]

And whoever was doing the flute on kuchipudi so beautiful

[@jayalekshmi8239]

🥰❤

[@itsme7741]

Definitely they recorded it separately and added it to the video separately. That's why I think only those who watch this video, that too with a headphone will get its full experience. That dance without this kind of clear recorded audio will be dull

[@QWERTY-eo8gn]

It is a recorded song. It is played all over India for concerts.

[@eirlys9055]

@@QWERTY-eo8gn can you tell me the song name in dance by two girls?

[@Justtnandini]

In 1910 Britishers banned Temple dancing in India claiming that it encourages prostitution and is seductive. Very ironic to see our own culture which was once banned is now performing at the british museum.

[@edub9930]

I am of Mexican descent & i find Indian women breathtakingly beautiful. Its crazy, i feel there are many similarities at least to my eyes. & we look a lot alike. Ive been confused for being Iraqi myself. I know thats not Indian but im simply stating our people have similiar features from the middle east, India etc. All these beautiful girls could pass for Latina & look like someone i know. Guess were long lost brothers/sisters/cousins 🤷

[@0arjun077]

I think ancient migration during iceage when Asia and American continent are connected. Indians consist of mixing of many ancient tribes. Yes Mexican and Indian looks similar than any other races. Anyways love from India.

[@Pihu523]

According to researches, Indians have many similarities between mexicans and others like native Americans. Similar physical features, similar gods, name of gods, costumes, culture,traditions etc.

[@migspeculates]

Vasudhev Kutumbhakam ❤

[@trusfratedbunny2215]

@@0arjun077

[@natalia_lin_mo]

It's awesome. Love from Russia! 🙂🙂🙂 bahut accha hai! Mujhe pasand hai

[@0arjun077]

👍🏽

[@smileplease6658]

👍🏼

[@ДанисШахалимов]

Индийская культура одно из величайших мировых сокровищ человечества!

[@sherparoyale]

Awe inspiring. You can see they are dancing for something greater than themselves. Like the dance is a medium for communicating with the Gods.

[@rashmiverma7761]

They looted everything....crushed us...but we stood again with our true Bharatiya Culture and Philosophy...tradition...our own culture is best...we should be proud of it and carry it with pride.

[@sauravmondal4342]

of course we must be proud of our culture and forward to next generation

[@nieblanoir]

Es imposible negar que la cultura del planeta es del VALLE del INDO . La música y baile lo demuestran muy claramente

[@snubnosedmonke]

what an amazing dance, i love her facial expressions and eyes, what an absolute slay!!

[@mmnair]

Absolutely enthralling! What high standard from all the dancers. Marvelous venue. The first bharatnatyam dancer was exceptional. Such a young girl and used the spaced so confidentially.

[@ns.kha29]

Right

[@kalpanakannan6012]

She is Ms Susan Dhanik a very well trained bharathnatyam dance ,deciple of Dr sandhya Purecha. She had done some good Indian SOAPS as well.

[@ns.kha29]

@@kalpanakannan6012 thank you for giving me her name!

[@really6697]

I’ve been watching for 5mins and I feel like my insides and every emotion I have, has been cleansed. powerful. finished the whole video and just wow. it’s like they mimic the movements of atoms through the universe. so beautiful, even the singing the rolling of their voices that’s so delicate but powerful so beautiful. they utilize every single body part they have. truly is the dance of the universe, or something of that sort.

[@SaiPriyaEleti]

This is the best comment i've seen and felt !

[@meynee3981]

So beautiful. Love from Thailand.

[@PeachyMushroom]

I think it's time England handed over Indian cultural relics back to India.

[@sobhanapm4617]

No, I think it is better preserved there.

[@vardhanarya]

@@sobhanapm4617 still having a colonial hangovr?

[@dramakun4931]

@@sobhanapm4617 it will be preserved in India because these all things are stolen which India is taking back 5 days ago 2005 old Annapurna statue is returned from Canada to India after 100 years We want everything back and India has capability to preserve all of these things because India rank 4th in preserving its Heritage in the world out of 158

[@moonsofourmother2815]

Yes. Well over due. These deities are meant to be worshipped.

[@tejaniruddha]

I wish the time comes when we the people of India truly able to value our heritage. I also wish that the time will come when our governments becoming able to give justice to this heritage and present it to people in a way that awakens them and inspires them. Until then I am happy if the british museum protects and presents this heritage for the people of world to see.

[@kinggggray3388]

印度傳統美麗, 有一種神秘的吸引力, 來自中國的掌聲

[@gsymmonds3487]

I love the little tiny movements of the third dance. Seems meaningful. Like, the first shivers of the universe as it comes into being. Also the fifth set of dances - gave me shivers. The grace is magnificent. Like a high level womanhood. Love Indian dance. Cosmic wonder.

[@normalhuman6260]

3:09 is such a divine image. Akin to the temples of old when in front of an idol of god which was carved by our own understanding of the brahman as one of the forms and a classical Indian dancer in front of the art telling the story of the philosophies of the culture. As if the universe was deprived this form of gratitude to the endless existence and making it feel like the statues were themselves deprived if it for so long. It symbolises the beauty of our relationship with the universe in our most refined and diligent and hard worked way. I am an atheist btw but these concepts fascinate me

[@Us-A4]

I love how their ghunghroo is like a musical instrument

[@ns.kha29]

Yes... If you walk away from your phone/computer all you can here is the chime of the ghungroo from far away... So pretty.

[@bharata101]

@@ns.kha29 Anahata sound...

[@alain.10b95]

Magnifique et fascinant! Chaque mouvement, chaque position est une oeuvre d'art en soi, représentation mouvante de l'art indien. J'adore!

[@patriciapalmer1377]

It is so beautiful it choked me up, rare for me. It's spiritual and reaches into you. I'm desperate to know the dance stories.

[@0arjun077]

Hindu mythologies.

[@egyptianhibiscus9203]

The first one is about Lord Shiva (bharatanatyam style from the South). Odissi, the second one (state of Orissa) is just a prayer offering. Kuchipudi, the third one with the plate, and Kathak, the last one from North India are pure dance (nritta)

[@smollilbean]

I have enough knowledge about the two dance forms here. The first one is called bharatnatyam and is devoted to Lord shiva, originated in tamil nadu, south india. And the last one is called kathak - it's literall translation is "story telling" In sanskrit. It was originated in the temples of uttarpradesh and parts of Rajasthan (north india) and the hand movements and gestures depicts stories from the epics of Ramayana and mahabharata. In a way we could say the main deity being revered to in kathak is Lord krishna. Basically the dance is like story telling. Hope this helps :) there's tons more cultural folk dance forms through out india. These are the major ancient ones.

[@KetakiRamteke-ss9hz]

As a kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer myself i felt so honored to see our beautiful classical dances being performed outside of india as well.....i shed a tear watching this beautiful performance it was soo beautiful ❤

[@enlightenedsoul7468]

Absolutely marvelous!!! Hindus should focus on their arts, culture, education and scientific acumen to solve real world problems!

[@pownbnull]

While beautiful...how exactly does this solve real world problems?

[@enlightenedsoul7468]

@@pownbnull creativity, aesthetics and problem solving go hand in hand! Time after time people around the world have shown that. Historically, India has always been a land of arts, culture, science and mathematics! They should not forget that and continue forging in these fields.

[@NEPTUNIAN578]

@@enlightenedsoul7468 ALL INDIANS ARENT HINDUS DEAR.... never forget that :)

[@jyothirmayirk5651]

@@NEPTUNIAN578 clearly.... Ms "Stalin"!!!!

[@enlightenedsoul7468]

@@NEPTUNIAN578 how does that even matter! As long as some can pursue this way of life, we can keep the tradition alive!

[@hectorhector9798]

One should never forget the devadasis who preserved and propagated these divine art forms and later got downtrodden by the British along with the localites.

[@im-mj3gk]

I am in complete agreement. The real repository of classical Indian dance forms come from the devadasi community. A millenia or two of keeping oral and written records and ensuring we have it with us today.

[@elenacordoba4155]

Beautiful lady, great technique, lovely dancing and music. I remembered I was in a Lecture and when I finished I saw some of the recording in the ground floor. It was a real delight. It’s very special to see, feel how many different cultures can embrace together, giving the best to the world, to learn, respect and appreciate it. Thank you. 👌🏽🌹🎁🏺🏺⚱️⚱️

[@aakashnair5170]

🪔🛕🪔 use these emojis instead 🕌 this is a mosque in which these sacred hindu dances would be heretic.

[@elenacordoba4155]

@@aakashnair5170 thank you for letting me know. I have removed it. Sorry about this as I did not realise. My mind was all the time in the beautiful music and dancing. 💫

[@aakashnair5170]

@@elenacordoba4155 yea i think they're very skilled too

[@aritromunsi2445]

Greetings.... from Kolkata, India.☺️ Which country u r from?

[@ranjankumarsahu998]

ସମସ୍ତ କଳାକାରଙ୍କୁ ଅଶେଷ ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ୍। ଆପଣ ମାନଙ୍କ ନୃତ୍ୟ ରେ ସମସ୍ତେ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ବିମୋହିତ ହୋଇଥିବେ

[@lanainmydreams]

the Kathak dancer and the person on the tabla were so interactive! truly one with the music there, and she was also singing. I learned a bit of Kathak when I was young and so will always continue to be mesmerized with this dance. I did notice (and admire) the hundred gunghroos in each of her feet! ❤️

[@preethiColambage-x5g]

That coordination between tabla player and dancer called "jugal bahdhi" ( bond of a couple) . Im from srilanka 🇱🇰 .

[@madariarun8234]

Kithna sundar drusya hy mann mohit Hogaya ek pal mey ఎంత అందమైన దృశ్యము మనసు మోహితం అయినది ఒక్క క్షణం లో 🙂🙂 భారత సంస్కృతి చాలా గొప్పది 🙂

[@lll2282]

wow please add sanskrit as well its our mother

[@aliimran2485]

@@lll2282 For telugu sanskrit is not mother proto dravidian is the mother of telugu language

[@ay8148]

@@aliimran2485 converted ricebag has nothing to speak about telugu or sanskrit leave it to idol worshippers....

[@puneator]

This is such a beautiful tribute to the gods and goddesses living in that museum. The museum is alive 🙏🏽

[@qsaacmewtom387]

They are trapped in the museum they belong to their respective temples and will always live there

[@MischaRebeccaWinther]

Im simply blown away by what you do. Its like a movie - the photographer following the dancers - sometimes almost like moving through water. Its almost like if the camera was on a boat following dancers on the river :)The music and the sound is fantastic - the dancers and the clothes - its amazing!! Its dance - its theater - its performance - its alive!! The performance is an act of love.....

[@tejaniruddha]

These dancers are living heritage... The concept has worked really well. Feels like - as if the graceful and intricate sculptures have come to life in full colours and glory to perform in that space. Wonderful concept and execution.! Kudos to the whole team

[@rajuvarma5338]

Older prostitues of Devadasis

[@kavitapiter]

Exactly, this was my first thought by watching this beautiful performance

[@BTS-qj9jf]

We are sooo proud to be INDIAN 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳. Jay hind

[@28fabrice]

Beautiful dance and must have been quite a challenge in front of a standing crowd who looked so tense, possibly even unappreciating the work this classic dance demands. Imagine though with better lighting system and different camera angles especially from slightly above and more focused on the girls Yes I am Westerner But my philosophy and heart is very much of India Just the way I have been for a long long time... Shanti Shanti Shantihi 🙏

[@Vivek.101]

Om namah shivay 🕉🙏

[@moobymooby3214]

Im a westerner as well, and I might not see it with that philosophy, but I'm an artist at heart and mind. Everything that is considered as art, I like, including dances. I find this dances beautiful, they make me understand more their culture and traditional music. I appreciate the hard work they put into each dance.

[@Aman-qr6wi]

Its bad rendition of "classical" dance. They picked bad artists. Classical dances of india are very graceful, rhythmic and energetic. You can watch some youtube videos on bharatnatyam and kathak.

[@arunkumar4594]

🌷🙏🏼om shanthi

[@namedrop721]

This is such a cringe comment. Nothing makes u better than the people that actually watched their performance.

[@StellaShadowmoon]

It’s nice to have ordinary people see some real and beautiful culture!! Most British and western cultures need to learn the importance of rich traditional culture. They need to explore their ancestory and go back to their roots. They are lost sheep without it.