Tales of Divinity: Storytelling Through Classical Indian Dance

Painter and multi-media artist Jennifer Baez began taking Indian temple dance in Danbury a year ago.  She said,  "I was taken aback by the importance of storytelling in the South Asian community.  Audiences sit through long recitals where dancers shift gracefully between rhythmic footwork and poses while enacting epic love stories of the gods. It's much more than meets the eye, I found, and a great workout!"

VIDEO #1

The Birth of Goddess Rajarajeshwari

Legend has it that King Pandya was childless. To obtain the much-desired child he performed many penances. His rituals involved pouring ghee (butter) into a fire and praying. Eventually, a baby girl was born out of the fire, the Goddess Rajarajeshwari.

This story is performed in the Bharata-Natyam style of dance. Bharata-Natyam is a temple dance from Tamil Nadu, India, originating in the 2nd century BC.

VIDEO #2

Anticipating Krishna

This story recounts how Lord Krishna charmed Radha -the most beautiful girl in the village of Vrindaban-, by playing his celestial flute. In this particular tale, Radha is waiting anxiously for his return home, and reminisces about how they fell in love.

This story is performed in the Kathak style of dance. Kathak traces back to 4th century BC nomadic tribes of northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers. 

From the 16th century onwards it absorbed features of Persian dance, which was imported by the royal Mughal courts.