It's a bit awkward to welcome someone when I don't
who I'm welcoming. But welcome to my blog, readers! Though I'm pretty sure most
of you who are reading this know me (Hi Mom!), I'll do a quick introduction. My
name is Prithvi, I'm a senior (clearly), and I love dance. I've been
learning Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) for almost 13 years now, and I decided
to base my senior project off that passion.
Basically, my research questions are the
following:
How does Hindu Mythology influence the
choreography in the theatrical aspect of classical Indian dance? How does this
choreography vary through the different dance styles, specifically focusing on
Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam? How has the theatrical choreography changed to
reflect contemporary themes and issues, such as women’s empowerment, freedom,
and social justice?
I'll be traveling to India (It just got
real.) and doing all my research there. After I reach India, in between
battling jetlag and handling many a long lost relative (along with a wild
Natasha), I will be pestering experts in the different styles of dance. I plan
on documenting everything I do through videotaping. That means this blog can
expect Survivor-style documentaries featuring yours truly, lots of dancing and
eating, and maybe a couple of cows in a traffic jam (it is India, after all). As February progresses, and I do my own background research, I will be updating my
blog with all the knowledge you've ever wanted
to maybe know about Indian classical dance, and more. But for now, I leave you with a picture.
Oh yes, that is indeed yours truly. Bharatanatyam - 3 hours of getting ready. It's the lifestyle. With that, I bid anyone who might be reading this adieu!
~Prithvi
