Article written for IDEA Festival Brochure
The Concept of Christianizing….
With due respect that Bharatanatyam is the most ancient dance style based on Hindu mythology, and with the view point that the culture and tradition of a country should not exclusively be claimed by any one religion, and the strong belief that art, in any form and shape, should primarily ‘reach out’ to its audience, this innovative concept of Christianizing this dance style has today taken shape and is being presented to you at the Festival.
Should Christians believe in dance as a form of worship? Yes, dance is merely an expression of one’s own inner emotion. While dancing in a social environment has it own connotation, the sanctity of Bharatanatyam as a means of devotion can surely be another form of expression to God. History of Bharatanatyam reveals that it was misused by religious people and became a social stigma. Likewise, the word ‘dance’ itself in the Bible has had two bad ‘sinful’ references: once with the Israelites and the golden calf and the other by Salome who danced before Herod. On the other hand, there are several other incidents in the Bible that portrays dance in a positive manner. Miriam and all the women (in Exodus) danced in thanks and praise to God for His deliverance. This was a systematic dance that displayed happiness and joy and an integral part of the human uplifting to the divine. Six other references in the Bible support the position that dance is acceptable to God. And in two statements dance is strongly implied to be present in God’s Kingdom. But is there an unquestionable support? Yes, in Psalms 149:3 and 150:4 there are definite commands to include dances in the praising of God! One can hardly get any more definite than that!
While there are numerous cultural traditions that link the two religions, there are, however, two major differences that we cannot overlook.
Hinduism is liberal and will accept anything ‘good’ as sacred. Christianity,
on the other hand, is based on a ‘zealous’ God who commands you cannot
worship any other gods. Christian form of worship is simplicity; that is
why you see Christians dressed in white when they go to church. But a Hindu devotee believes in elaboration in worship. The more you beautify, the more acceptable! So where does one bring in Bharatanatyam? It is not an easy task to merge the two worlds.
While there were many Christian institutions, particularly Women’s Christian College in Chennai and Theological Seminary in Tanjore, that came up with a number of dance dramas in the Bharatanatya style based on Christian themes, it was the Catholic Priest, Father Barboza, who laid down some definite mudras which you see displayed on this page. With the idea of making a universal adaptation, I have used some of these mudras in my choreography.
After ten years of its inception, Kalairani Natya Saalai (KNS), presented Yesu-Yesu-Yesu where dances portrayed Christ as a child, Christ as a friend, and Christ as God. This two-hour recital was presented in many cities. Last year, KNS represented India for the first time among 300 dancers and musicians from around the world in ArtReach, Texas. Last month KNS held the first ever Bharatanatya arengetram to Christian themes. Although, KNS adheres to traditional Hindu items and does not aspire to become a Christian art institution, these programs have no doubt ignited creativity.
Besides the two numbers presented at the IDEA festival - one on Psalms 103 and the other on the Ten Commandments - some of my other original pieces are: a padhavarnam on the Second Coming of Christ, the five emotions of Mary when Christ was born; the little Kurathi whose life-long desire is to meet Christ hears of his death and then sees Him ascending to heaven; Navarasa, the nine emotions in Christ's life; the five women in Christ’s life; the recitation of Psalms 23 as an integral element to a dance; Amman-type of dance on Mother Mary; dispute between Martha and Mary; Ruth's love story; the story of Samson; the story of Jonah and many more.
I thank the IDEA organizers for including this new concept in the Festival.
-- Rani David, Guru/Director
Kalairani Natya Saalai (301-439-7264)