THE ROLE AND POSITION OF CLASSICAL DANCE IN MODERN INDIA

Chapter-6 THE ROLE AND POSITION OF CLASSICAL DANCE IN MODERN INDIA In the process of modernization, which India has been experiencing since the beginning of the last century, almost all sociocultural spheres have got affected. This also applies to the leisure activities and different arts in society. As people change their lifestyle, their tastes and likings also get changed. In such a situation various major transformations take place in the field of creative vision or in different arts of society. Since the present study is devoted to the performing art of dance, the major changes that have appeared in this field have been studied. In the previous chapters the situations in ancient, medieval and pre-independent India regarding dance have been discussed. The present chapter deals with the situation in post independent India. The main aim of this chapter is to understand the present position of classical dance in Indian society. The various aspects regarding dance related situation have been analysed in this chapter with the help of empirical data. Such aspects include various minor and major issues that show the recent and changing trends in society regarding the field of classical dance in India. These aspects are as follows. 186

1. The socio- economic background of the respondents. 2. Their individual interests that motivated them to learn dance. 3. Their views about classical dance. 4. Relationship between classical and popular dance. 5. Benefits of dance in personal life. 6. Present and future of classical dance and dance artists. Some of such aspects that are related to dance in ancient India have been studied in earlier chapters of the present study. This chapter mainly deals with the present situation of classical dance in India. Section -1 The Socio-Economic background of the Respondents The socio-economic background of the person plays an important role in moulding one's own life, more so in the case of the persons choosing any vocation. Individual's personal and family background such as age, sex, religion, caste, educational qualifications, marital status and family pattern generally influence a person's choice or preferences for vocation or a career. The choice of a vocation or a career is largely determined by the person's perception of the career, mental attitude to undertake specific type of a career, willingness to face the challenges posed by the chosen field and to undergo physical exertion and readiness to adjust to the social environment. These 187

mental and physical requirements of any profession play a crucial role in its choice. In the case of dance artists, these factors assume even greater significance because of the specific characteristics of this profession and its distinctive requirements. The socio-economic background of the respondents helped to know the present situation regarding dance such as, the class of artists, their castes, religion, educational qualifications, etc. These factors are of very much significance while studying the transformations in dance related situation because the analysis of social strata of the upcoming artist gives a clear picture about such issues. Accordingly, the socio-economic background of the respondent upcoming dancers is highlighted below with reference to such aspects as: 1. Age composition 2. Religion wise distribution 3. Caste composition 4. Educational qualification 5. Marital status 6. Economic status of family 7. Individual economic status 8. Family pattern. 188

Age Composition of the Respondents: While collecting data about Kathak dance artists in Pune, those who have completed their basic training in Kathak and are trying to make their careers in this field, were chosen as respondents. The survey was confined to dance artists who have fulfilled these conditions as it was assumed that such respondents would have developed perceptions to judge - by their experience - the situation regarding dace and the status of dance and dance artists in society, impact of popular dance on classical dance and its reasons and consequences, the present and future of classical dance and views of society towards dance artists and towards women dancers in 2r' century etc. These respondents are all upcoming artists who are trying to make their career in this field. Some of them have already achieved some recognition in this field. Such artists belong to the age group of 18 to 35 years. The frequency distribufion of 75 respondents by their age group is shown in table No. 6.1.1: 189

Table No. 6.1.1 Distribution of Respondents by Age Group AGE GROUP (IN YEARS) Below 18 18 to 21 22 to 24 25 to 27 28 to 29 30 to 32 33 to 35 Above 35 Total NO. OF RESPONDENTS 6 15 22 10 11 7 4 75 PERCENTAGE 08.00 % 20.00 % 29.33 % 13.33% 14.66% 09.33 % 05.33 % 100.00 % A glance at the table makes it clear that a maximum number of the respondents belong to the age group of 25 to 27 that is 29.33 %>. 20 % respondents belong to the age group of 22 to 24. It shows that total 70 %) respondents have reached to this stage before 30 years of their age. No respondent belongs to the first age group. It seems that it is difficult to achieve certain position in this field below 18 years of age as this profession requires prolonged training, hard work and devotion. 190

Only 5.33 % respondents belong to the last age group. It seems that those who are still learning dance in this age group may not wish to make a career in this field, as it may be difficult. It is clear that the respondents who are trying to make a career or who have already achieved certain position in this field mainly belong to the age group of 22-27. The respondents who belonged to the age group of above 30 are mainly the professional artists; they have already reached at a certain level in this field. However still they assume themselves as students or upcoming artists out of the feelings of devotion and gratitude for their Guru. Religion of the Respondents: Classical dance in India has a long history. We have seen in the earlier chapters that it is having religious connotations or significance from the beginning. As we have seen in previous chapters, Kathak dance has been originated and developed in Hindu temples. This underlies its religious importance. Later it was influenced by Muslim culture. From temples it shifted to the courts of the Muslim Emperors and under their patronage dance was nurtured and flourished for several years. Even today we can easily find the Muslim impact on Kathak dance in its many aspects such as costumes, some technical terms, jewellery used by dancers at the time of performance, instruments used and even some contents in Kathak dance. 191

Thus it becomes important and even necessary to find out the religion wise composition of today's Kathak artists. Table No. 6.1.2 Religion Wise Distribution of the Respondents RELIGION Hindu Muslims Others Total NO. OF RESPONDENTS 75 75 PERCENTAGE 100.00% 100.00 % In so far as religion is concerned, it was observed that all the respondents were Hindus. The predominance of Hindu respondents can be explained by the fact that the respondents were mainly selected from Pune City. In Pune the population of Hindus is more. According to census report in 1991, total population of Pune District was 4164500 and Hindus were 3541100 (82.90 %). However the overall picture of Kathak artist also reveals that there is predominance of Hindu dance artists in the field of Kathak. Almost all renowned Kathak artists in Pune belong to Hindu religion. It can be said that the Muslim impact on Kathak dance is still visible. However Muslim girls are not engaged in this profession. It may be because of the fact that even when the Muslim emperors were 192

the patrons of the art, the Muslim dancers at that time did not enjoy social recognition. They were ill famed. This may be the reason that even when dance has got its dignity back due to the efforts made by some pioneers and when dignified people started taking interest in it, Muslim families did not allow their family members to choose this field as a career. One more reason may be responsible for this fact that in Pune and even in other parts of India almost all renowned Gurus and Kathak dance artists are Hindus. This may be the reason of majority of Hindu upcoming dance artists. Caste Wise Distribution of the Respondents: The caste system has divided Indian society in to different strata based on occupations and other factors. Due to a close association between caste and occupation in Indian society, one has to take into consideration caste wise distribution of the respondents while analyzing their socio-economic background. Without knowing a caste affiliation the socio economic background of the respondents remains incomplete. Traditionally Indian society was fully controlled by the caste system. Different castes had their monopolies in certain occupations. Kathak was not a monopoly of any particular caste. Kathakas were Gaur Brahmins, Kanujia and Saraswat Brahmins. As we have seen before even some tribes were involved in this art, such as, Bachal, 193

Bais, Bargujar, Chhatri, Dhobi, Surajbansi, Saruaria, etc. Initially when it had religious importance there must have been the predominance of some of the dominant castes in this profession but with the declining status of the artists, lower caste people must have entered into profession. However the present situation is totally changed. Table No. 6.1.3 helps us to understand the present situation about the castes of classical dancers. Table No. 6.1.3 Caste wise distribution of the Respondents Caste Brahmin Gujrati Sonar C. K. P. Total No. Of Respondents 68 4 2 1 75 Percentage 90.66 % 05.33 % 02.66 % 01.33% 100.00 % Table No. 6.1.3 clearly shows that there is predominance of higher castes, especially Brahmins among the respondents. These days the situation has been changed. 68 out of 75 respondents belonged to the Brahmin caste that is almost 90.66 %. 4 respondents belonged to a Gujrati community that is 5.33 %. Another 2 respondents were Sonar (2.66 %) and 1 belonged to the C. K. P. caste that is 1.33%. 194

This data clearly shows the predominance of Brahmins in this field in the present situation. Rather it can be said that the Brahmins are establishing their monopoly in the field of the classical dances especially on Kathak dance. It seems that other castes are lagging behind in this field. Though the Marathas belong to higher caste, and although it is considered as a dominant caste in Maharashtra, not even a single respondent in the present survey belongs to this caste. Following reasons may be responsible for the present caste wise structure of respondents. 1. It seems that in Brahmin Families girls have more freedom, to go out of the house and make a career in desired profession. 2. Maratha community may be still conservative about such professions that they do not allow their daughters to make a career in such fields. 3. The training schools of Kathak dance are mostly located in urban areas where Brahmins are numerically predominant. Moreover they are more progressive in their cultural outlook. 195

Educational Qualifications of the Respondents! Modem society has given much more importance to formal, academic education. It has been assumed that whatever may be the profession a person should be at least a degree holder. This is the basic requirement of any career or profession in modem society. Hence the educational qualification of the respondents of the present study should be taken into consideration in order to understand present position of dance and dance artists. Table No. 6.1.4 Distribution of Respondents by Their Educational Qualification Qualification Under Graduate Graduate Post Graduate Post Graduation in Dance Other Total No. Of Respondents 7 37 8 8 15 75 Percentage 09.33 % 49.33 % 10.86 % 10.86% 20.00 % 100.00 % 196

Table No. 6.1.4 indicates that the dance artists of younger generation are well educated. Even though a person does not need any academic qualification for being a dancer 9.33 % that is 7 respondents are doing their graduation. 37 respondents are degree holders and they constitute 49.33 % of the total respondents, and some of them are engaged in doing their Post-Graduation, while 8 respondents have completed their post graduation. The most striking fact is 8 respondents that are 10.86 % of the total respondents have done their post graduation in dance in Pune University. 15 respondents that is 20 % replied that they have completed their education in some other fields like Diploma in Interior Decoration or Computer Applications etc. Thus it can be concluded that the younger generation of classical dance artists is well educated even though such academic and formal education is not necessary for their profession. Such well-educated and qualified artist are eligible to develop dance and make some new innovations in this field, for example, fusions of various dance styles or new experiments without damaging its traditional pattern or by developing some techniques in dance, they could lessen the impact of popular dance. The art of performing dance has now become an elite art. Those who are performers of the art as well as those who are its fans generally belong to higher socio economic bracket. The 197

commoners have not as yet developed interest in it. It has become an art of classes and not of masses. Marital Status: Socio economic background would remain incomplete with out the analysis of marital status of respondents. Marital status of the respondents is given in table No. 6.1.5 Table No. 6.1.5 Distribution of Respondents by their Marital Status Marital Status Married Unmarried Total No. Of Respondents 30 45 75 Percentage 40.00 % 60.00 % 100.00% Among the total respondents 40 % respondents were married and rest 60 % were unmarried as they are still younger. Not even a single respondent said that she doesn't want to get married for the sake of her career. After analyzing the statistics regarding this question it can be said that in Indian society still marriage is considered very important for a 198

girl. Thus every respondent wished to get married. It seems that marriage doesn't affect their professional career to a great extent. Today many renowned women dancers in Pune are married. It may due to the fact that they all belong to well educated families in urban areas where the attitude of people towards classical dance has been changed. There may be some limitations but it seems that marriage doesn't totally affect their career. However some respondents were not very sure about this. Some expressed their hidden feelings during the discussions that still there are some people who are not much in favour of making a career in this field. Some people may like watching classical dance or they may not against it but they may not allow their daughter in law to make such a career. It may create some problems for a girl dancer after marriage. Economic Background of the Respondents: Economic background plays an important role in one's professional life. Thus the economic background of the respondents has to be taken into consideration. Individual's economic status or position affects his / her professional life. Individual's choice of selecting a profession, aspirations, capacity, attitudes, performance in work, all these factors are related to economic background. 199

Learning any classical art and making a career in it has apparently become a monopoly of a particular group or community may be caste, class and gender. Initially dancing was the monopoly of some castes then it has lost its status and became the thing to be done by some particular communities or groups. After some years only Devadasis and women of ill fame started doing it and in 20"^ century as classical dance regained its status due to the efforts made by some renowned dancers, middle and upper class people started taking interest in it. And now it has almost become a monopoly of these classes. Today dance education has become very expensive and that is why the girls who belong to middle and upper classes can only afford to make a career in this field. Some middle class girls also learn classical dance but they have some limitations. Present survey also reveals the similar facts. Some respondents have noted that learning classical dance is an expensive affair. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to manage it unless there is adequate financial support. Tuition fees of classical dance teacher are high as well as the training period is also too long. Dance examinations, dance performances etc. are also very expensive tasks. That is why dance artists especially upcoming artists require a sound financial support, which is not always possible. Expenses of auditorium charges, charges of accompanying musicians, costume, jewellery, advertisement, chief guests' honorarium and conveyance, all these things are necessary but very costly. Even to appear for any 200

higher examination in this field an artist needs some financial provision. In such circumstances it helps, if they are self-sufficient. All the respondents are either trying to be professional dancers or some of them have already achieved certain position in this field or some of them have just started earning with the help of dance. Table No. 6.1.6 Distribution of Respondents by Their Annual Individual Income Annual Individual Income (In Rupees) Nil Below 50,000 50,000-1,00,000 More Than 1,00,000 Total No. Of Respondents 13 17 15 30 75 Percentage 17.33% 22.66 % 20.00 % 40.00 % 100.00 % Table No. 6.1.6 reveals that sfill 17.33 % respondents are not earning. This is possible because they have not yet started teaching dance or are not yet able to perform their art professionally since have not acquired the level of proficiency in the art that is required. But many of them believe that soon they will be able to earn. 20 % respondents come into the second category that is income below Rs. 50,000 per year. Most of them belong to the age group of 20-25, and 201

they are sure about the growth in their income in coming years. Other 20% respondents reported themselves in the income group of Rs. 50,000-1, 00,000 per year. And rest 30 respondents belong to the last income group of earning more than Rs. 1, 00,000 per year. Though majority of the respondents are earning less than rupees 1 lakh per year at present, they all are hopeful that their income will increase in the near future. The reason for their low income at present may be that they all are upcoming artists. However it seems that it is not easy to earn more money in the initial stage of their career. In addition to their individual income, respondents' family background helps to comprehend the clear picture about the socio economic class of the respondents'. That is why the information about the same is also collected. 202

Annual Family Income: Table No. 6.1.7 Distribution of the Respondents by Their Annual Family Income in Rupees Income Group (In Rupees) Less Than 2 Lakh 2 Lakh to 4 Lakh 4 Lakh to 6 Lakh More Than That Total No. Of Respondents 3 12 23 37 75 Percentage 04.00 % 16.00% 30.66 % 49.33 % 100.00 % The data in the table shows the economic background of the respondents. As said earlier learning classical dance is an expensive task. To reach up to the stage of Visharad that is the degree level, a student has to learn dance for minimum 9 to 10 years, and if a student wants to make a career in this field he or she has to learn for more years. It's a kind of devotion. At present 10 to 12 years training requires a minimum of Rs. 25,000-30,000 to be paid as fees to a dance teacher. Now a days it can be extended to Rs. 50,000 also. Other necessary expenses are not included in this amount. For example, accompanying musicians' charges, costumes, make-up, musical 203

instruments, workshop fees, entry fees of various dance programs of other dance artists which an upcoming artist has to attend if one has to make a career in this field. These are some inevitable expenses. Hence, it can be said that it is very difficult to make a career in this field for an individual who belongs to a lower economic strata. It is difficuh but not impossible for middle class students. Thus it seems that in modem days people belong to economically higher middle class or upper classes have their predominance in this field. The data reveals that only 4 % respondents belong to the income group of less than Rs. two lakh per year. 16 % respondents pose themselves in the income group of Rs. 2 to 4 lakh per year. 30.66 % come in to the income group of Rs. 4 to 6 lakh per year. And majority that is 49.33 % respondents belong to the last income group of more than Rs. 6 lakh per year. The present data reveals that almost half of the respondents belong to the higher economic strata and may be some of them belong to the higher class. Slowly classical dance is becoming a monopoly of economically sound, educated and elite class. 204

Type of Family: As a stigma was attached to this profession in the past, becoming a dance artist is not only a matter of personal choice rather the consent of family members becomes important factor. In this matter it becomes significant to find out the type of families of the respondents. Table No. 6.1.8 Distribution of Respondents by Their Family Type Type of Family Joint Family Nuclear Family Total No. Of Respondents 7 68 75 Percentage 09.33 % 90.66 % 100.00 % The present table shows that 90.66 % respondents belong to the nuclear family and only 9.33 % respondents belong to the joint family. This may be due to the fact that the present survey was conducted in Pune City and in cities predominant family type is that of the nuclear family. Though 9.33 % respondents are from joint families, these are definitely not typical traditional joint families. It seems that the setting of traditional middle and higher middle class 205

joint families may not be in favour of this profession, due to which most of the upcoming dance artists are from nuclear families. It clearly reveals the fact that still the family plays an important role in ones professional life. Family guides individual's choice of selection of the profession. Section - 2 Extra Curricular Activities One of the most important determinants of individual's professional life or career is his or her extra curricular activities. Individual interests, choices, likings, etc. play an important role in an individual's life. These interests help individuals to choose their career. His or her hobbies and leisure time activities help him to determine the profession. Even these activities help individual to develop the skills that are required for a desired profession. In the present study an attempt is made to know the extra curricular activities of the respondents other than dance, such as drawing, writing, travelling, reading etc. as it must have been helpful to them in developing their skills that are required to be a classical dance artist. It also helped to disclose the recent trends in society regarding the present subject. We have already seen that most of the respondents belong to middle and upper classes. That is why it can be said that it 206

has become one of the pre requisites of this profession to have a sound economic background. Then the question arises what may be other requirements or recommended qualities that are essential for making a career in this particular field? This quest also helped the present researcher to find out the growing consciousness of people about this field. Rather it helped to know the attitude and awareness of people about dance and career of their daughters in this field. Following table helps us to know about this. Table No. 6.2.1 Respondents' Hobbies and Participation in Extra Curricular Activities Activity Debate Writing Travelling Reading Drawing And Painting No. Of Respondents 9 7 65 30 46 Percentage 12.00% 09.33 % 86.66 % 40.00 % 61.33% A Multi Response Table A profile of extra curricular activities of the respondents during their period of educafion is set out in the table No. 6.2.1. 207

The survey discloses that respondents take interest in several extra curricular activities, some intellectual and some general. An analysis of these activities showed that about 61.33 % of respondents expressed their interest in drawing and painting as their favorite activity. No doubt there is certain relationship between drawing and dance. Knowledge about geometry, colour combinations and its effects, definitely help a dancer. Dance performances, setting choreographies and formations, and some other matters such as light effects, make up, drapery etc. requires the knowledge of drawing and painting to some extent. 12 % respondents have shown their interest in debate. Any artist should have a good presence of mind and he must be intelligent enough to present his art before the audience. If a dancer is able to talk to the audience and to explain his art to them, it becomes an additional qualification, which is definitely helpful in establishing a good rapport with the audience. 9.33 % respondents have noted that they have interest in writing articles, short stories, and reports of dance programmes, competitions and festivals. Travelling is the most common hobby among them. 86.66 % respondents have made it clear that they love travelling. Most of them have travelled in many parts of India for the purpose of dance. It may be for performances, dance fesdvals, dance competitions, exams and for workshops organized in different parts of the country. 208

40 % respondents have interest in reading. A personality of a dancer must be versatile in order to be a successful artist or to have a successful professional life. And books are one of the major sources of seeking knowledge, which uhimately helps him in developing his personality. It is interesting to note that a substantial proportion of respondents showed a keen aptitude of participation in extra curricular activities during their school and college education, which underlines their enterprising nature. All this shows that respondents harboured potential seeds of enterprise and boldness even during the period of education. The quality, which is essential for any individual engaged in this profession, includes facing the challenges with courage. This quest makes it clear that all these activities developed the capacities of the respondents and helped them to make their career in this field. Doing these activities along with dance training and academic education is not easy. It is time consuming as well as expensive and may be affordable only to financially well off people more easily than others. It may not be easily accessible to lower middle class or financially weak people. Thus to acquire a better position in this field, again economic condition of an individual plays an important role. 209

Participation in Cultural Activities: There is definitely some interrelationship between dance and some other cultural activities. Such activities may help a dance artist to develop necessary skills. An attempt is made here to find out how consciously dance students and their parents are taking efforts to make a career in this field and how they are being aware of all such important things that have become conditions for being a dancer. Table No. 6.2.2 Respondents' Participation in Cultural Activities: Cultural Activities Music Drama Films Vocal No. Of Respondents 13 36 3 46 Percentage 17.33% 48.00 % 04.00 % 61.33% A Multi Response Table All these cultural activities are related to dance directly or indirectly. Participation in some of these cultural activities helps a dancer to develop skills. A good dancer has to have basic knowledge 210

of music, drama and singing. These are some of the basic requirements of this profession. Table 6.2.2 makes it clear that 17.33 % respondents have participated in music related activities (playing instruments). 48 % that is almost half of the respondents have participated in drama, one act play, mono acting, and drama competitions. And this activity has helped them to improve their skills as an artist. As 'natya' is one of the major components of 'nritya', it helped them a lot. A small proportion of the respondents that is 4 % have acted in films. Such a small proportion shows that acting in films is still not a common phenomenon. There may not be a favourable attitude towards films in educated, reputed and well off families, so the girls in such families are not allowed to participate in films. It seems that classical dance has acquired more status than acting in films or is considered as a more dignified field in which girls from dignified families can make their career. One more important aspect of this matter is that hardly any dance-oriented films that are dedicated to classical dance are produced these days. That is why the dance artists who are trained in it are not willing to act in films. 46.33 % that is almost half of the respondents can sing or are learning classical singing, which definitely must have helped them in developing their skills, required for their profession. 211

The respondents' interest in cultural activities, throws a good light on the efforts taken by them to develop their skills. It shows the growing aspirations of dance artists in modem India that they are consciously trying to develop their dancing. Thus it can be concluded that the classical dance artists and their parents have become more conscious about this field. Consciously they are taking some efforts, which ultimately will enhance the rank of their daughters as dance artists. Scholarships or Academic Awards Won By the Respondents: In modem days academic education has received immense importance in society. At the same time the training in extra curricular activities is also becoming significant. Especially an artist in modern society needs both the things. It has been seen in the previous section that almost all the respondents are fairly educated. In the present section an attempt is made to find out whether they have performed well in academic field or have only concentrated more on their art. In this regard a question was asked to them whether they received any scholarship or academic awards in their school or college life. Table No.6.2.3 gives information about awards and scholarships received by the respondents. 212

Table No.6.2.3 Scholarships or Awards Won By Respondents during Their School or College Days Options Yes No Total No. Of Respondents 13 62 75 Percentage 17.33 % 82.66 % 100.00% Table No. 6.2.3 reveals that though less in number, some of the respondents have received such awards and prizes. 17.33 % respondents have informed that they have got such awards or scholarships in their academic career. At the same time 82.66 % have not achieved any awards and scholarships. It may be due to the following reasons. 1. These respondents must have been more interested in making their career in dance than in the academics. 2. Due to their dance related activities they must have ignored their academic career. 3. It may be difficult to pay attention at both the things at a time and as all the respondents have done well in dance, it mustn't have become possible for them to concentrate on their studies well. 213

4. Though they haven't got any prizes or scholarships their academic performance is fairly good, they all are well educated. All these questions and respondents' responses to them clearly indicate that the awareness of people regarding classical dance is growing. The respondents are more consciously taking efforts to develop their skills as dancers and even parents are helping them in doing all these required activities. Section- 3 Aspects Related To Dance There are some aspects that highlight the present situation of a particular fact in society. They also show the recent trends in society regarding different facts such as professions, arts, technologies and many other things. They also point out, how a particular phenomenon or fact has attained an importance in society at that particular time and what are the views of society regarding it that affect the fact favourably or adversely. These factors are nothing but changing trends in society and the views of people about it. Certainly there are such factors that enabled the present researcher to know the recent facts and attitude of classical dance students and their parents about the classical dance. Such as proper age of starting dance training, period 214

of training, appropriate age of completion of dance training, respondents motivations for learning dance, reasons for the selection of particular style, importance given to dance examinations and competitions, and to which examinations of dance the respondents have given preferences and the importance given by the respondents to dance practice even during school or college examinations. These exercises facilitated the present researcher to know the current situation about classical dance in society. Age Factors: Indian classical dance has become peculiar due to some facts related to it. One of the major facts is that if one wishes to make a career in this field, he or she has to start learning it at the earlier stage of life. Almost all the renowned artists have started learning their art right from the early part of their childhood. It may be due to the fact that these arts need lifetime devotion, hard practice, discipline, concentration and sacrifice. If a person starts learning it since his or her childhood, he gets habituated to such a disciplined life easily. These days it is impossible for any student to concentrate only on dance and to ignore academic education fully. That is why nobody can spare all of his or her time for dance training or practice. Thus if the person starts learning it at an early age, it becomes possible to achieve something along with the completion of academic education. And one more important reason to start this at an early age is that, one's 215

aptitude and liking can be judged at this stage and if a person doesn't have an aptitude or liking in it, it becomes easy to choose another line. Experts say that the proper age to start learning dance is seven to ten years. This is because the proper dance training takes at least twelve to fourteen years and if a child starts training at the age of seven to ten years then one can complete the basic training by the age of twenty two to twenty four years, which is the proper age for commencing one's professional life. Table No.6.3.1 Age of Commencing Dance Training Age Of Commencing Dance Training 6-8 9-11 12-14 15-17 Total No. Of Respondents 25 33 09 08 75 Percentage 33.33 % 44.00 % 12.00% 10.66% 100.00 % This information helped to assess the present situation of classical dance and the views of respondents about the age of commencing 216

classical dance training. It helped to find out how consciously people are looking at dance these days. Table No.6.3.1 clearly shows us that 33.33 % respondents have started their training at the age of 6 to 8 and 44.00 % at the age of 9 to 11. Thus it can be said that the most common and may be the proper age of starting dance training is 6 to 11. Another group of 12.00 % respondents started their training at the age of 12 to 14 and 10.66 % at the age of 15 to 17. Thus one can start learning at the age of 15 to 17 also but it becomes difficuh to complete training at proper age, which is considered as the age of starting a professional career or the age of being independent performer or they may find it difficult to compete with their competitors. The girls who start it at an early age can complete it up to the age of 20, which helps them to develop their vocation. The majority of the respondents have started their training at the proper age. It also shows the consciousness of their parents in this regard. Thus if one wants to make a career in this field he or she has to start dance training at the early age but if one wants to learn it only as a hobby or as a leisure time activity, he or she can start learning it little later also. Duration of Respondents' Dance Training: Respondents were asked one more significant question about their training period that is how many years they have been learning it. 217

Their responses to this question helped to understand the fact that classical dance needs extensive training and it is almost a neverending process. It indicated their seriousness and commitment to this field. Table No.6.3.2 The Duration of Respondents' Dance Training Years 5-7 8-10 11-13 15-17 19 + Total No. Of Respondents 16 16 32 11 75 Percentage 21.33% 21.33% 42.66 % 14.66% 100.00% As the respondents were mostly senior students, all of them have been learning it for more than 8 to 10 years. 21.33 % respondents have been learning dance since last 8 to 10 years. The same proportion of the respondents (21.33 %) is learning it since last 11 to 13 years. 42.66 % respondents are doing it for the last 15 to 17 years and 14.66 % are for a long period of more than 19 years. It reveals the fact that learning dance is an unending process because even well 218

known dancers and esteemed Gurus also say that still they are students and still learning this art. Thus many dancers keep continuing their practice in the same institution from where they have learnt it and they modestly say that they are still learning it. Almost all the respondents have noted that they would continue it for the whole life. They will not leave their Guru. This may be due to the following reasons. 1. Due to the feeling of gratefulness for their Guru they do not want to leave him. 2. Dance training is an unending process. 3. The techniques and science of this art are getting modified all the time that is why they always want to be in touch with their Guru. 4. It may be difficult to make a career alone. Even the modest association with their Guru becomes necessary in order to get help and support from their mates and even from Guru. 5. Continuous practice is very important, which becomes possible by being with the Guru's institution. 6. Sometimes the Guru also needs his well-trained and thus wellestablished students to be with him either for new projects or to teach younger students or for some other purposes. 7. They all must have accepted the fact that learning classical dance is not an easy task and needs extensive and hard training. 219

Thus all the respondents had completed a prolonged and extensive training. It shows that the younger generation in present times also has a great amount of patience and feelings of devotion towards this art. It also gives us the account of the importance given by them to their profession and the significance of the classical dance in the present society. Selection of the Particular Field: While studying any profession it becomes very important to know that whether the person has chosen his profession on his own volition or not. It is an influential factor. It affects on individual's performance, development and obviously his success in life. A person who has chosen a particular professional field on his own than he shows a keen interest in it and makes efforts to achieve some position in this field. This particular issue is very important as far as the present study is concerned because a person chooses the profession or parents persuade their children to choose a profession, which has some dignity or importance and obviously, which helps its professionals to achieve a good posifion in society. The status of dance ardsts is always fluctuating in India. It has not remained same throughout the history. This issue helped to assess the present status of the dance and dance artists in society. 220

Decision of Selecting This Field for Carrier: It may be possible that successful and well-known dance artists may not have chosen their profession on their own; somebody else must have persuaded them. In this regard the question was included in the schedule that did they join the dance school on their own volition and responses are as follows. Table No. 6.3.3 Respondents Decision about Joining a Classical Dance School Options Yes No Total No. of Respondents 45 30 75 Percentage 60.00 % 40.00 % 100.00% As mentioned earlier, a keen inspiration shown by a large proportion of respondents towards the participation in extra-curricular and cultural activities during the period of education shows their liking or aptitude towards arts. No wonder, a predominant proportion of respondents (viz. 60 %) covered by our survey displayed a keen interest to join the dance school on their own volition. And a comparatively less proportion (viz. 40 %) has not joined it due to their own interest. But somebody motivated them. In spite of it they have 221

decided to choose it as a career and are devotionally trying for that. It may be due to the fact that classical dance in India has that much gravity to attract and involve people especially students towards it. It may be said that though some respondents have chosen it on their own volition, their parents must have played an important role in this regard, because most of the respondents have started learning it at the early age. Thus it must be their parents' decision that whether to register their daughters in a dance school or not. Who persuaded them? Some respondents have answered that they have not chosen the profession on their own volition. Some other persons have motivated them. This point is very important in this regard because in pre independent period the dance artists did not enjoy social status or dignity in society. Moreover the girls belonging to middle and higher middle class and dignified families were not allowed and ready to enter this profession. Their parents or friends never persuaded them to choose this profession. Most probably the ill famed women were engaged in it. On this background this question helped to understand the changing process, which is very significant as far as the present survey is concerned. The change, which is taking place in society since last 50 years is being reflected in the answers to this question. 222

In case of 40 % respondents their parents have persuaded them in choosing this particular profession. This change is a landmark in the process of transformation of Indian classical dance. Such a change helped to survive and sustain these dance forms. Persuading Reasons: The respondents who have chosen it on their own were asked one more question in this regard to know the reasons due to which they were attracted towards it and started learning it. They were given some options in order to draw certain conclusions. This question also facilitated to understand the views of girl dancers that helped them to select this profession for their career. While analyzing the information received in response to this question it was taken for granted that though the respondents have started learning dance on their own, their parents must have played an important role in this regard. 223

Table No.6.3.4 Reasons, Which Persuaded Respondents to Learn Dance Reasons Liking Hobby A good physical exercise As a leisure time activity It will help to become independent in future No. of Respondents 25 20 6 4 15 Percentage 55.55 % 44.44 % 13.33% 08.88 % 33.33 % A multi response table (45 respondents were asked this question who have chosen this profession on their own.) Table No. 6.3.4 reveals the reasons, which motivated the respondents to learn classical dance. 55.55 % that is more than half of the respondents had liking for dance. The question arises then if they have started learning dance at an early age, how did they develop the liking for this art in such an early age. It may be possible due to the media impact or due to parents' inspiration or it can be said that after starting dance training they must have developed interest in it. The same justification may be applicable to the second option also. 44.44 % respondents noted that they have started learning it as a hobby. 224

13.33 % respondents said that they found dancing a good physical exercise and that is why they have joined a dance school. 8.88 % respondents have started learning it as a leisure time activity. Today's parents are becoming more and more conscious about their children's leisure time activities. Many think that extra curricular activities can be good leisure time activities. They are becoming more conscious about it and started taking interest in the matter. This also shows the growing importance of dance in society. This quest reveals a changing and welcoming trend that parents are encouraging their children to learn such a traditional art, which was looked down by the society five to six decades ago. Such a change is in favour of classical dance forms in India, which definitely will help these forms to survive and develop in future. Selection of the Particular Style: As we have seen earlier, there are seven acknowledged Indian classical dance forms. All are traditional. All are well known but the level of their popularity is not same all over India. Each style is popular in some particular region. For example Kathak is popular in Uttar Pradesh and in Maharashtra. It cannot be seen in Kerala or in Kashmir in such a developed manner. Kathakali and Mohini Attam are popular only in Kerala. Mostly these styles are well appreciated at 225

the places of their origin and in nearby regions. But in the case of Kathak it can be said that though Maharashtra is not the place of origin of Kathak, it has come to Maharashtra and especially got a substantial response in Pune. In the present survey an attempt is made to find out the reasons for the respondents choosing this particular style. Table No. 6.3.5 Reasons of the Selection of This Particular Style Reasons Parents liked it With some particular objective in mind. No particular reason. Liking Due to convenience and availability. No. of Respondents 22 40 13 42 Percentage 29.33 % 53.33 % 17.33% 56.00 % A Multi Response Table Table No. 6.3.5 indicates some of the important tendencies in society regarding dance such as 29.33 % respondents have started learning this particular style because their parents liked it. It is due to 226

the fact that more than 75 % respondents have started learning dance in the age group of 6 to 12. So we can draw a conclusion that the respondents did not have any specific interest in mind before starting their dance training, as they were too young to decide this. Obviously their parents must have decided this. Not even a single respondent has said that she had any particular objective in mind before starting the dance training, such as, to earn money in future or to achieve higher status or to get publicity. 53.33 % respondents have noted that they have started learning Kathak due to some reasons. 17.33 % respondents have started learning Kathak, as they liked this particular style. 56 % that is the majority of the respondents honestly conceded that initially they did not have any knowledge about it. They have just selected the dance school, which was available and convenient to them or just because of the suggestions of relatives or friends. The above description makes it clear that many people are still unaware about the particularities of classical dance styles. While enrolling their children in a dance school, most of the time people are unaware about the style, its importance, its future and the future of their children. They just enroll their wards in a dance school, which is available and convenient to them. Some respondents have expressed some other reasons during the discussions with them, that they have started learning Kathak as they were introduced to this particular style in the school. Some schools 227

have started teaching dance as a regular subject. It is a good change that if at least some basic knowledge of these arts is being given in the school, people will be aware of the rich tradition of our society. It will be helpful for sustenance of classical dance. Dance Examinations and Competitions: In this section an attempt was made to get information about the career of these respondents in the dance field. The present researcher has tried to find out whether the respondents have appeared for any dance examinations conducted by university or any other equivalent institution. Are there any such institutions, which conduct dance examinations? Does the University conduct such examinations? Is there inclusion of dance as an academic subject? Such issues also helped the researcher to know the present situation of classical dance in society. In some Universities dance has been included as a regular subject. Students can get their Bachelor's or Master's degree in dance and music. It is being taught in the University of Pune, S. N. D. T. University etc. Universifies, which have established performing Art Centers, conduct the Bachelor and Master Degree courses in Dance, Dramatics and Music. 228

In Maharashtra there is one more very old institution known as Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahvidyalaya (A. B. G. M.), located in Miraj, in Sangli District, which gives training in several Indian classical performing arts such as Dance; Kathak and Bharata Natyam, Music and Instruments etc. and conducts examinations. This institution is well known for its disciplined and quality education. The A. B. G. M. has its centers all over Maharashtra and the examinations of dance (Kathak and Bharata Natyam) and music (vocal and instrumentation) are being conducted twice a year at these centers. The A. B. G. M. and its examinations are so popular that almost all the dance schools allow their students to appear these examinations. Table No.6.3.6 Respondents Appearing for Dance Examinations Options Appeared for examinations Not appeared Total No. of Respondents 75 75 Percentage 100.00% 100.00% Table No. 6.3.6 reveals the fact that all (viz. 100 %) the respondents have appeared for the dance examinations conducted by the A. B. G. M. It shows the vitality of examinations in this field and even the consciousness of people regarding dance in society. The girls, who learn dance or wish to make a career in this field appear for 229