IndexIntroductionOrigin of Indian Classical DanceOrigin of Indian Classical MusicConclusionIntroductionIndian culture has become a part of the lives of many people here in Canada. The arts have played an important role in the lives of many South Asian Canadians. From helping isolated children born in Canada build community and reconnect with their culture to making the lives of immigrant children more comfortable as they transition to a new society. Most importantly, it offers South Asian students an escape from the racism they face on a daily basis. Growing up, I used Indian classical music and dance to express myself in a way that only other art students would understand. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Indian classical dance, also known as Shastra Nritya, is a term for various performing arts rooted in Hindu religious musical styles. It is possible to trace the theory, origin and practice of classical dance to the Sanskrit text. There are approximately eight recognized classical dances; however, depending on the source and the scholar, this may vary. Most people who practice Indian classical dance recognize the following eight Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, Kathakali from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Odissi from Odisha, Pattaya from Assam, Manipur, from Manipur, and Mohiniyattam, from Kerala. As you can see, the dances are traditionally regional and all include specific music and recitation in the local language or Sanskrit. They all represent the unity of fundamental ideas in a diversity of styles and expressions. Indian classical music is the main type of music of the Indian subcontinent. It has two main divisions: the North Indian style of classical music called Hindustani and the South Indian style of music is called Carnatic. These styles did not become distinct until around the 16th century, during the period of Islamic rule in India. Musical styles became more distinct and separate after this time period. Hindustani music is known to emphasize improvisation of all aspects of raga, which is the central concept of Indian music. Although Carnatic music tends to be short and composition-based, both styles have more features in common than differences. The practice of classical Indian arts has helped many people deal with their differences here in Canada. Personally, dance and music have allowed my family members to feel more comfortable here in a new country. Indian classical music and dance have helped many South Asian Canadians embrace their culture and make an easier transition into a modern society. Origin of Indian classical dance Natya Shastra, the Sanskrit text on the performing arts, expresses the foundations of classical dance in India. The book can be attributed to Bharata Muni, ancient Indian musicologists, according to Harold Schramm's Musical Theater in India. The best-known version of the Natya Shastra text is composed of approximately six thousand verses structured in thirty-six chapters. The document describes the theory of bhava, expression, gestures, acting techniques, necessary steps and standing postures, all of which play a huge role in Indian classical dance. According to Mirror of Gesture, written by Ananda Coomaraswamy and Gopala Kristnayya Duggirala, “dance and the performing arts, this ancient text states, are a form of expression of spiritual ideas, virtues and the essence of the scriptures.” Although the Natya Shastra is the revered ancient text of the Hindu religion, many other ancient Sanskrit texts arerefer to dance. They further discuss classical performing arts, such as Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Bharati, Natya Darpana, Bhava Prakasa and many others, which are seen in Movement and Mimesis: The Idea of ​​Dance in the Sanskrit Tradition by Mandakrants Bose. Indian classical dances are traditionally performed as an expressive form of religious performance related to pan-Hindu epics and Vedic literature or even a popular entertainment that includes narratives from Sanskrit or regional linguistic performances. They are performed inside Hindu temples or near them as a form of religious art. It can also be performed as entertainment at weddings, in royal courts and even at festivals. As mentioned above, there are about eight types of Indian classical dance. However, there are specifically six types that are performed in Canada today; these beautiful dances are typically what we see. Bharatanatyam is a dance from Tamil Nadu, which is the southern part of India. This is initially a temple dance for women. It is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. This style is often known for the fixed upper torso and Armandi, bent or flexed legs, combined with spectacular footwork. Kathak is a North Indian dance, more specifically from Uttar Pradesh. This is often known as a love dance. It is performed by both men and women and the movements include intricate footwork. It is accentuated by bells worn around the ankles and stylized by gestures adapted to ordinary body language. Kathakali originates from southwestern India, more specifically from the state of Kerala. Like Bharatanatyam, this is also a religious dance. It draws inspiration from the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Opposite to Bharatanatyam, it is traditionally performed by boys and men. Kuchipudi, originating from Andhra Pradesh in the southeastern part of India, is different from the other styles mentioned, requiring talent in both dancing and singing. It is highly ritualised, with an introduction of song and dance, a sprinkling of holy water and the burning of incense, along with indications of goddesses. Odissi is indigenous to Orissa in eastern India and is predominantly a dance for women. This dance form is believed to be the oldest of the surviving Indian classical dances based on archaeological finds. It is also known for being a very complex and expressive dance. Manipuri comes from Manipur, in northeastern India. It has its roots in the state's folk traditions and rituals and often depicts scenes from the life of the god Krishna. Unlike other more rhythmic dances, this one is characterized by fluid and graceful movements. Origin of Indian Classical Music The roots of classical music in India lie mainly in the Vedic literature of Hinduism. It can also be found in Natya Shastra, similar to traditional Indian dance. According to A New History of the Humanities: The Search for Principles and Patterns from antiquity to the Present by Rens Bod, Sarangadeva's 13th-century Sanskrit text Sangrita-Ratnakara is considered the definitive text of both Hindustani music and Carnatic music styles. Two fundamental elements are found in Indian classical music, the raga and the tala. The raga forms the fabric of a melodic structure, while the tala measures the temporal cycle. A performer can construct a melody from sounds using the raga and the tala provides them with a creative structure for improvisation. In Indian classical music, the space between notes is often more important than the notes themselves and does not follow Western artistic concepts such as harmony, counterpoint, chords or modulation. There are two main divisions in Indian classical music. Carnatic music originates in South India and tends to be,.