Heritage of Classical
dance in Assam is of remote origin. In Assamese dances, Hastas (hand
gestures), Shirokarma (movement of the head), Padachari (foot work),
Karana (posture), etc are performed after the manner of Natya Shastra
or Sanskrit treatises on dance. The foot-work in an Assamese classical
dance is extremely intricate and is called "Gati" or "Belan".
It always reflects the theme of the dance in its infinite variation,
speed and pattern. There are "Hasti Bulan", i.e. the slow
majestic steps of the elephant, "Ghora Bulan", i.e. the
swift galloping steps of the horse, "Maira Bulan", i.e.
the majestic steps of a peacock and so on. |
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