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Kolkata, Dancing More ClassicalInterest in classical dances is on the rise in recent times in Kolkata- this observation is of course from the indicators that are available. Classical dance forms in India are identified to the states of their origin. Dance forms like Odissi and Bharatanatyam have wide appeal and are learnt across the country and even outside. Kolkata is proud of it's culture and preserves the traditions and customs religiously. There are some factors that need to be considered to understand the trend in increase of interest in classical dances. Technology: Classical dancers are reaching out to the people across the world through technology. Be it youtube, facebook, skype, classical dance performances arent now limited to the one or two instances of doordarshan beaming their programs and learning is not limited any more to personal coaching. One can find good sources of learning easily due to availability of information on the net. There was a time where a good school in the neighborhood was not known due to lack of listings or google search. Dance enthusiasts are able to access and upload performances in no time and this helps in generating even more interest. Political Transformation: Change in Government may have helped to some extent. Political policy of the Left may also be responsible to the vacuum? (That's the feeling some people shared in confidence). Having said that another Left ruled or dominant state Kerala is encouraging all classical dance forms in a big way. Kolkata is in a very peculiar position geographically and positive attitude towards culture and history is something that the Left ignored for too long. Economic Situation: Kolkata always encouraged creativity. With more avenues available to learn, exchange information and more importantly "some what better economic situation" people may be preferring classical dances even more. Decentralized Establishment - More educated dancers: There was a time when recognition was limited to those having access to the power centres alone. Even if one is a talented dancer, due to lack of good English communication skills coupled with lack of media to reach out, the scope to exhibit talent was limited. These days dancers are educated and can easily reach out to the world and look out for better performance opportunities. They can also benchmark their skills and improve their dancing skills. The demands of Guru-Parampara tradition were such that one is full time into learning classical dances and they were to depend on middlemen to reach out to the world. As pointed by some classical dancers themselves, not all dancers now consider it essential to perform in the procedure ridden, bureaucratic, and obligation based programs. There are more opportunities all around. Regular and frequent dance performances, visits of artists from other states in recent times are successful in generating more interest in dance. "City of Joy" encouraging classical dance is a good news to the entire dance community. With the language considered one of the sweetest, intellectual capabilities that are high, literary contributions being rich,progressive thinking.. the coming together of all the consituents promises an exciting future. If encouraged, who knows, the neighborhood may also be more receptive to progressive ideas and the making of a peaceful region. Conclusion: Key differentiator is perhaps the attitude of the existing Government. Earlier regime was in total control of the state for well over three decades and that too with an ideology and compulsion of the communists coupled with the electoral realities overlooked the need to encourage culture. TMC gaining power from such a regime may have helped to encourage the arts and culture in general. If the art community reaches out to the ruling party, there could be even better patronage. There are many dancers in Kolkata and the community should work together to ensure better opportunity and visibility to the local dancers. The city has many a good dancer who can lead the change and bring the glitter of rich classical dance to the ever spirit of joy as we look at the encouraging signs.
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