“Theatre will be instructive to all” (Nāyaśāstra) – educational aspects of Indian classical dance

Abstract

The article proposes a reflection on the educational aspect of Indian classical dance, in which we can find two forms: pure dance (n  tta) and dance with miming and gesticulation (n  tya). Especially the latter one - when a dancer, using body movements, hand gestures and facial expression, conveys dramatic content of a dance - can be regarded as a medium of educational contents. Using as the starting point a presentation of roles which are assigned to a theatrical performance by the oldest Indian treatise on dramaturgy, Natyashastra, the paper shows how the educational role of Indian dance and theatre traditions may be realised nowadays. The analysis is based primarily on one of the best known styles of Indian classical dance - bharatanātyam.