Rhythm Incarnate English 1992

In contemporary India classical dance became extinct, except in South India, where Bharat Natyam was still performed in the temples by Deva Dasis and in Eastern India, specially in Orissa and Manipur, where Odissi, Chou and Manipuri were in active practice. Shanti Bardhan, younger colleague of Udai Shankar, initiated synthesis of gesture language of the ancient classical style with the rhythm of folk dances and free movements of Kurt Joos, in a new style in which he composed India Immortal dance and drama. After the success of this free style ballet, he brought together a troupe of young female and male students and choreographed dance dramas based on Panchatantra and other stories. These dance dramas moved the initiated and the native among on lookers in various parts of India to appreciation of dance itself.