This column is about the effect of Western music and Western dance on the Indian classical music and Indian classical dance. Though Indian youth likes western form of dancing and Music, they don’t want to leave their traditional classical art forms. They are very much into these art forms and leaving no stone unturned to make these arts alive for ever. The child prodigies in Indian classical dances and Indian classical music creating their magical spell on the various Indian international channels are the living examples to prove this point!
In India music and other arts have a traditional back ground.
India is having classical music of its own which is broadly divided into Carnatic music, which is being practiced in the southern part of the country and Hindustani Music which is practiced in the northern part of the country. There have been families which have dedicated their lives for the Indian classical music and have become popular because of a particular type of music from these two main streams of music.The music played by each of these families is referred with respect as their own 'Gharanas'.
Similarly in other art forms like classical dancing etc, also India is having a old tradition and the art is being handed over from generation to generation. The Dances like Kuchipudi, Bharata Natyam, Mohinyattam, Katahakali etc from the southern India are typical examples of Classical dances. Similarly Katthak is a one of the most popular classical dances from Northern India.
But then because of modern equipments and other source of entertainment the traditional classical music and dancing have taken the back bench in the main stream of entertainment! The Indian youth is showing more interest in the western
form of dancing and today we have lot of Indian youths who have attained mastery in western styles of dancing. It was felt at some point of time that this influence of western dance may have detrimental effect on the Indian classical dancing.But then the picture is seeming a bit different today, with so many TV channels coming up which are international in nature, Indian artists who got expertise in classical singing and dancing are getting lot of exposure and good earnings also by participating on them. Because of this the youth is getting attracted towards this art form and they are pouring back the life into it!
Today one will be pleasantly surprised to see small Kids singing or playing musical instruments like the veteran artists on these TV channels! These kids not only have the natural talent with them as a God Gift but they are being trained by their respective parents very carefully by sending them to the qualified teachers and trainers, so that they can become tomorrows Artists of international fame!
These child prodigies can be watched on Indian TV channels like 'Sony' and 'Zee TV' to appreciate their performance, which I am sure will make you spell bound!
Thus in my opinion the Indian classical music and classical dance forms though have got bit influenced by the western music and western dance, today’s youth is still interested in these traditional art forms and these art forms will never die in future too!
