There is an acute lack of information as far as the performing arts are concerned. An obvious question that arises in one’s mind is – can there be any future in music and dance?
Our answer is: YES! Dreams reign supreme in the minds of our budding musicians and dancers at DPS Surat. Our aim is not only to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of India, but also to explore the aesthetic and spiritual mainspring of Indian classical and folk music and dance.
Lectures, demonstrations workshops and cultural exchange programmes relating to various facets of Indian performing arts are conducted and sponsored by DPS Surat.
Our teachers simplify the language of art to make it more attractive to young learners. You can learn what you understand – and thus begins a lifelong love affair.
· Vocal Music
· Instrumental music
· Dance
All the three Branches are taught in our school in the following forms:
The seven basic notes are sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni, taught in various combinations as sargam geet to exercise the vocal cords of the students.
Ragas are the combinations of swaras, to depict a particular mood associated with a particular time of the day or a season. Some ragas taught in are – Yaman, Bhopali, Bhairav, Desh, Vasant, etc..
We teach this popular North Indian classical dance form preserved in the Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras and Delhi gharanas. The intricate foot work enhanced by ghungroo, keeps pace with the bols to the accompaniment of harmonium and tabala.
This classical dance form began in the temples of southern India. It is a complex and stylized aesthetic expression of the spiritual principles of yoga or union between devotee and god and between dancer and dance, based on the physical symbol of mystic balanced triangles.
We also teach this modern dance form developed by the legendary Uday Shankar and famous, contemporary artistes like Mallika Sarabhai. It is a meaningful fusion of the principles and forms of Indian and Western classical dance and music.
We teach the simpler elements of ball room dance, jazz, tap dance, ballet and salsa. The idea is to provide a cultural diversification and strengthen muscles as well as improve balance. Solo as well as partnered dances are performed, to the accompaniment of suitable instrumental music.
These songs capture the particular essence of a region that is connected to the day to day lives of people living there. They are generally composed in the local dialect.
Bhajans are devotional songs through which we try to communicate with the Almighty. It can be in any language and address any religion. E.g. Itni shakti hamen dena data…
Songs have ever depicted the inherent connection between man and other beings in creation. Music has emerged out of the living and non-living aspects of nature. Man’s love for and dependence on Nature’s beauty and power are expressed in such songs. E.g. I love standing on a mountain…
Patriotic songs, before, since and after the Indian struggle for Independence have both expressed as well as inspired love for one’s country. E.g. Ay mere watan ke logon…
During our Annual Functions, we compose, tune and choreograph songs according to specific themes. E.g. songs featuring the five elements, creativity, emotions, aspirations, etc.
Punjab’s popular folk dance to the accompaniment dholak, bolis and song. Dancing involves snapping fingers, balancing tricks and acrobatic feats. Gidha is by Punjabi women who dance in a group to the rhythm of clapping hands.
A graceful folk dance of Assam, begins slowly but the tempo gradually quickens, to express rejuvenation and rebirth with the advent of spring after winter. Drums, horn pipes and cymbals accompany the dance, along with songs expressing the eternal saga of love between man and woman.
14.Kallari Payattu or martial art dance form from Kerala involves tremendous energy and balance, with striking, kicking, grappling and throwing in attack or defence.
15.Dandiya Ras, Teen Taali and Garba Ras from Gujarat, immortalize the devotional culture of India, in worshipping the Mother Goddess or Sri Krishna, by dancers moving in measured steps, to a swaying rhythm in a circle. Sometimes, they carry dandiya sticks or decorated pots.
16.Ghumar, Kachchi Ghodi and Kalbelia express the rich folk culture of Rajasthan in song and graceful dance by dancers spinning in a circle, swaying their body acrobatically to the accompaniment of pungi, dhuff and been. Dummy horses, elaborate costumes and naked swords add excitement to the spectacle.
17.Lavni and Tamasha from Maharashtra embody the fluency of thought and speech and the tradition of dance drama performed with a social message. In the tradition of folk theatre, musical accompaniment is provided by tabla, dholak or nal and thematic songs.
19.Jatra is a Bengali theatre form, originally based on mythological and historical themes. But now, this is a vehicle for highlighting contemporary social issues, through the traditionally elaborate body movement, gesticulation and emphatic dialogue.
20.Instrumental Music of both the Indian and western variety is introduced at an elementary level to our students, proceeding to higher degrees of competence. The instruments taught include the piano, recorder, flute, guitar, drums, table and harmonium.