All the world's a stage...

With the entertainment industry on a roll, more and more artistes are actively pursuing a career in the field of performing arts.

DANCE is the primeval expression of joy and wonder in any part of the world, transcending barriers of culture and development. Dance as a structured entity was essentially part of the devotional process. When combined with song and story-telling, dance metamorphosed into theatre.

Performing artists can be divided into three major categories- dancers, musicians and dramatists. Classical dancing in India is deeply religious and spiritual in content compared to those, which are danced on more trivial, yet happy occasions. This is often true of folk dances also. Of the various classical dance forms in the country the more popular ones are-Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Kathakali.

Dance

Gruelling daily exercises, practicing and rehearsing combined with performance from places as varied as Vellore to Vancouver, is the routine life of a dancer. The two main divisions in dance are classical and folk. Classical dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline and have strict rules of presentation. A career in dance can be in the field of performing, teaching or choreography. Many dancers combine stage shows and performances with teaching and choreography because each is so closely interwoven with the other.

Choreography:

Choreography involves the designing and composing of dance sequences. Choreographers coordinate the stage settings, music, and costumes and supervise rehearsals. They take on the role of directors in stage shows .The final performance is a product of the choreographer's creative genius. A choreographer should have exceptional imaginative powers and an ability to interpret and compose dance routines for solo as well as group performances.

Teaching:

One should have a few years of experience as a performer and an aptitude to teach and a thorough knowledge of the genre to be able to teach the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject. Many universities require accomplished artistes to teach at the graduate, post graduate and doctoral level.

Music

In ancient Indian thought, music as an esoteric experience was integral to human existence. Indian classical music has its roots in the belief that the stature of music should be such that it liberates one from the birth-death-reincarnation cycle. Music has always been linked to the emotional context and has often been considered the language of gods.

In the field of creating music magic are the vocalists, instrumentalists, music directors, composers and lyricists.

Singers:

Playback singing is an integral part our film industry . Singers can work for films, solo or in groups. One could be a classical or pop artiste or an instrumental musician. Musicians can be part of an orchestra or be conductors.

Drama

Theatre has been around in India for more than a thousand years and has been recognised as one of most powerful mediums of public thought and response; though the advent of television and the sway of films has meant that this particular art form is still struggling to get its rightful due. Theatre is still a director's medium. The director selects the artistes and other technical staff. It is his vision that is translated into a play, television serial or a film. The producer is the one who selects the theme and is responsible for the finances and the budgeting of the various departments. Then of course there are the actors, storywriters and stage/set designers etc.

Training & entry

To be an artiste some measure of inborn talent is essential. Training and guidance can only hone existing talent. Training in classical dance and music is available at a number of schools and institutions all over the country. Examinations for these courses are conducted at the certificate, degree and diploma level. Kalakshetra in Chennai offers a five-year diploma in music and a four-year diploma in Bharatnatyam. The Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi has a three-year diploma and a two-year postgraduate diploma in music as well as in dance like Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Oddissi. The Kathak Kendra in Delhi runs a five- year foundation course and a three-year diploma course in Kathak. Post- diploma and refresher courses are also offered here. For certificate and diploma courses in dance and music, the minimum qualification is 10+2, and for postgraduate diploma course, a graduation is compulsory.

As far as drama is concerned, the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi is still the premier institute for sharpening one's theatrical skills. It offers a three-year PG diploma course in acting and play design. Literature and aesthetics, theory and practice of acting including mime and music and stage techniques are some of the aspects of dramatics that are taught. Voice training is also part of the curriculum.Graduates of any discipline with some experience of theatre at school and college level are eligible to apply. The upper age limit is 30 years. The diploma is equivalent to an MA and a doctorate is also offered.

Twinkle toes & the sound of music

This field is extremely exacting and demands a lot from a person in terms of talent, commitment, sacrifice and a total unquestioning dedication to the art. Physical stamina, a supple and flexible body, keen interest in music and vocal skills, a rich imagination, versatility, an expressive facial and body language, an ability to interpret roles are some of the prerequisites if one is to succeed in this field. Many dancers, musicians and composers are employed by academies, kala kendras, Doordarshan, All India Radio and teaching institutions. Holding private music and dance classes at home has also become a suitable alternative. Theatre artistes can find employment with professional theatre companies or with TV and film studios and AIR. Enterprising persons can set up small theatre groups of their own. Remuneration in this field depends largely upon the standing of an actor.

Till a few decades ago the audio aspect of music was its only appeal, but the advent of satellite TV, the numerous music channels, promotionals and the new media has made music a more audio-visual affair. Another popular fallout has been the emergence of dance and music therapy. These professionals are being employed for health care, at psychological and stress management centers for helping people suffering from depression and other mental disorders.

With entertainment becoming serious business now, performing artistes have never had it so good. The Festivals of India abroad are events where they get to showcase their talent. Pop singers and musicians get to work not only in discotheques and pubs but also at cultural shows, weddings and private parties.

Besides the glamour, money and recognition that are part of this field, to be an artiste is a chance to make your passion your livelihood.

PADMA RAMESH

padma.hyd@careercommunity.co.in