Dances of Asia features explorations and performances of three dances: Bharatanatyam, the Chinese Sword Dance, and the Chinese Fan Dance.
About the Bharatanatyam
Dancer Lakshmi Sriraman talks about the bharatanatyam, a classical dance from India.
Bharatanatyam Performance
The example of Bharatanatyam shown in the video is called Pushpananjali, which means “an offering of flowers.” It displays the dancer’s invocation of Nataraj, or the cosmic dancer also known as Shiva.
About the Chinese Sword Dance
Jingzian Zhang, a retired professor of Chinese opera, talks about the purpose and form of the Chinese Sword Dance.
Performance: Chinese Sword Dance
Jingzian Zhang, a retired professor of Chinese opera, performs a Chinese Sword Dance influenced by the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi.
About the Chinese Fan Dance
Cheryl Pan, a dancer from China, talks about the Chinese fan dance and shows a variety of fans used in Chinese dances.
Performance: Chinese Fan Dance
Cheryl Pan, a dancer from China, talks about the Chinese fan dance and shows a variety of fans used in Chinese dances.