It is well-known that Indian classical dances, rooted in deep traditions, came virtually into their own after the nation's Independence. But the process had begun in the 1930's, gathered momentum soon and received ample re-vitalisation within next half a century. Interestingly, it was in the 1930's, too, that modern dance – based on contemporary sensibilities – also burst upon the scene. Inspired by the Western sources, but consolidated by Uday Shankar and his ardent disciples, many exciting dance-styles have emerged which depend primarily on their practitioners. The collective corpus of their work is seen here through an analytical eye, — in dialogue with the dancers: so as not to miss their own creative viewpoints. To each critical survey's body-and-soul has been added the dancers' own voice, — by including Kolkata and Delhi overviews by two prominent professionals of contemporary genre. This is an unusual stance, — steering clear of high scholarship and capturing, instead, the aura and aroma of practice alongside personality. Indeed, multiple ideas and issue — with newer and newer themes even for classical solos and resembles — have re-discovered their nascent focus; dance-dramas and ballets have touched new pinnacles; myriad folk forms are re-arranged to usher in new resilience; and choreographic festivals are energised to inject novel concepts. Lands, far and near, have frequently discovered new affinities with this ancient civilisation. Not least, a process is on to digitise and archive prevalent dance-creations, often throwing up unexpected angles. All in all, the book – lavishly illustrated — tries to faithfully mirror the exciting times that Indian contemporary dance lives in today.
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