Beyond Bollywood: 2000 years of dance in the arts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan region

Abstract

"Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in the Arts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan Region is an exhibition catalogue accompanying the traveling exhibition of the same name. Beyond Bollywood explores the role and depiction of dance in the art and culture of the Indian world, whether it is the sacred dance of a god bringing the world into being or the sensual performance of a courtly lady before a maharaja. With five scholarly essays, this lavishly illustrated catalogue features entries on over 150 objects from numerous American museums and private collections. The exhibition and its accompanying publication are built around key objects. The authors ask the vital question of what dance is accomplishing or embodying within these artworks--such functions as destruction and creation, devotion, subjugation, glorification, and celebration. Woven throughout the text is thoughtful exploration of key themes such as religion, power, gender, sexuality, and cultural continuity, evolution, and reinvention"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Why do Yoginis Dance? / Padma Kaimal -- Dancing in Circles / Forrest McGill -- Painting Performance: Recording Dance at the Later Indian Courts / Ainsley M. Cameron -- Worshippers of Nataraja Still / Laura Weinstein -- Dancing Change in South Asian Cinemas: Performers, Erotics, and Politics / Esha Niyogi De -- Catalogue of the exhibition.