It is an enchanting feeling to perform a classical dance on stage. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, and many more are some of the famous classical Indian dances that involve enhanced training, practice, and knowledge of the tradition behind them.

In this blog, you will find all the information and guidance on how to prepare for and how to engage the audience when performing classical dance on stage during a dance competition. For a classical dance performer, it is necessary to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the type of dance he/she is performing.

History and Origin:

Discover the history and development of this dance. It also helps to learn its cultural and religious aspects. This in turn gives depth to the performance in an international-level dance competition and helps to get to the core of the dance.

Technique:

Ensure that those who attend the shows understand the basic techniques, postures, mudras, facial expressions, and movements. Every style of dancing has its specific moves that are different from those in other styles and you have to know them to deliver a graceful dance performance.

Dance Pieces:

Learn more about the pieces that are often played in the classical genre and traditional compositions in Indian group dance competitions. It is advantageous to know a range of pieces. As it provides the performer and the audience with versatility in performance approaches and the essential comprehensive sense of the dance form. Rehearsal takes precedence over anything when it comes to dance or rather any performance.

Regular Training:

The importance of regular training while preparing for an international-level dance competition cannot be underestimated. Repetitively practicing each day strengthens muscle memory, which in turn, makes muscles smooth and strong.

Fitness and Flexibility:

Perform various exercises and stretching to increase your endurance, strength, and flexibility. This will help you to practice complicated dance moves with ease.

Rehearsals:

Make sure that all your performance pieces are properly rehearsed. You can practice with live music or even recorded ones so that you familiarize yourself with the beat and by then, you should be ready to go.

Expression and Abhinaya:

 Abhinaya is an important aspect of classical dance; it is about the manner of performing. It implies the use of non-verbal communication such as facial expressions and gestures to express emotions and narrate stories.

 Navarasas: Familiarize yourself with the nine primary emotions or the ‘Navarasas’ which include the following; Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (valor), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace). Interestingly, learning these expressions enhances one’s delivery making the performance more interesting.

 Storytelling: As a dancer, you should know the story or theme of the piece that is to be performed. The expressions of feelings should correspond with the story so that the audience feels the emotions being portrayed. ‘Role play’ the story with hand gestures, and facial expressions.

Costume and Makeup

 The right makeup and hairdo complement your overall look for classical dance to complete the look. 

Traditional Attire: Wear outfits that are culturally appropriate for dancing; wear apparel that is unique to your style of dancing. The specific types of costumes discussed here are slightly loose so that the performers can move freely while wearing them and they are eye-catching.

Makeup: We strongly recommend putting on makeup that will enhance the facial features of an individual. This helps to ensure that your expressions are seen by the audience even when you are quite far from them. We also recommend that dancers use techniques that are old, but, specific to the dance type to improve their looks.

Accessories: Wear traditional ornaments such as jewelry and accessories that go well with the outfit. These enhance the feel and the look of your performance.

Stage Presence and Choreography

The energy on stage and the correct composition of music significantly influence the final performance in the dance competition.

Choreography: Develop your routine or study somebody else’s routine that follows the format of the classical dance style. Make sure it is framed in a way that is lively enough to interest the audience in an Indian group dance competition.

 Spatial Awareness: We know you are very much concerned with the stage space. You should be able to plan your movements in the best way to manage the stage. So you can have a good flow that will be impressive to the audience.

Confidence: Dance confidently and gracefully. Connect with the audience through your facial expressions and body language, and make the audience part of your performance.

Music: Music is the life of any dance competition. Make sure that you are in harmony with the rhythm and the melody.

Live vs. Recorded Music: Determine whether you will be using live music or recorded music. Live music creates a non-repetitive atmosphere, whereas recorded music creates a repetitive atmosphere. Select the choice which you feel comfortable performing and which aligns with your personality.

Rhythmic Precision: Rehearse with the music to make sure that every move you make is aligned with the rhythm and tunes. Be observant of the little details in the music that can boost your performance to another level.

Warm-Up: Be sure to warm up your body before the dance performance as this will reduce the risk of injuries. It helps relax your muscles and places you in the correct posture to perform in an international-level dance competition.

Mental Preparation: Please take a few moments to clear your mind. Try to perform breathing exercises or meditation to help reduce anxiety and make yourself concentrate more. Also, you can use some visualization techniques while preparing mentally for the performance in the Indian group dance competition.

Costume Check: Make sure your costume and accessories are well-fastened and that you are comfortable in it. Tighten any loose garments that may cause embarrassment in the middle of the performance.

Arrival: Try to reach the IIGF venue as early as possible to become familiar with the stage area and for a final rehearsal if possible. This makes you familiar with the environment in which you will be performing.

 Sound Check: If you are performing with live music, make sure that you can hear the music and that the audio levels are accurate by conducting a sound check.

Audience Engagement: Use your face and body to communicate with the audience in IIGF. Welcome them and embrace their energy to improve your performance. Make your dance relate with the audience to make the overall experience of the performance richer. Dancing a classical dance on stage is an achievement, which involves the best effort, time, and dedication. It is a chance to tell a fragment of the culture and inspire the viewers, making them feel a range of positive emotions. Learning the kind of dance being performed, practicing, mastering the expressions, and rehearsing ensures that the outcome of the performance is elegant and appealing. Enter the stage with confidence and let your soul dance on the stage while your face narrates the story.

A reminder, any given classical dance piece is not simply a dance performance but rather a voyage in time. It interconnects history and the modern-day world. To us, it is a beautiful homage to the traditions and cultures that were handed down from one generation to the next. When you dance in IIGF, recall the spirit of the choreography and showcase your moves in a captivating manner to the viewers. In this way, you continue to develop the traditions of classical dance and make it possible for subsequent generations to savor this aesthetic craft.