The human body is the instrument of dance. Even in general life personality of an individual is considered as one of the most important factors. For the dancing career, the body is the instrument. In other words, the artistes perform through their body. Hence the role of personality in dance plays an important factor.
In any dance form, the personality of the artiste plays an important role. Maintaining the body and the personality are important factors for the dance. Therefore, maintaining the figure in good shape is an important factor for any dancer. All artistes engaged in dance should try to preserve their physical appearance. It is a difficult task for a dancer or a dance teacher after a particular age. Any dancer or dance teacher must try to preserve their physical looks which give an impression to society. The dance teacher should be in a position to demonstrate the art while teaching. It is not at all necessary that the dance teacher should be a performing artiste, but the dance teacher must be a perfect demonstrator.
The student community expects the dance teacher to be a model for them. The students learning dance are very much attached to their teachers. The younger generation always considers that the dance teacher is the mentor of their lives.
Hence the dance teacher should be pleasant, active, attractive and intelligent. Above all the teacher also should guide them on the correct path and impart or cultivate good qualities among the student community. Natya Sastra gives some basic guidelines regarding the physical appearance and features of the dancer as well as the dance teacher.
Each dance form has its unique make-up, distinctive costumes and selective jewellery. Most of the oriental classical, folk and ritual dance forms have their longstanding links with the tradition. They have a historical, cultural and religious background.
Different types of make-up are necessary for classical dances. The oriental, classical, folk and ritual dance forms belong to the Desi category in the dance division. They are confined to a limited Pradesh or area. Yet most of the ritual and folk dance forms have not gained world recognition.
Folk and ritual dances are more or less performed in open-air theatres. The role of personality of the artistes is not taken into account for folk and the ritual dance forms. However, in any classical dance form, the personality of the dancers is very much taken into account. Generally, the personality of the classical dancer is the first and foremost factor rather than their talents. Outstanding talents of the dancers are often considered secondary factors as compared to their personality.
Ancient spiritual dance scripts describe the important qualities of the dancer. The dancer must have certain special qualities such as fairness in complexion, and a beautiful face like a lotus flower. Besides, the dancer should not be too fat or too thin. The scripts also add that the dancer should not be too short or too tall.
An intelligent dancer should be very sharp, wise, punctual and honest. The ancient dance scripts also impart the excellent and exceptional qualities of dancers. All the qualities further enhance the overall personality of the dancers. The classical dancers should also have thorough knowledge about the nuances of theory and the practical aspects of the dance. Hence personality of a dancer adds essence to the art.
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