Reflections on Modernism, Classical Tradition, and Dance Production in India (Tape 3, Side B)

Title

Subject

Indian classical dance, modern dance in India, Uday Shankar movement, choreography, creative process, artistic innovation, dance institutions, cultural policy in India, performance production, dance training, classical versus modern aesthetics, Western influence on Indian arts, rehearsal practices, funding challenges, organizer–artist dynamics, artistic integrity, institutional critique, performing arts in India

Description

This item is a transcript of an in-depth interview discussing the challenges and possibilities of developing modern dance in India within the framework of classical traditions. The speaker reflects on the lack of an indigenous modern dance lineage, contrasting it with the evolution of Western modern dance. Topics include the legacy of Uday Shankar, the complexities of classical movement vocabularies, the need for innovation from within tradition, institutional barriers, funding limitations, and the realities of production culture in India. The conversation also critiques rushed dance productions, the need for long-term rehearsal processes, and the role of organizers, audiences, and arts institutions in shaping dance practice. The transcript provides valuable insight into Indian dance modernism, artistic labor, and the broader cultural ecosystem surrounding performance-making.

Creator

Interviewee: Sharon Lowen, Indian classical/modern dance practitioner
Interviewer: Unidentified

Source

Original audio recording “Tape 3 Side B”

Publisher

Cross-Cultural Dance Resources Collections

Date

Late 20th century

Contributor

Sharon Lowen; Interviewer

Rights

Copyright held by Cross-Cultural Dance Resources Collections. This transcript is provided for research and educational use. Permission from the rights holder is required for reproduction, publication, or distribution beyond fair use.

Relation

Part of a collection documenting Indian classical and contemporary dance discourse.

Format

Text; 1 digital file (text/plain, transcript of audio cassette)

Language

English

Type

WAV file

Identifier

Tape 3 Side B.wav

Coverage

India (Delhi; national dance institutions; performance venues)

URL

Collection

Sharon Lowen Collection

Tags

Almora school, artistic commitment, artistic discipline, artistic integrity, artistic labor, artistic risk, artistic standards, arts institutions, audience development, ballet influence, booking and touring systems, breaking tradition, chamber spaces, choreographic development, choreography, classical movement complexity, classical training, classical vs modern aesthetics, collaboration challenges, committees and consensus, contemporary sensibility, creative limitations, creative process, cross-cultural influence, cultural policy in India, dance criticism, dance production, dancer identity, dancer training, European production systems, folk influence on modern dance, funding challenges, guru–shishya tradition, Indian classical dance, Indian performing arts ecosystem, innovation within tradition, institutional bureaucracy, international comparisons, lack of modern dance lineage in India, lifestyle embedded in classical dance, martha graham, modern ballet, modern dance in India, modernism in Indian dance, movement vocabulary, movement-based innovation, musical format, mythology in dance, Nari Shamanon, narrative structures, organizer–artist dynamics, performance culture, performance environment, performer psychology, production funding, professional dance conditions, proscenium stage, quality control in arts programming, rehearsal process, rushed productions, sustainability of dance practice, tradition and change, troupe development, Uday Shankar, Uday Shankar movement, Western influence on Indian arts, Western theater practice, young dancers

Citation

Interviewee: Sharon Lowen, Indian classical/modern dance practitioner Interviewer: Unidentified, “Reflections on Modernism, Classical Tradition, and Dance Production in India (Tape 3, Side B),” Cross-Cultural Dance Resources Collections at Arizona State University, accessed October 14, 2026, https://ccdrcollections.omeka.net/items/show/1110.