Authoritative Dance Books by Ashish Khokar

FOLK DANCE: India dances to the rhythms of a million rural feet. With no formal training in dance, unaware of classical traditions, the innocent dancers of the villagers dance because they must. A happy, vigorous ode to life and living. The richness and variety, expanse and extent of India’s folk-dance forms are captured in this book with over 100 rare photos that show how costumes have changed and metamorphosised. The book is a first as it also captures the spirit of tribal, ritual and martial forms. Covers all forms state by state Kashmir to Andamans! The first ever such book….INDIA TODAY
Published by Rupa & Co. ISBN 81-291-0097-5 price HB Rs. 395/- only

BHARATANATYAM: Over two centuries Bharatanatyam has evolved from a highly codified style to one affording maximum freedom to innovate. The journey of the dance from temple to the proscenium is a fascinating story captured by eminent historian with rare photos and material from India’s most prestigious archives. Easy division of chapters makes it the most reader-friendly book on the subject and the first edition is exhausted! Various stars and schools are platformed with exhaustive list of learning institutions in different cities. The book is an intelligent projection of pioneers, prima donnas gurus and gunijans. A must buy for all stars, students and enthusiasts…THE TIMES OF INDIA
Published by Rupa & Co. ISBN 81-7167-814-9 Price HB Rs.395/- only

KATHAK: Down the centuries, what was an offering by the wandering minstrels (kathaa-vachaks), became stylised and set to music and rhythmic beats to become a classical dance-form from central and northern India - infact the only classical dance from the region - called Kathak. The arrival of Persian influence through the courts of the Mughals, made it more a chamber-art form. Thus, two centres or schools or gharanas arose, one in Jaipur depicting the valour of Rajputs who ruled the region and one at Lucknow, with courtly etiquettes and manners of the Muslim rulers of Awadh. This book tells many a tale, including of the only Muslim king who dressed up as Hindu god Krishna and danced Raaslila. The book captures the history of the dance style and delves on intricacies and ingredients of each major guru, dancer and practitioner. An over-view never attempted before. FORTHCOMING END-2004

CLASSICAL DANCE: The essence of classical traditions is a celebration of spirituality and life. The traditions of Indian classical dance encompass India's artistic and aesthetic wealth. The book covers all forms of classical Indian dance with details that enlighten and educate with nuggets of its history and heritage. The book has a special section on often used words and terms and covers costumes, make-up, natyashastra, arangetram and musical accompaniments and also tells first-timers how to differentiate between each form. Colourful photos enhance its visual appeal and excellent production values make this a collector’s item. A must buy for one and all…..DECCAN HERALD
Published by Rupa & Co. ISBN 81-716-7859-9 HB RS.395/- only