Why dance today in India?: A philosophical approach

Abstract

Why dance today in India? The title may appear ingenuous: “why?" is typically a question that children ask. And to say “India” is maybe excessive, as I will be talking mostly about West Bengal. I should also add “on stage,” as I will focus on performances shown to public. I will not analyze dances executed during Puja or on dance floors. So let’s say that this title just announces a small intention to question the role of dance performances in some parts of the Indian subcontinent today.