India
takes pride in its diversity and heritage. One of the main components of its
rich cultural legacy which has been passed on from decade to decade is Sufi dances, although originally adapted from the Turks. The Sufis have always had a
steady belief in celebration, and this is predominantly demonstrated in their
dance form which is one of the most populous sacred dances in India. A few of
which are as follows:
·
Gurdjieff movements
The name of the art form is derived from G.I Gurdjieff,
an Armenian psychologist who believed that this collection of sacred dances
would embody the calisthenics and aesthetic sensibility that elevated one’s
body and mind. This came to be an integral part of the many sacred dances in India as he travelled the world spreading this art which combined the works of Thomas
de Hartmann and came to be called the Gurdjieff movements. They all combine to
form a collection of 39 parts, each with a different connotation.
·
Sufi whirling
Sufi whirling dervish dances have a deep historic
meaning in Sufi dance performances. It is said that the movements demonstrate the
oneness of the body with the universe as the swirls unite the world with a
state of individual consciousness. It is through something as simple as
continuous turn that we are able to tap into our mind and see the reflection of
our state of being. Sufi dances such as this enable us to step away from the
sights of the world and recognize ourselves the way we are meant to be.
·
Odissi dances
Unlike the previous two Sufi dance performances, odissi
has its roots from Orissa; this classical dance formation is one of the oldest
to be still carried out in this day and age. The main component of these dances
is embodying the delicate feminine form and presenting it in all its beauty.
These dances have survived the test of time and have held ground through almost
2000 years of its existence. The movements and gestures tell stories of beauty
and warmth, good enough for the gods to admire.
Just like everything about India, the dances too are
like no other. Sufi dances step back from the loud, bright celebrations we all
recognize the country by, into a calmer, and a deeper sense of inner rejoicing.
Sufi culture gives admirers and participants alike something to take away each
time they experience the enchanting and captivating dances of intense
meditation.
