DANCE AND SPIRITUALITY

DANCE AND SPIRITUALITY

International Dance Council

Official Partner of UNESCO

VIDEOS

CID Members and Friends have sent and are always sending us samples of their artistic works; many of them are related to spirituality.

Enjoy a collection that will be constantly enriched.


You can also send your videos to help us cultivate it even more!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

REAMKER
CAMBODIAN RAMAYANA

With Royal Ballet of Cambodia

Reamker is a Cambodian epic poem, based on the Sanskrit’s Rāmāyana epic.
The name means “Glory of Rama”. It is the national epic of Cambodia.

More than just a reordering of the epic tale, the Reamker is a mainstay of the royal ballet’s repertoire. Like the Ramayana, it is a philosophical allegory, exploring the ideals of justice and fidelity as embodied by the protagonists, King Rāma and Queen Sītā .
The epic is well known among the Khmer people for its portrayal in Khmer
dance theatre, called the Lakhon in various festivals across Cambodia.

Royal Ballet of Cambodia (le Ballet royal du Cambodge in French) by UNESCO, also refer to the National Dance Company of Cambodia. The term Khmer classical dance is also used alongside “Royal Ballet of Cambodia” in
publications by UNESCO

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
part 2 Presentation : Cambodia (15th October 2022)

Credit : UNESCO

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 RAMAYANA

Sita Asks Rama To Catch The Deers

Dance is part of the RAMAYANA epic in drama and traditional theatre in India

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 1 (8th October 2022) Presentation : Ramayana of India Dance and Theatre p6-10

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

KAKAWIN RAMAYANA

Javanese Ramayana

•Kakawin Ramayana is an Old Javanese poem rendering of the Sanskrit Ramayana in kakawin meter.
•Kakawin Rāmâyaṇais a kakawin, the Javanese form of kāvya, a poem modeled on traditional Sanskrit meters.
•It is believed to have been written in Central Java (modern Indonesia) in  the late ninth or early tenth century, during the era of MedangKingdom.
•Among the Javanese, Kakawin Ramayana has always been considered the pinnacle of artistic expression.

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 2 (8th October 2022) Presentation : Indonesia p3-5

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHRA LAK PHRA LAM

Laotian Ramayana

PhraLak PhraRam is named after two principal characters, the brothers PhraLak, or Lakshaman, and PhraRam, or Rama.
•PhraRam is considered the hero, it is believed the altered name was chosen for euphony.  PhraLak comes first in deference to his voluntary assistance of PhraRam, whose actions were obligatory to his kingship.
•As it is a Jataka tale, it is referred to as PhraRam XadôkIt was also called Rammakienwhich is the name for regional version  of the Ramayana.
•PhraLak PhraLam:  is Laos version of Ramayana. It  is the national epic of the Lao people, and is the Lao adaptation of the DasarathaJataka, a story narrating one of the previous life of Buddha as a Bodhisattanamed Rama.
•It was brought to Laos and other Southeast Asia by propagation of Buddhism. The story reached Laos much later than Cambodia and Thailand (Siam) and thus was affected by local adaptation.

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 2 (8th October 2022) Presentation : Laos p3-4

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

RAMAKIEN 

Thaï Ramayana Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand

The Ramakien literally ‘Glory of Rama’; sometimes also spelled (Ramakian) is one of Thailand’s national epics, derived from the Buddhist DasarathaJataka
•Basically, it is a Thai version of Hindu epic Ramayana. Ramakienis an important part of the Thai literary canon.
•While the main story is similar tothat of the DasarathaJataka, differences in some tales still prevail.
•Many other aspects were transposed into a Thai context, such as the clothes, weapons, topography, and elements of nature, which are described as being Thai in style.
•As Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, the Ramakien serves to provide Thai legends with a creation myth, as well as representations of various spirits.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 2 (8th OCtober 2022) Presentation : Thailand p3-4

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

YAMA ZATDAW

Myanmar Ramayana Rama following the deer

Yama Zatdawunofficially Myanmar’s national epic, is the Burmese version of the Ramayana and DasarathaJataka.
•There are nine known pieces of the Yama Zatdawin Myanmar.
•The Burmese name for the story itself is Yamayana, while zatdawrefers to the acted play or being part of jataka tales of Theravada Buddhism.
•The ethnic Mon adaptation of Ramayana is known as “LoikSamoingRam” which was written in 1834 AD by a Buddhist monk named Uttama.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 2 (8th October 2022) Presentation : Myanmar p3-5

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

MAHARADIA LAWANA

Philippino Ramayana Sita’s Agni Pariksha

The MaharadiaLawana (sometimes spelled MaharadyaLawana or Maharaja Rāvaṇa) is a Maranao epic which tells a local version of the Indian epic Ramayana.
•It narrates the adventures of the monkey-king, MaharadiaLawana, to whom the Gods have granted immortality.
•The character names, place names, and the precise episodes and events in MaharadiaLawana’s narrative already had some notable differences from those of the Ramayana

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”
Seminar 1 part 2 (8th Otober 2022) Presentation : Philippines p3-4

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

KECAK DANSE

 Indonesia

The Bali nesekecak dance for example, retells the story of the Ramayana, with dancers playing the roles of Rama, Sita, Lakhsmana, Jatayu, Hanuman, Ravana, KumbhakarnaandIndrajitsurroundedbyatroupeofover50bare-chestedmenwhoserveasthechoruschanting”cak”.TheperformancealsoincludesafireshowtodescribetheburningofLankabyHanuman

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 2 (15th October 2022) Presentation : Indonesia Performing Arts p4-6 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

APSARA

Cambodia

No visit to the mysterious kingdom of Cambodia is complete without watching the renowned magic Apsara dance, the traditional dance of Khmer people. The Apsara dance is famous because of not only its beauty but also its invisible enchant and magical appeal.
Apsara Traditional dance was soon to be realized as a hidden treasure of Cambodia when it was recognized as World’s Intangible culture heritage in 2003 by UNESCO..

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 2 (15th October 2022) Presentation : Cambodia Performing Arts p12-16 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAKHONE

Laos Royal Ballet

Khon is the most stylised of the Lao dance-dramas, with troupes of male and female dancers in elaborate costumes and masks performing very graceful movements demonstrating their great flexibility, and very common dance-drama form for the Phra Lak Phra Ram.
Each dancer plays a character in the drama, although most of the narration comes from a singing chorus to the side.
Lakhone dances are usually only performed by females, but male lakhone dancers are not unknown.

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 2 (15th October 2022) Presentation : Laos Performing Arts p11-22 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAM VONG

Laos Traditional Dance

Folk-dance danced by men and women and is popular in Southeastern countries: Laos, Cambodia, Thailand
Originated in Khmer Empire & danced gracefully to the Laos music rhythm.
It is a circle dance and men will dance in the inner circle, while women in outer circle and are not allowed to touch each other.
Lam Vong is considered as Laos national dance.
There are many variations of the dance in each religion, but the spirit remains the same.
Danced on special occasions such as wedding celebrating New Year, festivals, etc.
The wear “sinh” is worn when it is danced traditionally

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 2 (15th October 2022) Presentation : Laos Performing Arts p29-31 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

JIKEY or YIKEY

Traditional Religious dance of Malaysia

Jikey or Yikey is a form of traditional religious dance originated from India and commonly practiced by communities in several Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Since 2015, Cambodia has submitted Jikey as one of its Intangible Cultural Heritages to the UNESCO

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Malaysia 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAYANG EMAS

Classical dance of Malaysia

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Malaysia 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIKAYAT SERI RAMA

Malaysian Ramayana

 

The Ramayana came to Malaysia most likely through Tamil traders. Even after Islam was introduced to the region, the epic’s ideals of righteousness, loyalty, and selfless devotion ensured its popularity. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, the epic was written as a hikayat , an Arabic word that literally translates to “stories” –  a form of Malay literature which relate the adventures of heroes from kingdoms across the Malay archipelago 
The main story remains the same as the original Sanskrit version but some aspects of it were slightly modified to a local context such as the spelling and pronunciation of names. Numerous branch stories had also been developed as accretions to or extensions of this epic with the upgrading of minor characters to major ones, or the invention of totally new characters. For example, Malay writers and storytellers have produced variations in which Laksmana plays a larger role, sometimes becoming more important than Rama who although righteous and virtuous, was perceived to be weak. 
See the whole video at https://cid-ds.org/wp-admin/upload.php?item=9533

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Malaysia 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE ROYAL KHON MASKED DANCE

Churning of the Milk Ocean

 

Legions of devas and asuras joined forces in churning the milk ocean, using the body of Vasuki the Great Naga wrapping around Mount Mandara, to create the nectar of immortality. Perching atop the lone mountain is Vishnu in his 4-arm divine form, and supporting the mountain on its back, keeping it from sinking, is Kurma the turtle, Vishnu’s 3rd avatar out of ten. 

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Thailand 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

NORA

Traditional Thai Dance

Menora or Manora sometimes simply shortened as Nora is traditional Siamese theatrical, musical, and acrobatic dance performance originated from the southern regions of Thailand. 
Having similar base of plot adopted from Jataka tales of Manohara, these kind of performance is somehow closely related to the Lakorn Chatri which is another Siamese arts performance originated from the central Thailand.
Over five hundred years old, Nora is performed in Thailand’s local community centres and at temple fairs and cultural events, and is passed on through training by masters in homes, community organizations and educational institutions
In 2021, Nora is officially recognized by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as the Representative List of  Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity originated from southern Thailand.

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Thailand 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IGOROT

Tribal Dance Philippines

There are six Igorot ethnolinguistic tribes living in Luzon’s mountain terrains: the Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayo, and the Kalinga tribes, which retained much of their anito religions. 
Their lives have been centered on appeasing their gods and maintaining a harmonious relationship between spirits and man. 
Dances are usually linked to rituals for a good harvest, health, prayers for peace, and safety in war.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Philippines 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUMAD

Tribal Dance Philippines

The non-Islamized natives of Mindanao are collectively known as the Lumad people.
Like the Igorot, they still retain much of their animistic anito religions.
Dances are usually linked to rituals for a good harvest, health, prayers for peace, and safety in war.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Philippines 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

SINGKIL

Tribal Dance Philippines

Singkil or Sayaw sa Kasingkil is a folk dance of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao depicting one of the episodes in the epic poem Darangen, which was popularised by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.
It is inspired from the age old Hindu epic Ramayana and from the Maranao folk epic legend Darangen involving the rescue of Princess Gandingan (abducted by diwata) by the legendary Prince Bantugan

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Philippines 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

SHANAK

Sacred Folk Dance

Tibetan folk dance is common to all Tibetans, yet has distinctive local variety. “Guozhuo”is the name used in the Amdo regions of Eastern Tibet. It is essentially a circle dance. Some large guozhuomay consist of hundreds of people hand in hand. In 2014, Luqu county town was recognized as “the homeland of GuozhuoDance” so every summer thousands of Tibetan people from different regions gather in Luqu to join the annual dance contest

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 4 (29th October 2022) Presentation : Ramayana Of Tibet 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

KOHOMBA

Sacred Folk Dance

In  this ritualistic dance the one story tells about Sita and her three sons and the story of Vishnu incarnating as Rama under an inauspicious aspect of Saturn . The malefic planet, and in order to avert its evil effects, he left his queen, Sita, and taking the guise of an elephant passed the seven unlucky yers in the forest.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 4 (29th October 2022) Presentation : Ramayana of Sri Lanka 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

KOHOMBA KANKARIYA

Sacred Folk Dance

Singkil or Sayaw sa Kasingkil is a folk dance of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao depicting one of the episodes in the epic poem Darangen, which was popularised by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.
It is inspired from the age old Hindu epic Ramayana and from the Maranao folk epic legend Darangen involving the rescue of Princess Gandingan (abducted by diwata) by the legendary Prince Bantugan

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 3 (22nd October 2022) Presentation : Philippines 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEPAL

Cultural Dance

The Nepali Cultural dances give respect to different cultures, ethnicities, traditional backgrounds and communities. These dances generate value to the community and are great sources of entertainment. The dances have been followed from the time of origin of human civilizations and different forms of dances have been practiced by the people.
See subtitles at
KARTIK   0:39
MAYUR NANCH   0:55
HANUMAN   1:00
PANCHABUDDHA NITRYA   1:11
JHARRA   1:21
JHIJIYADANNA   1:31
KAURA   1:42
DHANNANCH    2:02
MARUNI   2:13
BHUWA NAACH  2:28
BALAM   2:40

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 4 (29th October 2022) Presentation : Ramayana of Nepal 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAKHE

Sacred Folk Dance

According to Newari folklore, Lakhe is protectors of children and Lakhe dance is a popular dance of Nepal. The performers wear a Lakhe costume and demonic mask perform in the street. This dance is inherited by the dancer from the sprit possessing the mask. This dance is popular all the three cities of valley and other Newar settlements.

 

For more details go to seminar “Ramayana 7 chapters for 7 countries”

Seminar 4 (29th October 2022) Presentation : Ramayana of Nepal 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

KRISHNA KATHA

Gaudiya Nritya Style

A fine concept on Lord Krishna based on Gaudiya Nritya Style referring to the indigenous art and culture of India and Bengal.
It is a devotional hymn that has a great ability to bring the devotee much closer to Lord Krishna.
The main benefit is to improve devotion in one’s heart and feel the sweetness and divinity of Lord Krishna and his beautiful play. This further helps to feel the divine bliss of the Lord of Madhura.


Concept And Choreography – Rachana Kar, Thegaudiyadancer, Artistic Director of Nrityarchana Academy

Video and editing:Arijit Roy

Artists- Members Of Nrityarcahana Academy ( Riya , Sara , Sharanya and Sriardrita as Krishna )

Special Thanks to Prakriti basu and Sanatani Bagan Bari,Sonarpur.

Make up and Hair dressup – Kajal Sharma and her acquaintance.

Video Copyright belongs to Nrityarchana Academy and Rachana Kar.

Enroll for the upcoming Batch and become a member of Nrityarchana Academy,Affiliated from CID,UNESCO.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Autun

Spectacle Autant en emporte le souffle

Spectacle créé dans la Cathédrale d’Autun le 20/11/22 lors du Festival de la Beauté, organisé par la Diaconie de la Beauté, et porté par le programme “Danse et Spiritualité” du CID (Conseil international de la Danse, partenaire officiel de l’UNESCO), l’Incandescente Compagnie, la “Destinée Dance School”, la Maîtrise de la Cathédrale d’Autun, et des artistes du diocèse d’Autun et d’ailleurs. https://autun.festivaldelabeaute.org/…

___________________________________________________________________________________________________