الخميس، 16 يناير 2014

Why Dance Jewelry Is Important

By Marissa Velazquez


There are certain things that have played significant roles in all cultures and jewelry is one of them. Males and females wore them for a variety of reasons. It was used to signify place in the social structure and as an adornment. Dance also has been a part of the human journey, and now they have been used in tandem to great effect. Dance jewelry adds that extra pop to the performance. It adds to grace and elegance of the performer without overpowering the body.

Dancers choose the jewelry for each outfit, agonizing over each choice. Many of the pieces have a symbolic meaning attached. There are books written detailing which pieces should be worn for each dance. You will see this in many religious ceremonies.

Belly Dancers use their dancing ornaments as adornments. Their costumes are elaborate and designed to evoke a specific response. They like the shine of the gold and silver and the sounds add to the dramatic effects and music.

Nowhere is this dancing accessory more prevalent than in India. The dancers adorn their hair, necks, arms, feet, hips and ears. In addition to using gold and silver for the base in these pieces there are plenty of precious and semi-precious stones as well. The most popular of these being pearls, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Dancers put a lot of effort into choosing the right pieces for each costume, they also seek out the finest craftsmen.

When shopping for dancing jewelry you will notice there is more than one kind. The Temple ornament is the most expensive. Only professional dancers generally wear the most authentic pieces, while novices are content to purchase the imitation jewels. The draw back to wearing dancing ornament made from real metals and gems is that they can be quite heavy. The dancers are adorned from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their feet. The idea here is that with their beauty, grace and sparkle they will invoke Rasa in the hearts of the audience.

In South India the this accessory is made mostly of gold adorned with a multitude of gems. The tradition is to make the ornament from pure gold, it is said that gold promotes well-being.

You will find that the Odissi use a few pieces that are only found in their style of dance. These ornaments are not used to hide the human form, since the body has to be the focal point. Whether in Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi or Kathak, this ornament has a special significance for dancers.

Dance jewelry is as old as the culture itself. This ornament plays an important role in the lives of all Indian women. No matter how poor she is she will have at least one piece of ornament. Celebrations also have their traditional dances and the ornament worn for each type of celebration is specific. Jewelry does more than signify wealth and status it can be a way to invoke spirits of deities through dance and more.




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