This is a traditional Hindu dance called Bharata Natyam. It
originates from the Tamir people of Southern India. It is derived from temple
dances that included some acrobatic tricks. The performance of this dance
consists of an opening prayer, a special dance where the dancer shows off their
footwork and fluid body movements. There also might be dances set to poem or
song centered on love. The dancing usually involves a lot of posing and complex
footwork. A performance of bharata natyam typically lasts two hours with no
breaks and follows a certain list of dances, all performed by one dancer, who
does not leave leave the stage or change costumes. These girls are soooo good
at it!! I wish I could have danced like that when I was their age.
This is a very interesting video that combines a cultural
instrument with a modern song. These men are playing Sweet Child o’ Mine by
Guns n’ Roses on the sitar. I think the sitar gives this song an interesting
sound, and the vocables in place of most of the words definitely gave this
rendition a specifically Indian touch. I think it’s very intriguing when modern
songs are played on traditional instruments from different cultures. .
This has to be one of the MOST bizarre music videos I have
ever seen. This is a Japanese pop song called Pon Pon Pon performed by Kyary
Pamyu Pamyu. The tune is actually really annoying, but strangely catchy at the
same time. I find Asian pop music very interesting because of the mix of the language
and and unique computer programming that are used to make the videos. This video
also has an anime-esque feel to it, with the bright colors and graphics. I apologize
in advance if this song or video disturbs you or gets in your head and stays
there all weekend. :P
This is an interesting trio of videos, Shannon. Japanese pop like this is interesting--it always makes me think of cotton candy. And someone else did this same sitar video--I think I might have to send it to my brother, who was a big Guns 'n Roses fan back in the day.
ReplyDeleteI have that same video of the sitar! Great minds think alike. I thought it was really neat and made me want to learn the sitar if I can find one! Along with Japanese Pop, Korean hip-hop is actually very interesting as well. I found myself thinking of Katy Perry during this video for some reason. I recommend looking that up. These are some very cool videos.
ReplyDeleteGreat videos. I love Bharatha Natyam dancing and it's actually a style of dancing that many of my friends back at home have learnt and performed.(I actually learnt a few steps myself!)
ReplyDeleteThe sitar definitely gives the song a great effect and the Japanese pop song was really interesting because it was so very westernized and so different to the tradition style of Japanese music that we discussed in class.
I love the sitar video. I think its really cool, but I just had to laugh at the "We are all rockstars. Thank You."
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly, that is one of the less bizarre music videos by Kyary. I saw this video first and was morbidly fascinated, but I had to stop with the video with the eyes. I don't remember the song, but those eyes... the EYES...
I love the dancing! Also, I am happy that you incorporated some harajuku (however you spell it)! I almost did and decided not to. But, it's so much fun!
ReplyDelete