Photo Gallery: Stony Brook University's Taandava Indian Classical Dance Team performs traditional dances

Founded in 2012, Stony Brook University's Taandava Indian Classical dance team aims to preserve classical dances which are central to Indian culture and represent an art form with ancient Hindu religious themes.

Indian classical dances provide a rich experience of drama, color, exotic make-up and elaborate costumes,and make extensive use of footwork, hand gestures and eye movements.

The Taandava team specializes in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak traditional dance forms, many of which originated from the traveling bards of ancient India.

The Kathak dances of northern India, for example, include whirling and rhythmic foot movements and exhibit Persian, Central Asian and Moghul influences.

During the British colonial rule, Indian classical dance forms were discouraged and went into decline, only to be revived by the birth of modern India.

Additional Taandava Indian Classical Dance photos can be found in my photo gallery:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/99199196@N02/albums/72157684572738416

All photos by Frank L. Fumelli: flfphoto@gmail.com