The Carnatic dance tradition represents three main forms of dance
which are Bharatanatyam (from Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (from Andha
Pradhesh) and Kathakali (from Kerala). All these performing styles
were fully developed by the 16th to 17th century and their origins can
be traced to the ancient Sanskrit text, Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni.
PRSSV World Music and Dance Examinations offers accredited exams in
all the Carnatic subjects. The Carnatic syllabuses focus on the
elements used to train students of music and dance. Thus, in the
earlier grades there is a great emphasis on Shruti, Tala and Laya
providing a strong foundation in basics and in higher grades emphasis
is given on compositions in different languages, performance,
improvisation and the varieties of intricate Gamakas.
Music and Dance of the Indian Sub-continent
The Indian system of music encompasses many classical, folk,
contemporary and popular traditions of music and dance that reflect
the diversity found across the many countries that make up the Indian
sub-continent. These countries, also referred to as South Asia, are
India, Pakistan Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Their
rich collection of classical, folk, contemporary and popular styles of
singing, the playing of instruments and dancing are subsumed under the
term Sangeet.
The Sangeet traditions most commonly associated with the Southern part
of India are referred to as Carnatic (Karnatak), and those associated
with the Northern part of India are referred to as Hindustani.