UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, Performing Arts, January-2025

Total Questions: 100

41. Read the following passage and answer the questions.

Since India's independence, classical dance forms have experienced significant transformations, driven by both institutionalization and individual innovation Major gurus and performers, such as Uday Shankar, Ram Gopal, Shanti Bardhan, and Mrinalini Sarabhai, have played pivotal roles in shaping contemporary Indian dance.
Their efforts have been complemented by the establishment of institutions like Kalakshetra, founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale, which has set high standards for dance education and performance. The evolution of dance pedagogy and repertoire in this period has been marked by a blend of tradition and experimentation.
The patronage from government and private bodies has been crucial in providing platforms and resources for dancers. The Indian diaspora has also contributed significantly to the global spread and appreciation of Indian classical dance.
Furthermore, contemporary artists like Astad Deboo and Chandraleklra have brought a new wave of creativity, blending traditional forms with modern elements.
Despite these advancements, the classical dance community faces challenges such as maintaining authenticity while innovating, and securing sustainable patronage.
Institutionalization impacted the evolution of Indian classical dance since independence and 

Correct Answer: 2. It has set standards for training and performance
Solution:

The passage notes that institutions like Kalakshetra "set high standards for dance education and performance."
Institutionalization didn't restrict expression or diminish tradition; instead, it provided formal structures, codified pedagogy, and ensured consistent quality in training and stage presentation for Indian classical dance after independence.

42. The Indian diaspora played the role in the global spread of Indian classical dance

Correct Answer: 3. It has significantly contributed to the global appreciation.
Solution:

The passage states: "The Indian diaspora has also contributed significantly to the global spread and appreciation of Indian classical dance."
This means the diaspora played a vital role in introducing these traditions abroad, organizing performances, building communities of learners, and generating respect for Indian cultural heritage worldwide

43. Contemporary artists like Astad Deboo contributed to the new wave of creativity in Indian classical dance

Correct Answer: 3. By integrating modern elements into classical dance.
Solution:

The passage highlights contemporary artists Astad Deboo and Chandralekha who "brought a new wave of creativity, blending traditional forms with modern elements."
Their approach did not ignore classical technique or adhere rigidly to tradition-they merged classical vocabulary with modern dance principles, expanding the expressive possibilities of Indian dance.

44. A contemporary Indian artist known for blending traditional forms with modern elements of minimalism in her work was :

Correct Answer: 3. Chandralekha
Solution:

Chandralekha is explicitly mentioned as one of the artists who blended traditional forms with modern elements.
She was particularly known for integrating minimalist aesthetics, contemporary themes, and innovative staging into Bharatanatyam, thereby reshaping how classical dance engaged with modern audiences whiľe maintaining its essence.

45. What does the passage mean by challenges the classical dance community face in maintaining authenticity while innovating?

Correct Answer: 3. Balancing tradition with modern creativity
Solution:

The passage describes the challenge as "maintaining authenticity while innovating." This reflects the delicate task of preserving the classical roots of Indian dance while also experimenting creatively to keep the art relevant and engaging.
It is not about audience disinterest or the number of trained dancers but about honoring tradition while embracing innovation responsibly.

46. Read the following passage and answer the questions.

Integrating dance into the curriculum of schools and universities in India has been a progressive step toward holistic education.
The movement analysis based on kinesthetic and the laban system has revolutionized how dance is taught and understood, enhancing body awareness and movement efficiency.
Eminent scholars like Kapila Vatsyayan and Sunil Kothari have extensively researched Indian dance forms, contributing significantly to the academic field. Their works have laid the foundation for rigorous dance training and research in India.
Cross-cultural training and dance therapy have emerged as significant areas of study, bridging traditional practices with contemporary therapeutic applications. The role of dance in physical and emotional healing is increasingly recognized, leading to its inclusion in therapeutic practices.
The passage intends to say that integration of dance into school and university curricula in India contributed to holistic education : 

Correct Answer: 3. By enhancing cognitive emotional, and physical development
Solution:

Integrating dance into Indian school and university curricula is described as a progressive step toward holistic education, meaning it develops the whole person. This includes cognitive skills (focus, memory, creativity), emotional growth (confidence, expression, stress relief), and physical development (strength, flexibility, coordination). T
he passage rejects the notion of ignoring academics or limiting activities-it emphasizes enrichment of multiple dimensions of learning.

47. Laban system of movement analysis revolutionized dance education

Correct Answer: 2. By enhancing body awareness and movement efficiency
Solution:

The passage states that movement analysis based on kinesthetic and the Laban system "has revolutionized how dance is taught and understood, enhancing body awareness and movement efficiency." Laban's method allows dancers to analyze motion patterns, improve efficiency, and refine expressive qualities, transforming dance pedagogy rather than restricting creativity or disregarding tradition.

48. Significant contributions have been made by scholars like Kapila Vatsvayan made to the field of Indian dance by

Correct Answer: 2. Extensive research and academic writings on Indian dance
Solution:

The passage highlights Kapila Vatsyayan and Sunil Kothari for their extensive research on Indian dance forms.
Their scholarly works provided historical, theoretical, and analytical foundations for dance studies, making dance a rigorous academic discipline and elevating its recognition in educational institutions.

49. Cross cultural training impacted the study and practice of Indian dances and:

Correct Answer: 3. It has bridged traditional practices with contemporary applications
Solution:

Cross-cultural training and dance therapy "have emerged as significant areas of study, bridging traditional practices with contemporary therapeutic applications."
This indicates that rather than diluting or ignoring tradition, cross-cultural approaches connect ancient dance wisdom with modern uses like therapy, education, and crossgenre collaborations.

50. Dance therapy is increasingly being recognized in contemporary therapeutic practice

Correct Answer: 2. As an integral component of physical and emotional healing
Solution:

The passage says, "The role of dance in physical and emotional healing is increasingly recognized, leading to its inclusion in therapeutic practices."
Dance therapy is therefore understood not as a ritual or recreation but an essential tool in modern therapy, used alongside other approaches to promote holistic healing and well-being.