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The name "Bhairab" holds great significance in both Hinduism and the world of dance. In Hinduism, Bhairab is considered the symbol of dance. Bhairab dance is a tradition that has been part of religious and cultural customs for over 800 years. Bhairab Bahadur Thapa, a dance maestro from Nepal, has presented renowned Nepali dances like the Mayur Dance, Yak Dance, and Jhankri Dance in their refined form. These dances are part of Nepal’s religious resources. Thapa has also presented dance practices globally, with his dances becoming popular in China, India, Germany, France, and other countries.
Thapa has developed a research tool for dance notation, which he has published in Nepali under the title "Nrityakshar" and in English under the title "Bhairab Alpha Science." This book is also being prepared for publication in languages such as Hindi, Arabic, and Chinese. Thapa’s 65 years of unique dedication to creating a universal dance notation system has provided a universal method for dance. The naming of Thapa’s English book, "Bhairab Alpha Science," is inspired by the Greek alphabet, where "Alpha" not only represents the first letter but also symbolizes a new beginning. This system captures the essence and expression of the rhythmic movement of dance while presenting dance as a shared language.
According to Thapa, the need for such a system arose from an experience in 1956. At that time, Nepal was requested by China to send a cultural delegation. Impressed by Thapa's dance, King Mahendra of Nepal included him in the cultural delegation, and Thapa traveled to China. The cultural program presented by the Nepalese team in the presence of Chairman Mao Zedong and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai is considered the first cultural exchange between Nepal and China. During the event, Mao, extremely pleased with Thapa’s dances "Struggle for Soil" and "Tambourine Boy," gifted him a "Mao Pen." During this visit to China, Thapa resolved to develop a global dance notation system.
In October 1956, Thapa began developing a system based on Vedic symbols and Nepali art. Traveling through India and Europe, he collected feedback from international dancers, improving his work. After 65 years of research, experimental sessions began in 2017, where Bhairab Alpha Science was tested. With the participation of talented dancers, Thapa refined his notation system.
Today, Bhairab Alpha Science is presented as a unique dance science in the world of dance. At the age of 93, Thapa advocates for the inclusion of Bhairab Alpha Science or Dance Notation System in formal dance education.
This work presents a universal language that unites cultural and artistic boundaries. Through this book, Thapa is confident that it will make a significant contribution to preserving human expression in dance for future generations.
Bhairab Bahadur Thapa plays a significant role in Nepali culture. He has presented Nepali dance on social platforms in China, India, Hong Kong, Germany, France, and other countries, establishing himself as a leader of Nepali dance.
Through Bhairab Alpha Science, renowned dance director Bhairab Bahadur Thapa makes a revolutionary contribution to the world of dance through dance notation. This system not only encompasses the technical aspects of human movement but also expresses the deep emotions and feelings hidden within various dance forms. Thapa’s symbols use symbolic lines to communicate universal expressions, bridging the gap between different dance forms and providing a shared language for art.
According to Western traditions, the study of dance notation matured around the 4th century, with earlier traditions following a similar course as time progressed. However, Thapa offers a different perspective. He believes that great sages of Eastern civilizations, like Bharat Muni, began refining dance much earlier. From this early foundation, the development of dance notation remained steady until the 1920s when respected dance books were published.
It was only after World War II that significant progress was made in dance literature. Rudolf von Laban made an important contribution by introducing Labanotation in 1928. Later, Rudolf Benesh developed Benesh notation in 1955. However, these systems were limited to ballet performances. A universal dance notation system that encompassed all types of dances had still not been developed. Bhairab Alpha Science’s dance notation addresses this issue. Thapa’s notation system provides a universal language that allows for the expression of various dance styles. It captures not only the movement of dance but also its emotional and internal expressions, offering a new way to present dance.
The development of Bhairab Alpha Science is not without its challenges. Thapa’s government duties often hindered his work, but he was determined to complete his notation system. During his participation in a folk music festival in Europe in 1974, Thapa gathered ideas from 22 different countries’ dancers. The feedback he received strengthened his belief in his work.
After years of research, Bhairab Alpha Science was tested in experimental sessions that began in 2017. The feedback from participants such as Chetan Karki, KP Paudel, Shruti Kafle, and Anami Bohora was invaluable. After four years of refining the system, the manuscript was deemed ready for publication.
What sets Bhairab Alpha Science apart as a notation system is that it calls for acceptance as an essential part of dance education. This idea goes back 1,600 years, long before Plato’s time. For a long time, dance was considered an extracurricular activity, but Thapa’s book has laid a strong foundation for dance to find its rightful place in formal education.
