When Dancing got a Whole New Meaning!

I, as a teenage kid, was boisterous, energetic, impulsive, and full of enthusiasm. I needed some constructive means to let out all that energy. “Why don’t you join dance classes, it helps!” Tapoo, my childhood pal suggested.

That day it made me think for a while until I gave a nod to the option. And today, when I look back I can proudly say I’m thankful to my friend for making me look through the wind shield. I took up Kuchipudi, the Orissa form of dancing at school and at a neighbourhood area, made new friends and lived some of the most precious moments of my life performing live at different venues.

When you dance freely not only your mind but also your body, heart and soul get merged giving you an instant high. Dancing involves a great amount of energy and is also a great form of workout that tones the entire body. India, since decades has preserved its classical form of dances that are a integral part of its rich culture and heritage. Zeal, dedication and practice are the basic and constant requirements that make one a good classical dancer.

India has 7 forms of classical dance; Bharatanayam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohinyattam, Manipuri and Kuchipudi. These dance forms were originally performed in the temples to entertain various gods and goddesses.

What is common to all is the ‘Abinaya’ or Expression. Gestures are a treasured aspect of Indian form of dancing. No other form of dancing in the world has ever laid importance on that aspect. The description of bodily expressivity is important in understanding how it has helped Indian classical dance survive through history and shaped it in the process.

A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the ‘Mudra’ or hand gestures by the artists as sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion.Traditional Indian dance has not remained the same through the centuries. One can say ‘evolution’ is the key of its survival. In India, dance is expressed through poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre.

Thus, it won’t be wrong if I conclude by quoting a famous line from Natya Shastra that says “There is no other knowledge, no other learning, no other art, not even yoga or action that is not found in dance."

- Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team