This is a reproduction of an article by Radhika Shurajit which was written for Rasa’s souvenir 2004.

Why Dance?
“ I Danced in the morning when
the world had begun
I Danced in the stars in the
Moon and the Sun
I came down from the Heaven
And danced on Earth
Dance then wherever you are,

I am the Lord of Dance – said HE
I will lead you all in Dance – said HE”
-Radhika Shurajit

Let us join those whom the Lord of Dance leads and let Dance become our inseparable companion in our journey of discovering Life in its completeness.

Why Dance?
This is a common question posed by the youngsters very often. Tied down drastically by academic pressures to excel in studies and high scores.

Where is the time for Dance?
Schools, Tuition, Exams, Home Work… Yes, it is a mad rat race against time. The very utterance of the word Dance, brings to our mind images of beautiful dancers, costumes, jewellery, make-up, performances, the glamour and recognition attached to it.

Well, Is that all dance is about?

Do we need Dance?
Yes! Yes! Definitely Yes!!

Great people like Dr. Rukmini Devi, Balasaraswathi Mrinalini Sarabhai and many others have worked towards renaissance of dance and have successfully brought dignity to dance. Dance has always been a powerful artistic medium of communication.

Now a days we find dancers, almost in every family. I would say that Dance has now become a status symbol.

Though the Dance performances, publicity and glamour are like the icing on the cake, the real sweetness, however, is of the cake itself – which is the learning of dance. Though the term dance would embrace any kind of Western, Abstract, Film and Folk movements into its wings – I would like to focus on the merits of learning classical dance. Though a small percentage of youngsters are inspired and motivated to learn classical dance, a vast majority of students start learning dance out of their parent’s interest.

After they begin, it becomes an uphill task. The tough body exercises, painful stretches, and monotonous learning of adavus for many years tune the youngsters into strict body discipline. Most of them get bored and they quit dancing. Sometimes pressure from parents, who are eager to see their children on stage too quickly results in half-baked dancers. Only the faithful ones, who go through the regime and continue with perseverance, will blossom into good dancers.

Yes- it is like a cocoon bursting into a butterfly. Only at that stage one can see and appreciate the colours and beauty of dancing

The learning of classical dance can be easily categorized under 3 stages.

1. The first stage is the most difficult and a grueling one. The emphasis is on body discipline. A disciplined body is a pre-requisite for a disciplined mind.

Nowadays, there is lot of health and body awareness. Dance exercises will make one’s body supple and flexible. It is also a kind of Yoga where one learns about correct breathing techniques and meditation. A lot of students give up dancing at this stage itself. But let us see the advantages one will get by continuing it.

Dancing improves one’s concentration and memory power. The adavus practiced in different speeds will make youngsters appreciate the mathematics involved in the rhythmic patterns.

Dance also helps students to get grace in the body and focus in the mind. It is a common practice that many dance students abstain from their classes during exams. On the contrary attending classes would be beneficial to them.

Dancing is a very relaxing and an enjoyable affair. The students would feel refreshed and will be able to concentrate better in their studies after every dance session. The fast paced western music and dance are attractive and enjoyable, but they pep us up and make us get excited and high. In contrast, the classical arts have a calm and soothing effect on the body and mind. In our stress filled lives, the need of the hour is definitely calmness and peace.

2. In the second stage of learning, dancers are able to appreciate and enjoy dancing better. The nuances and subtlities are relished more. The story telling aspect and criss-crossing rhythm patterns act as creative stimulants to them. The mind opens up to appreciate the beauty, and the abhinaya learning will make them aware of the complexities of human behavior, relationships and their emotions. Since there is more control of one’s body and mind, the youngster’s energy and bubbling enthusiasm can be channelised, via dance.

The crossing over of the adolescence stage is very difficult and they search for their identity. The media and the films add up to their confusion. Also there is a struggle in getting their values and morals of life sorted out. Dance can be their best companion at these times of formative years of their growing up. It can be an outlet to their moods, tempers and feelings.

Concentration on dancing will also keep them away from distractions. The focus will be in performing their part. They should be encouraged to watch a lot of good performances and also learn about the contribution of great dancers towards this art. Looking behind the outward glamour and appearances, the student realizes the sweat, toil and hard work put in by the performer to reach stardom. At this stage the dancers want to perform more and exhibit their talent. Petty feelings like rivalry and jealousy do crop up at this time. It is the responsibility of the Teacher or the Guru to mould the students not only to become an artist but also better human beings. Students will learn about the roots of our culture. The learning does not stop here. One has to move over to the next level. Unfortunately, a lot of dancers stop here and dance becomes an Exhibition art and Performance art for them.

3. The final and third stage is the most beautiful one, where Dance becomes a vehicle to reach God. There is supreme bliss in knowing and the knowledge erases out one’s ego and humility sets in. Dance at this level will elevate one to great experiences. Performances or no performances, there is supreme joy in Dancing and dance, which was earlier their companion, becomes a part of them. There is no yardstick to measure perfection. But the many intense years of training and practice will take the Dancers to a level, where the dancer is completely lost and only dance remains. Music, Movement, Rhythm and Feeling fused together beautifully in a correct proportion makes dance go beyond styles and techniques.

Dr. Rukmini devi said there were only 2 style of dancing “Good dancing and Bad dancing”. Knowing the roots of our culture, it is time to spread the wings.

Having learnt the language of dance thoroughly the dancers are equipped with a capacity to write their own lyrics for the dance. Unfortunately a lot of dancers don’t reach this final stage.

These 3 stages can be easily summed up as the 3D’s of Dance learning.

Discipline – Dedication – Devotion
All dancers need not necessarily become performers. They could be teachers, choreographers, Media specialists, dance critics or use their dance as a therapy or even use dance as an education. There are so many avenues for the dancers to choose and travel on. Whether one takes up dancing as a profession career or not, the learning will make them good rasikas, and blessed are the people who can appreciate this Divine Art.

So to the question
WHY DANCE?
My answer will positively be
WHY NOT DANCE !!