Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Dancing Away to  Good Health 

Yagyaa Srivastava talks  about how dancing can be  much more than a pastime as  it has tremendous potential  to keep you in good shape,  physically and mentally. A  happy combination, isn’t it? 

In the history of civilization, perhaps there  is no widely performed leisure activity  other than dance. People have been moving  their bodies to rhythm for millennia. In fact,  cave paintings depicting dancing figures going  back to 3300 BC have been found. 

Various types of dances have been a part of  different cultures all over the world—as rituals  or during celebrations, dance has always been  central to social gatherings—from structured  dance to folk, regional, and tribal dances. Dance  was also later used as a means of communication  and to tell stories.  

In India, dance has been an ancient art form.  Indian classical dances are structured dance  styles with their basis in Vedic literature, such as  the Natya Shastra, Abhinaya Darpanam, Sangeet  Ratnakar and others. The Natysa Shastra, for  example, is estimated to date back to between  200 BCE and 200 CE. The performance and  practice of these dance styles are not only joyful  but also therapeutic, both for the performers  and viewers.  

The effect of dancing 

Wondered what makes dance such a universal  experience? Numerous studies have been  conducted in recent times that prove many  physical and psychological benefits of dancing.  It is now a well-known fact that dancing releases  endorphins and serotonin, the happiness  hormones. At the same time, it suppresses  cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress.  One is, therefore, left with positive feelings of  comfort, joy, and relaxation after dancing.  

Studies using positron emission tomography  (PET) imaging have identified regions of  the brain that contribute to learning and  performing dance. These regions include the  motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, basal  ganglia, and cerebellum. 

Basic training in Indian classical dance, such  as Kathak, starts by introducing the student  to the concept of rhythm; their mind is  trained to understand and move the feet to a  simple rhythmic structure. Gradually, hand  movements are added. As the mind and body get  accustomed to following the music, movements  of the neck and eyes are also added. This gradual  progression involves all parts of the brain and  develops mind–body coordination.  

Since all parts that correspond to different brain  functions are exercised with dance training, the  benefits also get carried over to other areas of  daily life, making dance a wonderful workout  for the brain. 

Moreover, studies have also shown that dancing  helps keep the memory sharp since it requires  learning sequences of steps and coordinating  movements, thereby reducing the risk of  ailments such as dementia as we age. In classical  dance, we learn many rhythmic patterns of  pure dance, as well as expressive pieces and  choreographies set to music and words.  

Dance as body-mind exercise 

Classical dance is also performed at different  speeds or tempos. The practice of Kathak  involves movements which are slow and  also some high-intensity footwork and body  movements. Alternating various movements  at different speeds is similar to interval  training done at gyms, which makes for great  cardiovascular exercise. All muscles in the body  are involved in creating dance movements, and  regular practice greatly enhances body posture,  flexibility, and stamina.

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In a research paper,  the lead author, Dr Alycia  Fong Yan from the University of  Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine  

and Health and Sydney  

Musculoskeletal Health,  

said: “Preliminary evidence  

suggests that dance may be  

better than other physical activities to improve  psychological well-being and cognitive  capacity.” A structured dance programme of  at least six weeks’ duration can significantly  improve psychological and cognitive health  outcomes. 

Classical dance styles are taught in a structured  manner with attention to every  aspect of the dance practice. The dance style  of Kathak involves footwork, movements of  the torso, the head and neck, hasta mudra, or  hand gestures, and facial expressions. This also  makes the dance form accessible to all, and  anyone can benefit from any or all aspects of  dance practice.  

All Indian classical dances are performed  barefoot, which makes our connection with the  earth stronger. As we practise footwork using  different parts of the feet, various pressure  points on the feet are energised. This little  exercise also improves Sthe blood flow in the  body.  

Dance builds confidence and self-esteem Several other studies have indicated the positive  effects of dancing on self-confidence. Dance is  beneficial for increasing self-trust, self-esteem,  and self-expression in children and adolescents. 

Classical dance greatly enhances self-image by  ensuring the correct body posture and making one  consciously create many beautiful movements.  The concept and study of bhava and rasa in  Indian classical dance focusses on expressing  emotions, moods, and thoughts, thus providing a  creative outlet for our innermost feelings.  

If you have been contemplating exploring dance  for yourself or anyone in your family, here is a  set of questions you can ask yourself to help you  decide what style of dance to go for: 

• What specific purpose do you wish to achieve  with dancing? For example, do you need an  activity for better physical health? Or something  

to de-stress? Or do you wish to make your body  more flexible and develop strength? 

• Do you prefer slow or fast dancing? 

• Do you prefer dancing individually or in a  group? 

• Do you want to learn solo or do a partner  dance? 

As we have seen, dance is not merely a leisure  activity but also one that can be practised for  self-care and holistic well-being. Hence, it is  well worth making it a part of our lives. 

If you have any other questions related to dance  and specifically to the Indian classical dance  style of Kathak, you can write to me through  this website’s contact page. 

Happy dancing and good health to you! 

An MBA by education Yagyaa is a Faculty of Kathak in the Department of Vedic Dance Therapy, Maharishi  College of Perfect Health International. With her long years of dedicated training in Indian classical dances  she integrates her experiences of Transcendental Meditation with her knowledge of Indian classical dance and  seeks to share a holistic approach towards wellness and personal growth through the practise of Vedic Dance.