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.