Dance. The topic is so vast that I am confused as to where exactly do I start from.. And once I commence, where do I conclude? Seems like dance is as vast as time immortal.
OK.. Like all good text book authors, let me begin with a definition. In its simplest sense, Dance implies movement of the body parts in synchronization with music. If one can do this, one can claim to know dance. But thankfully, dance is much bigger an art than this basic definition. Over civilizations, dance has evolved, improved and improvised from one generation to another, one culture to another, one theme to another, one style to another and ultimately one form to another.
Primitive dances originated in the form of feelings, emotions and messages being expressed in the form of facial expressions and accompanying body movement patterns. This is very evident in Indian dances like Bharatnatyam and Kathakalli where in there are dance steps to demonstrate expressions of mankind such as Bhayam (fear), Rudram (anger), Haasyam (smile) and many others. In Yakshagana, we have entire epics and mythologies being narrated and expressed through dance. Kathak and Contemporary, the Indian dance forms with the most demand worldwide, are also complete dance forms which bring out opportunities to exhibit expressions as well as style and grace.
OK.. Like all good text book authors, let me begin with a definition. In its simplest sense, Dance implies movement of the body parts in synchronization with music. If one can do this, one can claim to know dance. But thankfully, dance is much bigger an art than this basic definition. Over civilizations, dance has evolved, improved and improvised from one generation to another, one culture to another, one theme to another, one style to another and ultimately one form to another.
Primitive dances originated in the form of feelings, emotions and messages being expressed in the form of facial expressions and accompanying body movement patterns. This is very evident in Indian dances like Bharatnatyam and Kathakalli where in there are dance steps to demonstrate expressions of mankind such as Bhayam (fear), Rudram (anger), Haasyam (smile) and many others. In Yakshagana, we have entire epics and mythologies being narrated and expressed through dance. Kathak and Contemporary, the Indian dance forms with the most demand worldwide, are also complete dance forms which bring out opportunities to exhibit expressions as well as style and grace.
Western dances rely more on style than expressions. Latin American dances rule the world, because of the grace they bring along in their gentle hip and leg movements. This grace charms the members of the fairer sex, who get driven to frenzy when their male counterparts lead them on the dance floor. The thrills and energy levels are very high in such couple dances as Jive, Salsa, Cha-cha-cha and the likes. Although all these couple dances look very similar to an uneducated eye, they vary in their very basic styles. Each one carries with it a unique challenge, which can take up to a lifetime to master. An expert may make them look easy, but trust me, dances which demand co-ordination from both the partners are far more challenging than any heroic solo dances. An attitude comprising of humbleness and gentleness is the one that a person needs to carry along before, during and after any Latin couple dance. Hand in hand, tip-toeing, and a lovely eye-lock with your engrossed soul-mate can create the ideal romantic atmosphere for a dream date.
Western Solo dances need a slightly different attitude and body language as they convey aggression, passion and style - "I am the best", "I am unbeatable", "I rock", "You can't beat me on this","Do you have it in you", "Nothing is impossible", these are some of the messages which the dance should put across. Surprised? Well, you shouldn't be. Dances like hip hop, break and freestyle originated in the inner streets of New York and Bronx, where street gangs would compete among themselves to outperform each other. These dances evolved from a mere hip shaking art and went on to include other body movement forms such as acrobatics and martial arts. Hence these dances have inbuilt aggression. Yet, this attitude needs to reflect along with grace. Dances like Rumba(a Mexican art), Light Funk, and Samba can electrify anyone involved in it, where as something like Belly Dancing can make one whistle in awe.
I am done with art of dance, so now let me come to the science of dance. Dance can be a great stress reliever. It's has got everything one can ask for - an art to learn, a talent to possess, a form of exercise to regenerate blood circulation and to maintain and improve flexibility, an innovative challenge - if you choose to take up choreography and mainly a positive radiant energy. By positive radiant energy, I mean the 'Happy Hormones' - a feel good factor, an smiling face, a spring in the step, higher pulse rate and a rhythm in everything one does. Now you have got a more cheerful way of burning your extra calories and releasing your unwanted physical and mental energy, thereby depriving yourself the scope of harbouring negative thought cycles leading to frustration, irritation, anger, boredom and fatigue. After all, once you are into dance, where's the time for all these?.
Dance comes with no age bar and the statement 'It's too late to begin now' is nothing but how good a myth can get. No dance is superior or inferior - it's what you like that goes best for you. They say 'Think before you leap', but for dance I would recommend "Don't think twice.. The world is your stage". All it needs is a willingness to learn the art, the time to practice it and the privilege to reap its wonderful benefits.
Sunnyboy.
