Staying at home is essential but difficult and at times
frustrating enough to topple our mental balance. One of the best ways to stay
physically, mentally and emotionally fit is ‘dance’.
Other than being one of the most beautiful ways to express
ourselves, dance can heal us and revive our lives in ways we cannot imagine.
A latest research study conducted while the world is
quarantined was published in Frontiers in Psychology stating that Dance
Movement Therapy (DMT) may promote exercise, reduces anxiety, prevents
depression, and improves quality of life and deepen familial ties between
grandparents and grandchildren.
We don’t need studies to tell us that dancing even if it is
what we label as ‘bad dancing’ can elevate our mood and turn our mood around to
happy. This World Dance Day, which is celebrated on April 29 ever year to
promote art and culture, to raise awareness among public regarding the art of
dance, is different.
Due to lockdown for prevention of covid-19, we are all stuck
at home, so no chance of hanging out at a disco, pub, gym or dance studio to
practise our best dance moves. However, there are many other motivations and
actions, which are all set to celebrate this World Dance Day with a twist.
Dancer’s High much-needed in Lockdown
“Endorphins are released when the body is forced to exert
itself at a certain level. You may have heard of a ‘runner’s high’. Since
dancing is a similar activity, this same boost in mood can be achieved through
dancing.
In addition to the physical activity of dancing, when
dancing is also a performance, adrenaline and endorphins work together to
create a dramatic ‘dancer’s high’.
Currently, during lockdown, many people are feeling
depressed and lonely due to lack of social interaction and bonding. Dancing is
the perfect way to feel the exhilaration of being alive.
In long term, dancers learn to repeat things not just with
their bodies, but also with their hands and in words. This process of repeating
helps a person’s memory power. You can become better coordinated.
Further, dancing improves mood, lowers stress and anxiety.
It helps in social bonding and helping people connect with others.”
Dr Smita Agrawal
Psychiatrist
#DanceChallenge
If you are born with
the competitive spirit, then you are bound to be suffering from lack of
adrenaline rush and even finding your day rather dull. A fun way to jazz up
your life is to take a dance challenge.
There are many #DanceChallenge trending on social media
especially Tik Tok. Though the initially phase of taking challenges began with
youngsters with hope to a choreographers, many middle-aged and senior Indoreans
are now beating young dancers with their cool styles.
Devotion is essential in Classical Dance
“Classical Dance is a meditation that one cannot learn
through videos. It is about finding our inner-self through pure devotion.
Lockdown is an essential time to find ourselves and meditate
on our ideas. For those, who truly want to understand and pursue dance must
rehearse for at least 5 to 6 hours every day.
During this time, all my students are ensuring to rehearse
and practise dance. Being a guru, I am utilising this time in analysing and
understanding various themes and experiences.
Dance is an essential mode of expression that leaves a mark
on this world.”
Savita Godpole
Senior classical dancer
Dance travels from Indore to Uzbekistan
“Dance speaks beyond our language. I feel the aim of my life
is spread this bliss and path of meditation over the world.
Taking the first step towards it, hailing from Indore, I am
now teaching classical dance at Embassy of India, Tashkent. Indore is where my
heart resides and with classical dance, I take a part of my experience from
Indore everywhere I go.”
Smrity Aditya
Kathak dancer
Ishwar, Allah Sun Lo Pukar
“Dance is a powerful form of expression and devotion. During
lockdown, my students have prepared a dance on corona to urge people to stay at
home.
On World Dance Day, we have organised a special 12-hour
session on ‘Hey Ishwar hey allah Sun Lo Pukar’ as a tribute to my guru Shama
Bhate. The session began from midnight and will continue till noon on
Wednesday. We can move mountains by faith.”
Dr Ragini Makkhar
Classical dancer
Upbeat dance for fitness
“Dance is the best way to stay mentally and physically fit.
It brings balance to our body and life. Helping people experience the same, I
am organising a free online dance session from my facebook April 29 at 4.30 pm.
When we attempt to match our moves to music beats for the
first time, it seems difficult. Eventually, dance brings our life and movements
in sync with the rhythm. Fast, upbeat movements in dance helps us in
maintaining healthy weight.”
Aarti Maheshwari, fit India ambassador
Dance to pay tribute
“In today’s time, doctors are playing the role of warriors.
I paid a tribute to them with a classical dance performance. I hope my emotions
and prayers reach them.”
Ayurdha Sharma
Student