Dancing may seem like your average hobby, but it takes a
passionate, informed dancer to realise that this activity is actually
deeply rooted in the culture of a country and that through physical
moves, you understand the cultural values and spirituality that that
country possesses. If there is a country whose national folk dance is
synonymous with spirituality, that would definitely be India. Most
people associate it with Bollywood dances, which are more like a
simplified, pop culture version of the real, complex dancing culture in
India. The reality is that Indian dances are much more complex than what
we see on TV. Unlike other countries, which have one or two variations
of dancing, India has no less than eight folk dances. This is due to the
fact that there are numerous subcultures, each one with its own
language and traditions. As an integrated part of cultural life, dancing
is strongly connected with the place it originated from. Therefore,
each dance move is more can be interpreted in a certain way, being
charged with various meanings. Of course, a beginner dancer might want
to know less about philosophy and more about the actual dancing
technique, as well as where to take Indian dance classes.
Indian
dances can be seen as a form of theatre, because the dancers use many
hand gestures and, throughout the dance routine, they actually tell a
story. No matter where they originate from, the dances are almost always
based on Hindu mythology, re-enacting stories with gods and goddesses.
If you want to go to an Indian dance school, first you will have to
choose the type of dance you want to learn: classical or modern. If you
want to understand Indian culture and take up classical dancing lessons,
then again you'll have to make a choice between the eight types. No
matter what you choose, you will definitely have a lot of fun, because
there is so much more than dance to these lessons. For example, the
classical Kathakali dance requires the dancer to wear a vibrant costume,
as well as heavy make-up, and play mythology roles accompanied by the
sound of drums. In another kind of classic dance, Oddisi, the body had
to be bent in three points and facial expressions are extremely
important. Your mind has to be very present in the dance, you have to
detach yourself from your problems and, to a certain extent, it can even
be said that Indian dance is a profoundly spiritual experience.
Classical
Indian dance is a beautiful art, but those are looking for something
that is more up to date or that can be performed outsides stages and
festivals, should take up modern Indian dances, which are a combination
between classic moves and modern elements, such as ballet and Bollywood
movies. Learning Indian dances can be a bit difficult at first, because
they are different from the dances that we are all accustomed to.
However, if you go to a professional school where the teachers are
native and they know how to explain the origins and meanings of dance
moves, then you will definitely learn faster.
By
Groshan Fabiola
