Kids And Classical Dance - Part 2

In my earlier post I have listed some of the qualities which are imbibed during the training of classical dance.Let me elaborate on each of them.

• 1.Discipline: One can never master any art without strict discipline.The authentic guru always emphasize this aspect.
  
• 2.Regard For Teacher: The art of classical dancing is something which you can never learn on your own or by books or any other help.You are totally dependent upon your guru for that.This teaches you to respect your guru without whom you can never unfold the finer nuances of any dance form.
• 3.Scientific Nature: Classical dance has its own language and grammar.It teaches you to be methodical and organized and to some extent, inculcates scientific thinking.
• 4.Significance of Practice(Riyaz): Practice maketh you perfect.The best example for this phrase is the art of music and dance, where you can see the day to day improvement with rigorous training.
• 5.Graceful Expression: Dance is an excellent way of self expression.It helps you to shed your inhibitions.Classical dance does so with grace and elegance which are rather inconspicuous by their absence in most of the popular dances today.
• 6.Exercise: It is a good form of exercise.I don't think this needs any explanation.
  
• 7.Stress Buster: Classical dance is like meditation.After the dance session one feels calm and relaxed and the thoughts get streamlined.
• 8.Modesty and Simplicity: The authentic gurus are modest and simple.You tend to imbibe these qualities from them gradually.

My dance classes have not only enriched me with the art of classical dancing but have also inculcated in me the wisdom of life.This is my earnest request to the parents to gift their child an opportunity to learn a classical form of dance and open the doors to higher pleasures of life.And sooner the better.

Kids And Classical Dance - Part 1

Today I am reminded of my childhood days , when I used to take a short nap after coming back from school and my mother used to wake me up in the evenings for me to go to my Kathak dance classes.I used to feel very lazy and made all kind of excuses.Somehow my mother always managed to coax me, and eventually I used to go with a long face.But once I would start my dance steps, I would feel rejuvenated and would shed all my laziness.

I started my classical dance training at the tender age of five and then onwards it became an obsession and also a stress-buster.I continued till my Guruji died(when I was 15 years old).

This is something I want to share with my readers that classical dancing , be it Indian or Western is an education in itself.The training in classical dance not only teaches the art of dancing, but also the art of living.It endows you with the following qualities:

* Discipline
* Regard for Teacher
* Scientific Nature
* Significance of Practice(Riyaz)
* Graceful Expression
* Exercise
* Stress Buster
* Modesty and Simplicity
I will elaborate on each of these aspects in my next post.