Dance: A Spiritual Journey, Not Just An Exercise

"Vinatu nrityashastrena chitrasutram sudurvidham" { Without the knowledge of the science of dance, the other plastic arts cannot be comprehended } - Vishnu Udharmottara Purana.

Dance must have been the first expression of a being who wanted to communicate. Dance sans language, culture or social strata. Dance in the life of young student can make sincere and deep impact on the life as a younger being.

The facets of dance are many-fold; they cultivate physical aspects to the perfection and shape mental abilities to understand finer sensibilities which are integral part of our culture.

In physical sphere, dance helps exercise almost every part of our body. In particular, Indian classical dance forms are devised so scientifically that in spite of the rigour in the physical movements, it fills the dancer with pleasure and delight.

The great Indian sage Bharata wrote a treatise called Natyashastra which contains elaborate description of Indian classical dance movements as well as interpretation of mudras. The mudras, abhinaya and the feet movement (padabhedas) stimulate body and mind at the same time thus it becomes a complete exercise for body and mind as compared to other physical activities. It's not mere acrobatics or just facial expressions.

It is a meaningful synchronization of the body and thoughts, that is the reason why a dancer, particularly an Indian classical dancer believed to achieve spiritual heights through the performance. Indian classical dance forms use body as a vehicle to achieve salvation.

Dance is Yoga, dance is a Veda and dance is a complete science in itself. It's a physical activity which transcends into spiritual solace. Wherever you dance, whenever you dance it infuses you with the same pleasure. It's an expression of fulfillment; no one ever dances in grief.

Dance is also being used as movement therapy; it helps people with physical, mental health and emotional difficulties. Many a times it helps physically challenged people to express their feelings beautifully.

If music is the food of life, then dance is the dessert. It dresses the life in gorgeous garb of fun and frolic. The dance infact is the combination of ecstasy and spiritual youthfulness of a being.

Courtsey: V.Soumyasri