Exploring the therapeutic power of dance,cultural significance and transformative effects on mental health and personal growth,writes MANISHA GAWADE
From folk to classical dance forms across the globe, dance has been an intrinsic part of world culture since time immemorial. Its cultural significance is magnificently revealed through the remains of ancient Indian temples, Buddhist stupas, historic sculptures, and Mughal or Rajput paintings that reflect various dance mudras and forms, evolving over time. A substantial amount of scientific research supports the idea that dance is indeed therapeutic.
We engaged with Mallika Walsh, a California-based mental health therapist of Indian origin with dual master’s degrees in clinical psychology and counselling. Ms. Walsh explained that dance movement therapy (DMT), as defined by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), involves the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. Unlike simply learning dance steps, DMT focuses on processing emotional and behavioural health, helping individuals develop self-esteem and confidence.
Odissi Maestro Guru Sharon Lowen
Sharon Lowen, a celebrated Odissi dancer from America, shared her experiences teaching students of all ages. She observed that many women reclaim their right to express themselves through dance, often lacking confidence despite their abilities. “It’s gratifying to see students realise their capabilities and gain confidence in their decision to dance,” she said. Her classes foster a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, helping dancers, from novices to professionals, explore the layers of abhinaya. Students practice physical techniques grounded in kinesiology and anatomy to avoid injuries, learning that “perfect practice leads to perfection.”
Changes Noted in Students After They Learned Dance
Guru Sharon Lowen added, “After they learned dance, I saw joy and confidence in them. There was a sense of being alive through dance. Both aspiring professional dancers and those committed to learning without the expectation of entering the professional arena expressed that they needed to dance to survive. One mentioned a work colleague who discovered yoga as a lifeline to overcome numerous difficulties; she and others sustain themselves through dance. Beyond the joy of using one’s body in new ways, gaining strength, flexibility, and control, adult learners appreciate the emotional and metaphysical elements of classical Indian dance forms. Indian classical dance requires mastery of dramatic expression comparable to any trained actor, alongside the movement technique. Adult learners have the opportunity to unpeel a never-ending onion of philosophies and histories behind the texts while experiencing their physicality through music, movement, and rhythm.”
Dance for Personal Growth
We further asked Guru Lowen how dance has changed her worldview and aided her intellectually, both as an author and a dancer. “At 13, I loved to dance, but not more than literature, social activism, puppetry, and art. Yet, I continued to dance without career aspirations because I loved it. Alongside other interests, this somehow added up to 17 years of modern dance and ballet, along with a smattering of other classical and folk-dance traditions before I came to India. Even then, I considered my Fulbright to continue Manipuri dance as a cultural centre during my sojourn in India. Both in India and in my earlier years, I danced for the joy of learning and the connection to myself, the audience, and the teacher or guru through the process. My experience, which I wish everyone could share, is that allowing yourself to dance, or follow any creative, artistic path you love, is one of the greatest satisfactions of a life lived fully with no regrets at the end. Of course, motivation is crucial. When you love to dance and love to share this love, without the primary motivation of ego or commercial values, as expounded in the Gita and other philosophical texts, the rewards will come to you, free from contaminated karmas.’’
Kaushalya Reddy: Kuchipudi Guru and Exponent
Kaushalya Reddy, whose entire family has dedicated their lives to the Kuchipudi dance form, runs a highly reputed dance institution called Natyatarangini, with branches in both Hyderabad and New Delhi. Her husband, the living legend Guru Raja, and her sister Radha Reddy have both received the highest honours of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. She spoke to us in detail about her experiences and knowledge.
She said, “When I watched both Raja ji and Radha ji perform, it really made me feel so interested in the dance form. I picked up movements and felt it was a great way of expressing myself. When one is dancing, there are no extraneous thoughts; it’s just like meditation or Ekat dhyanam (only thinking about one thing, often referred to as God). When you are dancing, you coordinate your body and eye movements, concentrating solely on the dance.”
“When I was a student preparing for exams, dance used to be a big stress buster and would change my mental space while studying. Dance demands a lot of discipline, focus, and concentration. I noticed significant changes in bodily movements after our students learned dance. Boys and girls wear casual T-shirts and shorts and often adopt a tomboyish approach, but when dancing, they learn feminine roles and the walks of different age groups—how a teenager walks, how a youth walks, and how a senior would walk. There are many aspects taught in the process, like how to be graceful and feminine while performing female roles. Many girls who learn to dance become graceful, upright, calm, and composed. These traits are common among those who have learned to dance or practise any creative arts, for that matter.”
Dance Slows the Ageing Process
Guru Kaushalya Reddy highlighted the numerous health benefits of dance, stating, “Dancing can release stress and toxins from the body, alleviating issues such as migraines and hypertension.” She noted that dancers often have glowing skin, as their pores remain open during movement, negating the need for saunas or salons. While dance keeps the body toned, Reddy cautioned that a break of four to six months can lead to sagging. Additionally, dance helps combat Alzheimer’s by engaging various cognitive aspects simultaneously. “You concentrate on elements like eye movement and mudras, turning your face into a playground,” she remarked. Dance, described as a Sampoorna Kala or complete art, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition, originating from temple practices by the devadasis. The Parampara festival, launched in 1998, aims to promote these classical art forms and connect younger generations with their cultural heritage, encouraging an open-hearted reception of the art rather than merely technical knowledge.
Dancing freely, either to rhythm and beats or to the silent sounds of the heart, provides a medium to release pent-up emotions by merging body, mind. and soul. The chaos is calmed. allowing emotions to flow out of the body through movement.
About the Author
Manisha Gawade is an internationally acclaimed curator, artist, and journalist who has contributed widely to television, radio, and print media. Email: mail.manishagawade@gmail.com
