Indian Classical Dance and Its Role in Children’s Development

"Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world." - Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher

Indian classical dance is an umbrella term that is used for various performance arts rooted in the religious musical theatre styles, and whose practice and theory can be traced back to the renowned Sanskrit text, 'Natya Shastra.' The classical dances in our country have been as much of a part of its culture and heritage as the other forms of performance arts.

After all, we come from a nation that introduced the world to the grace of Kathak, the finesse of Bharatanatyam, and the uniqueness of Kathakali. We are the ones who can proudly call Pandit Uday Shankar, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Rukmani Arundale, and many more such stalwarts as our own.

Belonging to a nation with such a rich legacy of classical dance, it seems only fair to us to introduce our children to this art from a young age. However, at Yuvashakti Model School, positioned among the Top 5 Schools in Rohini, dance is as much a way of connecting children to their roots, as it is a path to their holistic development. And on that note today, let us take a look at the significant role that the Indian Classical Dance can play in children's development.

Offers one of the finest forms of fitness activity

Indian classical dances offer one of the finest forms of physical activity to keep the children fit. It is an exercise for the entire body, where both the gross and fine motor skills come into play. Hence, every movement that children learn while performing a classical dance form takes them a step closer to being fitter and more flexible.

Teaches the crucial aspects of patience and perseverance

A complex dance form like Kathak is not learnt in a week or even a year. In fact, it needs years of practice and perseverance to master the distinctive art form that we classify as an Indian classical dance. So, introducing our children to it at an early age certainly helps to turn them into more determined and patient individuals in the long run.

A great way of improving attention and concentration levels

Did you know that there are 51 hasta mudras (hand gestures) in Kathak, let alone the footwork and other details? Learning and mastering the finer touches of such a dance form needs absolute attention and concentration on children's part.

Helps in instilling the values of self-discipline and self-confidence

Anyone who has fallen in love with the art of classical dancing aims to achieve perfection in every mudra and each step. When children commit themselves towards attaining such perfection, the self-discipline grows intrinsically. And, the fruits of their labor eventually helps them grow into an individual who is more confident and composed.

Aids in relaxing and rejuvenating the young minds

It would be wrong to assume that our children have to face any less pressure in their life. They have their very own reasons for stress and pressure coming from the impact of media, social media platforms, and rising competition. Scientifically speaking, dancing stimulates the production of happy hormones called endorphins in the body, while reducing the levels of stress hormones. Thus, dance offers the much-needed outlet for the young minds to relax and rejuvenate themselves.

At Yuvashakti Model School, with 'Shiksha aur Sanskriti' being our mantra towards delivering an all-encompassed learning experience, we cannot leave behind the beautiful art of dancing which forms such an integral part of our culture. Thus, at Yuvashakti, we have a dedicated Dance Club that focuses on teaching children the finer nuances of Indian Classical Dance, among others. The aim of our Dance Club is to ensure a skillful progression in the fitness, concentration, and confidence levels of our little buds while keeping them connected to their roots. After all, only when the buds are nurtured holistically through the roots, do they get the opportunity to bloom into the most beautiful flowers.