Entire universe is in a state of perpetual flux. So must you. Dance even if you can’t.
The entire universe from tiny atom to enormous astronomical body is in a state of perpetual flux. Movement & vibrancy, both in literal, and figurative sense, is precursor to evolution and growth. “Everything in the universe has rhythm; everything dances,” said Maya Angelou. Activity confirms that there is life. Had Nature warranted man to stay static, we would have had roots like plants, and not feet.
Shiva, the earliest proponent of Dance: To keep man agile and on the toes, Lord Shiva, the God of gods, along with creating entire cosmos, also propounded the performing art of Dance, which prepares the mind for spiritual leap. The dancer ushers in a trance, the dancer and the dance become one symbolising merging of the individual soul with the higher powers. The idea being, along with all body parts one must stay in functional state till end. Apropos that many of our physical as well as mental problems arise due to disuse of brain or body parts. One can foresee what happens to the person of any age, idling their time or simply not knowing what to do.
Dance is a form of art and movement, typically performed in accompaniment to music, when the body is moved rhythmically. It can be both a social activity, a form of exercise, or a sheer entertainment performance. In dance performance, the body says what words cannot. It is the poetry of the foot, a song of the body, either of joy or pain. Russian artiste Anna Pavlova called it “the purest expression of every emotion, earthly and spiritual.”
Dance is a body-control technique to be mastered because the body must not stand in the way of the soul’s expression. The reason behind “mastering technique is to make sure the body does not prevent the soul from expressing itself,” said La Meri, the American ethnic dancer, choreographer & scholar.
Shiva in Nataraj posture performing ‘Ananda Tandava’ is seen with four hands, at times more, with piled up matted locks of hair connected to the circular flame. He is encircled by a flame set for destruction of the era to resuscitate again like the Phoenix. He holds his lower right hand with the palm up, in a gesture of reassurance. Shiva’s foot calls attention to trampling a demon, a symbol of ego, and evil. Serpent around neck of Shiva implies his yogic power. Transcending cultural, linguistic, and political barriers, the universal language of dance brings to fore the spirit of togetherness, promoting cultural understanding and creativity.
Dance is capable of expressing “the unspeakable … [through it] joy, grief, and despair become visible,” said Mikhail Baryshnikov, the famed choreographer picked as author of current year’s message for the International Dance Day, celebrated annually on 29 April. The Latvian-American maestro added, “dance can awaken empathy, inspire kindness, and spark a desire to heal rather than harm.” This date commemorates the birthday of the father of modern ballet, Jean-Georges Noverre.
Marked by performances, workshops, discussions, lectures and events showcasing the diversity and beauty of dance forms across 170 countries, the 18th edition World Dance Day, began in India on 26 April in Delhi and other locations with focus on future of Indian dance. The array of Indian dances Bharatanatyam, Manipuri dance, Kathak, Thumri, Kathakali, Odissi dance, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Sattriya dance, Chhau et al in varying styles and patterns revive the ethos of cultural canvass that has sustained and nourished Indians since ages. The Dance Day commemorates the birthday of the father of modern ballet, Jean-Georges Noverre.
So, express yourself. Dance even if you can’t, because as Lynda Barr said, “Any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all.”
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