Health Topics
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Healthy Living
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April 2012
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| In Tradition Lies Our Modernity |
| Shiamak Davar |
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Our dance represents us as people: grounded, close to the Earth, and expressive. It adapts itself to the Indian body type, accentuates the beauty of our being and protects the cultural heritage. |
Dance is an inherent part of the Indian culture and its roots can be traced back to various regions and ethnicities. The traditional dance forms speak of the richness and diversity in our culture. A classical dance performance carries the entire package: performance, style, fitness, flexibility and grace. Transcending into the modern style of choreography, the foundation has been laid by our folk dance forms.
Dance for me is a celebration of life, a medium of expression. All art forms instill discipline and require commitment. This is central to both traditional and modern forms. There are no short cuts to perfection; only hard work and perseverance will lead you to your goal. In earlier times, a dancer would surrender oneself to his/ her guru to be able to completely understand the art; s/he would become the dance and not just remain a dancer.
Whether Indian classical form or ballet, there are rules and an intricate system of learning that builds the base for a dancer. Modern styles have a more open mindset; there is a greater sense of freedom of movement and expression. Choreographers interpret pieces in their own unique way, let their body move to the sound of their soul, yet respect the basic premises of dance.
I have always been influenced by our folk dances and my style often finds inspiration from them. What is now popularly recognized as the Shiamak Style has such a global appeal only because even in its western interpretation, it holds its innate Indianness. Our dance represents us as people: grounded, close to the Earth, and expressive. It adapts itself to the Indian body type, accentuates the beauty of our being and protects the cultural heritage. My Indo-contemporary and modern rendition blends the east with the west with strong ballet grounding and performance based visuals. Defining a dancer as a peaceful warrior, the graceful exterior houses a mighty interior.
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The Spirit Of The Art
- For a professional dancer, physical fitness is extremely important.
- The core is the powerhouse of the body, the source of balance and energy.
- Each dance style requires strength and flexilibty with a focus on various aspects.
- Strong legs are essential in classical dance forms involving squats and balance.
- Dance in itself has the ability to align the body, mind and soul.
- Traditional dance, which is seen as a prayer to God, respects the body as a creation of the supreme power.
- Dance has evolved over the years and adapted itself to the cultural shift with time.
- The deep foundation laid by the traditional dance forms is reflected in the spirit of the modern dance forms too.
- Dance does not judge on age, form or style; it speaks a language of the body, the uniqueness of each individual and the freedom of their existence.
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| Shiamak Davar is Founder & Artistic Director, Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts Mumbai |
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