If one moves little wrist or move the lower leg from the knee joint consciously, it means the movement is observed. But we never observe our own physical movements while we are in our own world of surreal emotions. The question is where will the brain focus when you are in a hyper state ? on your emotions or on your movements ? the answer is probably both. Although, as individual we focus on the emotion; body does the movement with a reflex as though it has been had millions of repetitions of same movement practices. This nature of body teaches a lot to all of us, if one quietly sits and studies. Practicing Yoga helps to focus inwards and reach out to our self. With Hatha yoga one can learn different energy level flowing through the body and utilize the energy to good deeds. What is there in dancing ?
In my opinion, there is a lot. Especially in Indian dances such as Kathak and Bharathanatyam. First of all, as a dancer and dance teacher I witness the growth of intelligence (mostly with children growing from 5 years - 16 ) and manipulation and application of intelligence ( mostly in adults). Each category has different mindsets. Although I deal mostly with children, it is a fascinating thing to see intelligence growing as time progresses. Those kids who have difficult time holding the hands and sitting in a posture; have no difficulty after three years of routine dance classes. I have observed a kid started at 6 years grew in a subtle and steady way learning dance to become a full fledged artist by 16 years; where as her mother came every day sat and watched the class and learnt nothing. The only thing she learnt is how to observe and enjoy. Kid was very quick in learning and picking up the things; because mother was helping. This is a great combination. But, I always see, to become a good artist one must have the experiences of life - such as pain, sadness, exhilaration, perspiration, romantic moments, minds of dislike and hatred feeling. Even if no such experience has to happen in a personal life, yet to dramatize these elements one need to have a visual and creative power. This control of emotions will be taught in a classical dance. This is kind of controlling our own minds through controlled emotions and sentiments. In yoga one learns to be above all these and observe how we behave. It is the same thing in a performing art also. Artists need to flow with the emotions in such as way he must have a conscious control on them to keep check and balance. Because of this Dance is called "Nritya Yoga" - the ultimate purpose of Indian dancing is to reach God through dancing. The question arises - how to feel his presence, Since no one has seen. It may be a good idea to look at our own scriptures. One may wish to see him as a mortal in the form of deities like Raama and Krishna; or simply an immaterial spirit like parabrahma. For dancing dramatic elelments it makes sense to call in Raama and Krishna. These two personalities and many others like them only give a willing mind a perfect substance to reach the perfect world with perfect things around it. Feeling like "Naayaki" in any Varnam or Padam deals with this kind of high level philosophy which includes a human touch - hence called "Shringaara Bhakti".
This level of attainment only happened to great saints like Ramanuja, Meera or Kabir. They were are all in love with this supreme perfection whether they called Raama or Krishna or Prabrahma. But they understood the vulnerability of human existence and its relation to nature through the concept of perfect entity.
This relation ship of art with nature is a beautiful connection of devotee to his deity.
Lets try this beauty of nature through dancing.
Om tat sat
In my opinion, there is a lot. Especially in Indian dances such as Kathak and Bharathanatyam. First of all, as a dancer and dance teacher I witness the growth of intelligence (mostly with children growing from 5 years - 16 ) and manipulation and application of intelligence ( mostly in adults). Each category has different mindsets. Although I deal mostly with children, it is a fascinating thing to see intelligence growing as time progresses. Those kids who have difficult time holding the hands and sitting in a posture; have no difficulty after three years of routine dance classes. I have observed a kid started at 6 years grew in a subtle and steady way learning dance to become a full fledged artist by 16 years; where as her mother came every day sat and watched the class and learnt nothing. The only thing she learnt is how to observe and enjoy. Kid was very quick in learning and picking up the things; because mother was helping. This is a great combination. But, I always see, to become a good artist one must have the experiences of life - such as pain, sadness, exhilaration, perspiration, romantic moments, minds of dislike and hatred feeling. Even if no such experience has to happen in a personal life, yet to dramatize these elements one need to have a visual and creative power. This control of emotions will be taught in a classical dance. This is kind of controlling our own minds through controlled emotions and sentiments. In yoga one learns to be above all these and observe how we behave. It is the same thing in a performing art also. Artists need to flow with the emotions in such as way he must have a conscious control on them to keep check and balance. Because of this Dance is called "Nritya Yoga" - the ultimate purpose of Indian dancing is to reach God through dancing. The question arises - how to feel his presence, Since no one has seen. It may be a good idea to look at our own scriptures. One may wish to see him as a mortal in the form of deities like Raama and Krishna; or simply an immaterial spirit like parabrahma. For dancing dramatic elelments it makes sense to call in Raama and Krishna. These two personalities and many others like them only give a willing mind a perfect substance to reach the perfect world with perfect things around it. Feeling like "Naayaki" in any Varnam or Padam deals with this kind of high level philosophy which includes a human touch - hence called "Shringaara Bhakti".
This level of attainment only happened to great saints like Ramanuja, Meera or Kabir. They were are all in love with this supreme perfection whether they called Raama or Krishna or Prabrahma. But they understood the vulnerability of human existence and its relation to nature through the concept of perfect entity.
This relation ship of art with nature is a beautiful connection of devotee to his deity.
Lets try this beauty of nature through dancing.
Om tat sat
No comments:
Post a Comment