Reviving India's Rich Dance Heritage: A Call to Action for the Youth-Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi

World Dance Day on April 29th

Every year on April 29th, the world commemorates World Dance Day in memory of the French artist Jean-Georges Noverre, considered the father of modern ballet. India boasts an exceptionally rich and ancient tradition in the realm of dance, with a history stretching back thousands of years. It is a matter of immense pride for our nation that the Natya Shastra, often regarded as the encyclopedia of dance, originated here. Bharat Muni was the revered sage who introduced this monumental work to the world.

It is also a significant point of pride for all Indians that the Bhagavad Gita and the Natya Shastra have been inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.

Our country's magnificent dance heritage has been passed down through centuries. The diverse array of traditional dances forms an integral part of our cultural identity. In this context, it would be fitting for us to dedicate a day to dance and drama in remembrance of Bharat Muni. My appeal to the younger generation is to understand and connect with the great dance tradition of our nation.

World Dance Day presents us with an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the significance of traditional dances. I firmly believe that we must familiarize our new generation with our traditions and culture. They should be made aware of the profound heritage of classical dances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi that flourish in our land.

Speaking for myself, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, I developed a deep affection for the local Kuchipudi dance from a young age. Later, I also learned Bharatanatyam. I have had the privilege of performing Bharatanatyam on various prestigious platforms. Furthermore, I enjoyed watching Telugu films that heavily featured dance and music.

It is heartening to see that Bihar now has music and dance teachers in schools, and a significant number of children are learning these art forms. My message is that everyone should learn music, dance, or any art form. It contributes to the development of your personality. For me, dance is not merely a hobby; it is akin to a spiritual practice. When you learn dance and music or immerse yourself in musical devotion, you are essentially performing penance. This is because it requires the unified focus of your body, mind, and soul. Only by achieving a harmonious balance among these three can you truly master it.

(The author is a senior IAS officer and a dancer.)