Parents always want the best for their children, whether it’s in terms of health, values, education, or extracurricular activities. With schools closed and more time spent at home, many parents are looking for ways to enrich their child’s life and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. One such opportunity that can have numerous benefits for children is learning Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance form.
Starting Bharatanatyam at a young age can be incredibly beneficial for children. Not only does it provide them with a fun and engaging way to express themselves, but it also offers a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can positively impact their overall development. So, let’s dive into why Bharatanatyam can be great for your little one too!
New Beginnings: Children bring joy to our lives. They’re full of energy and eager to explore the world around them. When they learn something new, it can become a part of who they are forever. Learning Bharatanatyam at a young age can bring even more happiness to their childhood. That’s why it’s a good idea to start them early on this beautiful art form.
Quick Learning in Childhood: Kids are like little learning machines! They often pick up dance moves faster than grown-ups do. Their excitement and quick understanding make it easier for them to learn Bharatanatyam. So, it’s no surprise that they’re great at mastering this dance style in no time.
Language and Pronunciation Skills: In Bharatanatyam, dancers often perform to songs in Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit and many other languages. Learning these languages helps improve pronunciation. Sometimes, the words are tricky, and dancers have to twist and twirl their tongues to get them just right.
This can be especially helpful for children who may have trouble speaking clearly. Plus, learning these languages lays a good foundation for picking up new languages in the future. So, Bharatanatyam isn’t just about dancing – it’s also a great way to improve language skills!
Enhanced Rhythm Awareness: Rhythm isn’t just important for dancing; it’s a big part of how we carry ourselves in everyday life. Think about how walking with a steady rhythm can make you seem graceful, or how speaking with a good rhythm can make you a more persuasive speaker. Learning Bharatanatyam helps kids develop a strong sense of rhythm, which can benefit them in many ways as they grow up. It’s like laying down a solid foundation for a lifetime of confident and charismatic communication.
Learning to Express Emotions: Many of us have dreamed of being movie stars at some point in our lives. We admire actors for their ability to express emotions through acting, dancing, and even fighting scenes. Some people pursue careers in the glamorous world of entertainment, while others keep their dreams close to their hearts. As a child, I remember standing in front of the mirror, pretending to be a movie star, trying out all sorts of expressions.
In Bharatanatyam, there’s a special focus on expressing emotions, called Abhinaya. It’s like a whole study dedicated to understanding and conveying feelings through dance. Every movement, even the tiniest twitch of an eyebrow, has a specific meaning. This detailed study is documented in something called Abhinaya Darpanam, and dancers practice it during their lessons.
Even if a child doesn’t want to become an actor, learning about body language and expression in Bharatanatyam can still be incredibly useful. It helps them communicate better and express themselves more clearly in any career they choose. So, whether they’re dancing on stage or speaking in front of a crowd, the lessons of Abhinaya will always come in handy.
Cultural Connection: Bharatanatyam isn’t just a dance; it’s a part of Indian culture and heritage. By learning this art form, kids can connect with their roots and understand the rich traditions of India. It’s a way to preserve and pass on our cultural heritage to the next generation.
Discipline and Focus: Learning Bharatanatyam requires dedication and discipline. Kids need to practice regularly to master the intricate steps and sequences. This instills a sense of discipline and teaches them the value of hard work and perseverance. Moreover, as they concentrate on perfecting their dance moves, they learn to focus their minds, which can benefit them in other areas of life as well.
Body Flexibility: When you’re young, your body can bend and stretch in all sorts of ways. In Bharatanatyam, there’s a basic posture where dancers have to bend their legs to make a square . Just holding that position is hard work! Now imagine having to dance with that kind of flexibility – it’s pretty tough! But having a flexible body makes it easier to perform the fast movements and graceful poses that Bharatanatyam is known for.
Physical Activity: We all know that staying active is important, especially for adults who want to shed a few pounds and inches. Bharatanatyam is a great way to get moving and stay fit. But did you know it’s just as beneficial for kids?
Dancing from head to toe helps boost their metabolism and gives their muscles strength. Plus, it helps them build up endurance, so they can keep dancing without getting tired too quickly. It’s like a fun workout that keeps their bodies healthy and strong.
Mental Flexibility: Learning Bharatanatyam isn’t just about moving your body – it’s also a workout for your brain! Dancers have to remember different beats, choreographies, and even lyrics in languages like Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit and many other languages.
It’s like solving a puzzle! Plus, they need to coordinate their hands, legs, and eyes while dancing, which helps improve their overall coordination skills. So, Bharatanatyam isn’t just good for the body – it’s great for the mind too!
Beginning Meditation Early: In the past, Bharatanatyam was performed in South Indian temples by Devadasis as part of religious rituals. It has a spiritual aspect, and meditation is a key part of it. When dancers perform, they connect with a higher power, which brings out the best in their dance.
Starting meditation through dance at a young age helps children become calm and balanced. This lays a foundation for them to handle their emotions peacefully as they grow up. So, dancing with this meditative mindset helps kids develop a sense of inner peace that can benefit them throughout their lives.
Development of Personality: When a child learns Bharatanatyam, they get a mix of physical and mental exercise, rhythm training, a calm mindset, and the confidence to perform on stage with grace. With discipline in dance lessons, children learn to express themselves through precise body language.
In my view, Bharatanatyam covers all aspects of personal development. Starting at a young age is a great idea because it sets a strong foundation for a child’s growth. So, if parents are thinking about what’s best for their child, starting them in Bharatanatyam early on is definitely a wonderful choice.
So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting activity for your child, consider enrolling them in Bharatanatyam classes. Not only will they have fun and make new friends, but they will also gain a range of valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them for years to come. Give your child the gift of Bharatanatyam and watch them thrive and grow in ways you never imagined possible.
Sign up now for your child’s free trial Bharatanatyam dance lesson! Give them the opportunity to experience the joy of traditional Indian dance while developing their creativity, discipline, and confidence. Register today to secure your spot!
