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Colonel Prashant Rawal

Dancing into the Moment: A Moving Meditation for Mind, Body, and Culture

Updated: Jul 7


A dancing flame

In a world that often feels fast-paced and demanding, finding moments of true presence can be difficult. Still, there is one magical area where self-consciousness fades and confidence takes centre stage. It's a dance floor.

Whether you're an accomplished dancer or just someone who just moves to the rhythm of a party, you've probably discovered the mesmerizing power of dance to bring us to this moment. You've probably experienced what it's like to be drawn into a moment. Dance, in its many forms, is a means of self-expression, liberation, and escape from the limitations of the mind.

The act of dancing requires us to abandon our self-conscious inhibitions and surrender to the rhythmic flow of the music. In this way, we transcend the every day and enter a realm where the only reality is the present moment.

Watch how dancers move gracefully as they seamlessly transition from one position to another. When one is dancing, there is no room at that moment to worry about the past or fear the future. Dancers are completely absorbed in the development of every movement, every beat, and every emotion conveyed through the dance. It is a type of moving meditation in which the mind and body synchronize to create a symphony of harmonious expression.

India has a rich cultural heritage, and its dance styles reflect this diversity. There are two main types of Indian dance: classical and folk. The National Academy for Performing Arts in India recognizes eight traditional dances as Indian classical dances, which have their roots in Hindu religious performance arts and the Sanskrit text called Natya Shastra.

Classical Indian dances have a long history and involve a teacher-disciple tradition. Dancers must study classical texts, do physical exercises, and receive extensive training to learn the dance repertoire, which includes not only the movements but also the underlying composition, vocals, and orchestra.

Folk dances, on the other hand, vary according to local traditions and can be found in different regions and ethnic groups. Contemporary dances in India are a fusion of classical, folk, and Western forms.

Indian classical dance and Western dance differ fundamentally in their philosophy and style. Indian classical dance is a gesture dance that tells stories, reflects on mythology, and depicts emotions. It is a reflective dance that deals with earthly conflicts and offers a stylized depiction of universal actions, such as good versus evil.

Western dance, in contrast, is an expression of action that portrays man's inner conflicts about the world. It emphasizes the human body's energy and is designed to be entertaining in social or theatrical settings.

In Indian classical dance, there are many hand gestures and mudras used, and the costumes, jewellery, and makeup are more specific and complicated than in Western dance.

In summary, dance is a powerful force that moves us from a state of self-awareness to deep self-awareness. Whether on a big stage or in a small living room, dance requires us to be fully present and shed layers of self-doubt and inhibitions. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty of the moment when dance is a celebration of life, expression, and the pure joy of living. Next time you hit the dance floor, surrender to the music, let go of your worries, and dance in the transformative power of the present moment.




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