The aim of a
performing art like dance is entertainment of the audience as well as the bliss
of the dancer himself. Learning a dance style itself is a journey that benefits
on every step. Even if one learns the dance style for the joy of dance, the
learning process boons him with numerous allied benefits and Kathak dance form
is not an exception. Following are some benefits of kathak learning as well as
performing.
Physical benefits:
Dance in
general is a great form of exercise that keeps your body in shape. Additionally,
kathak as an individual style benefits immensely to the performer.
- The Basic स्थानक or standing position of Kathak is in itself an ‘Asana’. It involves straight alignment of spine and neck as well as pressure on both the hands right from arms.
- The Nritta part of kathak involves rhythmic and harmonious movement of every body part. This includes not only hand and leg movements but many subtle movements. Neck movements and jerks especially while coming on sam, wrist movement which are called as Kalai etc. Hence, nritta part of Kathak can be termed as complete body exercise.
- Dol is performed in the thaat part of kathak. This is a unique body movement that improves balance of the body when dancer tries to sway his or her complete body in a circular direction rhythmically with the feet fixed at one place.
- Tatkar is an integral part of kathak. Tatkar involves complete leg exercise, giving stress on hips, calves and knees.
- Taiyari or proficiency in kathak demands countless Riyaz. This practice sessions increase stamina and are a complete form of work-out.
- Kathak performer also communicated and recites (Padhant) while performing. This improves breathing capacity.
- Lifts or Chari are sometimes used in the nritta part. They work as an aerobic exercise.
- Bhramari or Chakkar is speciality of Kathak that improves balance and stamina.
- Riyaz of kathak makes you light-feet and increases flexibility.
- Various systematic movements of body parts are used in kathak that are technically called as Shiro bheda (Head movements), Greeva bhed (Neck movements), Drushti bheda (Eye movements), Bhrukuti bhed (Eyebrow movements). These movements are as good as Yogic exercises.
Psychological
benefits:
- Kathak learning helps in personality development. As a dancer and performer, you learn to carry yourself gracefully.
- Kathak improves concentration. Kathak movements require harmony and coordination of hand – feet – eye – neck movements together. This improves concentration.
- Bhav anga of Kathak is a therapy in itself. While presenting a Nayika, dancer goes in to the skin of the character and experiences the emotions. This is a stress busting release of emotions known as catharsis.
- Riyaz of Kathak induces meditative stage when dancer immerses himself in to the harmony of rhythm and movements.
- Kathak learning gives the dancer the aesthetic bliss that is the bliss resulting from the beauty, the beauty of body movements, the beauty of rhythmic patterns, beauty of emotions and the beauty of harmony.
- Learning process of Kathak gives one self-discipline and teaches one to strive for accuracy.
- Kathak Riyaz involves footwork in a constant fast speed. This Riyaz of tatkar gives you trance-like state and is considered as good therapy for anger.
- Group choreographies are major part of modern Kathak learning and performing. Performing in a group teaches you about the mutual understanding and team work.
Intellectual
benefits:
- Kathak learning improves concentration.
- Emotional intelligence and Bhav Anga.
- Kathak learning and performing brings Intellectual Stimulation. Kathak compositions are set in rhythmic cycle of taal. Dancer needs to perform number of movements in a particular speed and reach sam. This encourages alertness and quickness.
- Sequential learning in Kathak is beneficia
l for brain - Learning of patterns of body movements as well as rhythmic patterns on bols is beneficial for brain.
- Kathak learning stimulates both right and left-brain development with the bhav anga and taal anga learning. Right and left-brain development, leads to holistic thinking.
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