Dr. Shetty writes about dance as a form of therapy…

The New Year is just round the corner and the legs have already started moving! The chance to dance is not to be missed by many and world will swing to different beats, once again as the New Year dawns. Satish Shah correctly surmises in ‘Kahon Na Pyar Hai’ that "music, gana zindagi me khushi lati hai, yeh batatewali ko kya samjegi". Dance has acquired a new meaning in recent times in India with a lot of western styles being imitated by our youngsters and scorned by the puritans as obscene and against Indian values. Yet what the dance does to us is a fact which is highly misunderstood.

Dance in any form is a great exercise and keeps one fit. Also dance which is exhilarating and appealing to the mind and the soul also enhances emotional health. It makes one feel good and happy. Dance in any form be it Kathak, Bharatanatyam or the country-dance during the Ganesh festival or at a discotheque gives the same happiness. During the act certain chemicals are released which act on the brain and provides a positive feeling. Yet there are many myths associated with the same and one of them is one should consume alcohol or some intoxicants before dancing. This is not true and the desire should come from within and the fun is in expressing it fully without inhibition and support from chemicals.

Dance brings out the child in every one of us and breaks a lot of the false social barriers which human beings build around them. The walls erected due to differences in of education, wealth, social status and power harm as it violates the laws of nature and causes a lot of pain. These iron fortresses breaks down and help human beings to experience pure spiritual love. It is not necessary to dance only during festivals but also otherwise. As facilities for sports and playgrounds are gradually shrinking dance provides a great catharsis. It is a must for those who are in monotonous vocations and practicing sedentary lifestyles. Housewives who burn their life candles from both ends can help prevent burnout by dancing regularly. All the cultural events that promote dance should be preserved and seen as an opportunity to survive emotionally in a fast paced world. Yet one should be careful about the quote ‘I work hard and party harder’...dance is not a substitute for rest and sleep. Both are extremely important for good health. Working hard and partying harder can lead to early death.

Also it is abnormal to be seen in discotheques during college hours or everyday in the evening. Dance is not an antidote for difficult parents or difficult studies. These issues need to be dealt with in a different manner through counselling. Dance only to compete is also unhealthy. What is important is that it should help one merge with nature. Dance may help some to overcome disappointments or heartbreak but should not be attempted to treat serious emotional upheavals.

So friends swing an arm or two during this New Year’s Eve but remember to do it regularly and as far as possible without alcohol.

Hey! Did you ever have a swig of alcohol when you danced as a child? Get the child in you out of your closet and live longer.

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