Dance

Shake Your Leg

Introduction:

Dance is the movement of the body to the rhythm of music. Since time immemorial dance has been considered as a profession in India. Dance is divided in two forms – classical and folk. There are, of course, various forms of dancing prevalent in the country such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali etc. Western forms of dance are disco, break dance, step dance, tango, ballet, etc. One needs to have stamina and discipline to make dance a long-term career.

Eligibility:

Depending on the form of dance that one is interested the training differs. Students with an inclination and inherent talent to dance can pursue a course in dance after completing 10+2. There are various courses available: certificate, diploma, graduation and post graduation. While a 10+2 qualification is enough to pursue graduation course, it is mandatory that students must have a degree in dance to gain admission to post graduate studies.

Graduate and post-graduate courses are of three and two years respectively. Certificate courses are of one-year duration and diploma courses are two years. Dancers must be versatile, have good rhythm, commitment, enthusiasm, poise, expressive face, good body language, vigor and creativity.

Institutions:

The Kathak Kendra, Bhawalpur House Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi 110001, the Kalakshetra, Central Office Kalakshetra Foundation Tiruvanmiyur Chennai – 600 041, Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Copernicus Marg, Janpath, New Delhi H.O., Delhi – 110001 are some of the prestigious schools that offer dance courses.

Subjects taught include the history and evolution of various dances and its forms, characteristic features of the specific dance that one specializes, all aspects of dance as a performing art.

Jobs and careers:

Performing stage shows are highly lucrative. They generally have their own troupe of performers, instrumentalists etc. Teaching and choreography are other opportunities available. Choreographers compose dance sequences, supervise the performers and coordinate with the stage managers etc. There is great scope and ambit for exceptional dancers in the film industry.