In this second article on Vedic Dance, exponent, and teacher Rebecca Busch introduces elements of the Indian classical dance form Bharata Natyam and explores their significance for personal wellness, and the development of consciousness. Read the first article here.
The healing effects of Bharata Natyam, South Indian dance, can be felt from the very first step. Students commence their practice with rhythmic footwork performed barefoot. Along with the acoustic and aesthetic appeal, the feet are massaged and the whole physiology is enlivened and balanced by stimulating the pressure points on the bottom of the feet. The effect is energizing and relaxing. The ‘grounding’ influence of the bare feet in contact with the earth or a surface that conducts the earth’s energy is soothing, and research shows this reduces inflammation.[1] The steps are performed from a low, seated position with bent knees, increasing the connection with the earth. The dance is purifying and increases circulation, flexibility and strength. The core is engaged, and posture improved. The systematic progression of rhythmic, geometric, symmetrical movement develops mind-body coordination. The dance promotes order and harmony in the physiology, resonating with the order and harmony in nature and in our innermost Self.
Students beginning to learn Bharata Natyam enjoy the benefits of balanced exercise and feel an immediate boost of energy and wellbeing. As students progress in their practice, they are introduced to various facets of this unique art form. Each contributes to the beauty and nourishing power of the dance, and all together, form a holistic, artistic approach in which the physiology becomes its own instrument for healing.
Vedic Dance and Maharishi Ayurveda
As a modality of Maharishi Ayurveda, Vedic Dance is a blissful form of self-care. It is performed to create balance in the physiology, to uplift and transform both dancer and audience, and generate waves of harmony and coherence in the environment. The department of Vedic Dance Therapy of the Maharishi College of Perfect Health International offers courses and performances, with specific focus on the Indian Classical dance forms Bharata Natyam, Kathak, and Odissi. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has explained that the influence of deep relaxation that dance produces on the finest level of the physiology eliminates stress and strain.[2] Maharishi further explained that to be free from the accumulation of stress is the normal state of the human nervous system. It is the basis of good health and enables one’s full creative potential to be lived.
Indian Classical dance includes two general categories: nritta, pure dance, and nritya, expressive dance.
Pure dance is abstract; it is composed of rhythmic, geometric patterns of movement. The joy of movement infuses pure dance with feeling, however, there is no specific meaning in the movements. Expressive dance conveys meaning and feeling; it includes storytelling communicated through an artistic language known as abhinaya. A dancer uses body movements, facial expressions, and hand gestures to bring a song to life and communicate its meaning and subtle sentiments, with the aim of inspiring rasa, aesthetic bliss, in the viewer.
Performance by Rebecca Busch at the International Ayurveda Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At the beginning of this article, I introduced therapeutic aspects of pure, abstract dance. The artistically rich world of expressive dance also inspires well-being. It touches the heart, engages the mind, and delights the senses. It opens up creativity with its possibilities for artistic representation and improvisation. Performing new and creative movement has been shown to improve cognitive health and slow the aging process.[3] Expressive dance can be done walking or even standing or sitting, and therefore can be performed by dancers of all ages and physical conditions.
Dance in general is balancing for the emotions and increases emotional intelligence.[4] In expressive dance a wide range of emotions and feelings are portrayed, all in the context of a blissful play, and often in a rapid series. This develops emotional flexibility, the ability to communicate, flow through, and release emotions, which benefits behaviour as well as overall health.
Love is the primary theme and dances often illustrate stories from the Vedic literature and the activities of the Vedic Devata. A dancer embodies the forms and attributes of the Vedic Devata, which Maharishi explained are aspects of the creative intelligence of natural law, and enlivens a subtle, unified level of intelligence within consciousness, the physiology and the environment.
Experiences of Students
“My mind is clearer, my heart is expanded and my whole body is so stirred up in bliss. I feel more lively, more loving, more confident, stronger and so full of energy.” – J.G., Brazil
“My body feels so much better and stronger. My mind feels so coherent compared to before. I feel more graceful.” – S.S., India
“I feel better mind body coordination, more physical strength, flexibility, joy and happiness… I have better sleep and digestion, my health is better as a whole.” – A.A., Ukraine
Rebecca Busch is a certified teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique and the director of Vedic Dance Academy. She is a member of the faculty of Vedic Dance for the Maharishi Colleges of Perfect Health International and an Advisor for the Performing Arts – Vedic Dance, for the Academy of Arts for Enlightenment. Rebecca teaches and performs Bharata Natyam, South Indian dance, in the tradition of T. Balasaraswati. She loves to share the powerful practices of meditation and dance with people around the world and offers courses and classes in-person and online.
For more information visit: www.vedicdance.com
Email: [email protected]
[1] https://earthinginstitute.net/research/
[2] Maharishi Colleges of Perfect Health International Announces its Department of Dance Therapy. [Brochure]. 2019, Maharishi Vedic University Ltd & Maharishi Foundation Ltd. Jersey
[3] Rehfeld, K., Lüders, A., Hökelmann, A., Lessmann, V., Kaufmann, J., Brigadski, T., Müller, P., & Müller, N. G. (2018). Dance training is superior to repetitive physical exercise in inducing brain plasticity in the elderly. PloS one, 13(7), e0196636. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196636
[4] Barbara San-Juan-Ferrer & Pedro Hípola (2020) Emotional intelligence and dance: a systematic review, Research in Dance Education, 21:1, 57-81, DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2019.1708890