Dance Is Not A Passion Only, It Is A New Age Career

When I decided to make dance my career, my primary aim was to set up a dance academy that furthers Dance as Education. The goal from then on has been to provide quality dance education in India through a well-structured syllabus, inculcating correct technique and providing wholesome training to students of all ages. Whilst at school, children are more receptive to the process of learning and using dance as a medium of physical activity and creative medium, this program aims at channelizing their energy in a resourceful manner. 

We started my Dance Education Program for schools to incorporate dance into the regular curriculum. Schools across the country have embraced this program with open arms and the results have been overwhelming. The objective behind starting Shiamak Dance Education (SDE) Program is to make it a part of the regular curriculum with a specially designed syllabus that encompasses all aspects of the performing arts. This is where the art of dance and the performing arts help children develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that goes beyond the classroom.

The response from school principals and teachers has been great; a lot of students have improved in their academics because of the dance classes. The reason behind this is primarily that their focus increases, they have something to look forward to and they get to do what they like. Also, many students who were introverts get a platform to express themselves and their personality shine after attending these classes. Not only do they learn to dance, engage in a physical activity but also experience something that highlights their spirit. This is the main essence of “Dance Education.”

In times where kids are constantly on their mobile devices, dance is a great hobby where they learn, enjoy and work out at the same time. Each class targets towards skillful progression to improve fitness levels, confidence, focus, concentration, team spirit, positive thinking, discipline, all-round development, posture and body language. Dance is a great way to release energy, shed inhibitions and vent out emotions. When you dance you sweat, and you release ‘feel good’ endorphins that make you happy. Dance helps improve overall fitness, endurance, muscle toning and strengthening.

Students are taught the various aspects of musical theatre and stage performance. They are empowered with technical knowledge, spatial awareness and performance guidelines. The complete performing arts experience helps students overcome stage fright, become more confident, learn to work in teams and feel a great sense of achievement. Using Jazz technique, Ballet exercises, Yoga Asanas, Dance Therapy activities, theatre arts, the essence of the program is in dance expression, knowledge and creativity; he goes beyond the periphery of dance movement. On a physical level, dance helps improve overall fitness, endurance, muscle toning and strengthening. It involves cardiovascular/ aerobic fitness, core, and strength training and stretches for flexibility. Students work together in a group and this sense of team spirit encourages them.

Music in itself is therapeutic. Dance is a physical interpretation of what the music says. It is a great way to release energy, shed inhibitions and vent out emotions. When you dance you sweat, and you release ‘feel good’ endorphins that make you happy. Good music, good dancing is a great way to be in a happy state of mind. The teaching pattern is interactive and communicative ensuring that the learning process is fun. Technical terms are taught via dance rhymes making it easier to remember and exciting to learn. The faculty is equipped with visual placards and thematic material to keep the interest of the students.

After getting professionally trained, a plethora of opportunities opens up for serious dance enthusiasts. They can join professional Dance Companies, start teaching dance enthusiasts through hobby classes, become a part of school/ college faculty as dance teachers, perform in musical productions in India or abroad, become choreographers for shows/ events/ films and more.

A lot of people find their true passion through dance. So many of my students during the course of the One Year Dance Certification Program realize their love for video editing, remixing music, taking up managerial responsibilities, designing costumes or handling public relations.

Shiamak Davar

Guest Author Shiamak Davar is an Indian choreographer, noted as one of the first to bring contemporary jazz and western forms of dance to India. He is known as the guru of contemporary dance in India