Dance has been a ritual and a means of entertainment since time immemorial, the literature also confirms the same. With the passage of time, there has been a lot of growth and constant changes in the art form, however the potential reach to the wider audience is still questionable. If one reason is the acceptance of the art form, then the other would be the monetary benefits to sustain with the art form.
These questions have often raised doubts to even consider an art as a profession, which is a fair thought.
For an art to sustain, there needs a patron who used to be the Kings and others during the olden times. With the current government structure finding such patron support is beyond reach, though the world is aware that the tradition can be sustained only through arts. As we know, the only entertainment for a lay man is the art, be it the movies, stand up comedy, theatre and alike which takes him to the zone of impersonal state. In the current times, the only patron to an artist are the spectators. But how much support is the art and artist receiving? Is that sufficient for it to sustain especially witnessing the sad state of performing for free?
Unlike just a past time, the Indian art holds a significant value connected directly to the literature. These values not just mould the individuals, but also shapes the person in entirety for one’s wellbeing, because the art is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and practises. It also improves the physical and mental health, builds strength and coordination, sharpens the memory thus improving the confidence. This entire process teaches discipline, patience and builds courage. Aren’t these important aspects required for a human life to sustain the daily chores? Isn’t the MNC’s and other sectors striving to achieve these by creating courses to train their employees in these life skills and values?
When the art forms are already doing the magic to transform a human life, the idea to reach the wider audiences was important. To do so, the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre who is the father of modern ballet was marked as an International Dance Day which is celebrated every year on April 29th since 1982. This day encourages the education in dance to spread the awareness of being indulged and experiencing the benefits of dance form, as dance transcends borders, culture and language. It becomes important to raise the awareness of the art to the public, because it is the means of cultural expression and an educational tool. It is important for the government, educational institutes and other public sectors to incorporate and encourage the art by integrating it into the educational system.
Though International Dance Day originated in the West, we can now see Indian dance forms embracing this celebration with great respect and enthusiasm. While we may not fully understand the immediate impact of such special days on society, they do offer an important opportunity—a moment for reflection and awareness. Recognizing and celebrating days like this can gently push society to acknowledge the value of art and culture, and that in itself brings hope for a more positive and culturally conscious future.-By Dr Rashmi Thapar