Summary

The author reflects on the joy and spiritual significance of Garba, a traditional Indian dance, while discussing the therapeutic health benefits of dance in general.

Abstract

The article delves into the author's personal experiences with the Gujarati folk dance Garba, recalling the vibrant atmosphere of the Navratri festival in India. It emphasizes the spiritual aspects of the dance, which is performed in worship of the Goddess Durga and symbolizes the surrender of ego. The author contrasts the uninhibited dance participation of their youth with the self-consciousness that now inhibits them from dancing freely in public. Despite this, the author finds joy in watching dance performances and acknowledges the health benefits of dance, including stress reduction, social bonding, mindfulness, and therapeutic effects for conditions like Parkinson's disease. The piece concludes with a renewed appreciation for dance as a source of happiness and liberation, inspired by a prompt from Dr. Preeti Singh.

Opinions

The author has fond memories of dancing Garba during their school days and views it as an expression of joy and spirituality.
There is a noticeable shift in the author's comfort with dancing in public as they grew older, attributing this to self-consciousness and fear of judgment.
Dance is seen as a powerful medium for emotional expression, social connection, and personal liberation.
The author endorses dance as a form of therapy and exercise, citing its ability to reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and improve physical health.
The article suggests that dance, like other art forms, can significantly contribute to one's mental and physical well-being.
There is an appreciation for the quote by Regina Malabago, which likens life to a dance and emphasizes the beauty of embracing its ups and downs without overanalyzing it.
The author expresses gratitude towards Dr. Preeti Singh for the prompt that inspired the reflection on the joys and benefits of dancing.

Experience Liberation Through the Beauty And Joy of Dancing

In Response To Dancing Elephants Press Prompt 15 of 52

The prompt ‘Energy of Dance brings joy to life’ by Dr. Preeti Singh, transported me to my school days in Gujarat, India.

During the Navratri festival, I loved dancing and participating in the famous Gujarati folk dance, Garba. Garba and Dandiya Raas (dancing with decorated bamboo sticks) are performed during festivals and special occasions like weddings.

This lively group dance, performed across India, and the globe, has a deep spiritual meaning. During the nine days of the Navratri festival, the dance is performed around an idol of the Goddess Durga and a clay pot that encloses a lit Diya. The Garba dance is an expression of respect and worship.

The devotees express their love and gratitude towards the Goddess who inspires us to use our energy to destroy all evils. This dance is performed barefoot. It is symbolic of surrendering the ego.

Every day I would eagerly wait for the evening for Garba to start in our colony. Every street would come to life to the beats of the Garba dance and music. It was fun wearing new traditional clothes and dancing with friends.

I would actively participate in a dance performance during the school’s annual functions.

There was no inhibition.

I stopped dancing as I grew up, but it still evokes delight.

As I grew up, I started thinking about what people would think about me if they saw me dance.

I still tap my feet to my favorite melody, but if someone asks me to dance at an event or during an office party, I am too shy to step on the dance floor.

I don’t remember the last time I let myself flow freely without a care in the world on a dance floor. My lack of confidence and the concern that someone would laugh at me has kept me away from the dance floor.

Today, I enjoy being a spectator. I love watching live dance performances, especially the Indian classical dance forms. Even watching these live shows provides a sense of happiness and joy.

“Life is like a dance. You rise, you fall, you spin, and you crawl. But like the dance, life is beautiful, sometimes you are sharp and rough. Other days, you are smooth and graceful. Life is a dance where the beginning is the hardest, but when you started to flow, you glow. Don’t over analyze it, just do it. Be who you are at the deepest core of your being.”-Regina Malabago.

Health benefits of dancing.

Like yoga, dance helps to reduce stress and negative emotions. It is used as a form of therapy for both mental and physical health in many hospitals. Like several other art forms, dance helps us to experience liberation through beauty and joy.

According to Ballet dancer turned neuroscientist Dr. Julia Christensen, Dance is the best medicine and offers many health benefits. Research also shows many health benefits of dancing. Some common ones are:

Reduced Cortisol: It has been scientifically proven that dancing lowers cortisol levels caused by stress. The brain releases dopamine, which is a natural mood booster.
Social Touch: Many types of dance require you to be physically closer to people than you would usually be in everyday interaction. Garba, the Gujarati folk dance, is also one such group dance. Group dances bring in a sense of unity and belongingness since the steps have to be coordinated. It makes us feel sociable and bond with people better. Group dancing and synchronization also help to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mindfulness: According to research, dance is considered a non-clinical intervention for improving mindfulness, positive effects, and social connection.
Therapeutic and physical health potential: Some health authorities are prescribing Argentine Tango for those suffering from Parkinson’s. Some dances are magical for cardiovascular health, weight loss, and core strength building.

“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.”- Jaques D’Ambroise.

Thank youDr. Preeti Singh for this wonderful prompt that reminded me to let go of inhibitions and find joy and happiness in dancing.