Good morning one and all. Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends, it is my pleasure and privilege to stand before you today. I am honored to have this opportunity to speak to such a distinguished audience.Today on this occasion, I would like to talk about an art form that is immensely expressive and dynamic, dance.
Dancing in a sense has been intrinsic to human nature and has been around since the beginning of time. Over the years it has evolved and taken many forms and adopted various styles. There is folk dance, traditional dance, hip hop, however, regardless of its style it has always managed to capture the attention and appraisal of people of all ages and backgrounds.
Dance has been the inspiration for many and it is a way of living for them, for some it is more than a physical activity, it is a means of communication. The dance aficionados find expression in their performance, they find a space to be themselves and express their feelings openly. It is a language that transcends all barriers of linguistics and culture, becoming a powerful tool that brings people together.
Dance has been accredited for being a phenomenal form of exercise. It calls for the dancers to be dedicated, determined, hardworking, focused and helps in improving strength and flexibility. It also improves coordination between the mind and movements. Dancing can be considered a fun way of being active.
There are many dance classes especially to serve this purpose, Zumba classes are a prime example. Dancing out one’s heart also has several mental benefits and at times dance serves to be therapeutic. It boosts self confidence and radiates a positive energy. Looking at dance from a cultural lens, India has a long-standing history of this art form.
It is a significant aspect of the Indian cultural heritage that has been gifted to generations. Indian dances are renowned for their colour and vibrance. Some of the popular Indian dances are Kathak, Bhangra, Bharatnatyam, Lavani, Manipuri and Oddisi. A classic feature of the Kathak dance that originated in North India is its intricate foot movements and graceful hand movements.
Many societies globally have their own dances for instance there is Ballet from Italy and France, Flamenco that is a Spanish dance form, Salsa which is Latin and originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico and the very popular Middle eastern belly dancing.
Regardless of where it has been, dance has always been able to unite people and cultures and worked as a wonderful form of expression.
