‘Dance offers a chance to heal, overcome trauma’

I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree from Anna University and have simultaneously been learning  Bharatanatyam at the Kalakshetra Foundation for nearly seven years now. Once I am through with this, I would like to take training in contemporary dance as well. Eventually, I want to take up dancing as a career. I want to teach and choreograph dance dramas and productions that have dance at the heart. Kindly advise. — Sai Priya

Professional dancing requires formal training, and you are on the right track, pursuing dance at the Kalakshetra Foundation, one of the leading dance schools in India. From Kalakshetra to contemporary dance is a significant shift. But I consider it a wise move! Dance is more vibrant with a global sensibility. Contemporary dance merges Bharatanatyam, Kathak, yoga, martial arts, ballet, hip-hop, etc. Dance is art; it’s also a source of livelihood and status. If you make your moves smartly you are sure to enjoy your desire to teach, create dance dramas and productions. All the three need specific skills.

Teaching dance: Today, one should be able to achieve a decent salary per annum depending on the financial status of the school. In many schools, dance teachers are not appointed permanently. So you have the liberty to teach part time and explore different avenues of your interest, i.e. creating dance dramas and productions. Remember! You should be well versed in the practical and theoretical knowledge of dance. Now schools and colleges have opened their doors to dance professionals. Being a dance therapist is a form of teaching dance. Dance is gaining more and more importance as therapy. Trauma exists in many forms. Dance offers a chance to heal; it is proven treatment for any type of trauma. 

Dance dramas: With dance drama, one is moving into the performing arts, and this is also linked to your desire to train in contemporary dance. It creates opportunities to be an actor, drama therapist and theatre director. You need to gain a broad knowledge of socio and political issues. This is very important to stay relevant and popular. Now films are releasing at an average of 20 a week in all Indian languages: so one can imagine the volume of opportunity the entertainment industry presents. And this extends to stage shows, television, live shows, etc.

Dance productions: You need to develop your ideas for this along with dancing skills, arts management or arts administration, running operations, marketing and financial skills. You need, equally, dance-managerial skills as much as artistry and creativity. To be a dance producer, you need to be very confident and work on your clientele. You must form your own group of dancers. Develop your method and practise. You should have your USP. Creating your unique style might bring offers to stage dance performances within the country and abroad. You need to work through PR agents and experts to stay connected to industries, event firms, and importantly, the audience.  Dance indeed is now a viable career option. Some contemporary dance schools have come up in the city. Choose the one that suits you and pick up your dancing shoes with confidence. It’s a huge shift that has taken place on our arts scene.