Classical Indian Dance

Studies in dance at Erasmus fall into two broad categories – that of classical Indian dance and that of folk dance. 

In the younger grades the children learn the basics of Indian classical dance such as various gaits, rhythms and gestures.  Older children learn to put these basic elements of dance together in simple repertoire from both the Kathak tradition and of contemporary design, and also to apply hand gestures to prayers, prose and short stories, complementing their scripture, literature and recitation studies.  Children learn to communicate and express meaning and emotion through their eyes, hands and bodies.  

Performing the structured, beautiful movements increases a child’s coordination and engenders poise and grace.  Learning increasingly complex rhythmic foot patterns enhances a child’s understanding of rhythm in any of his or her musical studies.  But beyond all this, a child who, being active by nature, learns to explore the world through disciplined movement learns to be still, centred, mindful, even in the midst of being physically active. 

Folk dance is immediately accessible to all children, regardless of their natural capacity for dance.  The study of folk dances from around the world enriches a child’s understanding of different cultures, their history and aspects of traditional or rural life.  Beyond this understanding, due largely to its social and interactive nature, the dances are great fun to participate in.  The girls and younger students learn the various formations, handholds and types of foot work found in folk dance from primarily the rich European traditions.

From Grade 3 onwards, the boys commence learning the classical Indian art form of Kathakali.  This style has traditionally been danced by men, and its strong gestures and movements, many of them martial in content, make this an ideal study for young boys, and one that nurtures qualities of steadfastness and valor within them.  The boys focus on mastering the basics of Kathakali, but also learn some short pieces from a contemporary classical repertoire. 

DANCE

Dance, of all the arts, is the one that most influences the soul.  Dancing is divine in its nature and is the gift of the gods.  ~ PLATO

Without dance I cannot feel my soul, hear my heart, or see my dreams ~ NAHARA

We ought to dance with rapture that we might be alive … and part of the living, incarnate cosmos.  ~ D.H. Lawrence