Dancing Around.....

"Whatever you want to do, do it. There are only so many tomorrows"

Yep!! I am dancing around or rather learning to dance. I joined Kathak classes last week (Thats a Indian classical dance from the Northern states of India) and I am absolutely enjoying it. I enjoy dancing and watching dances and I learnt classical dance as a child. But I lost touch as I grew up and I wanted to rediscover it again. I was initially a bit embarrassed at going to learn dancing with children as young as 4 year old but later I discovered I was not the only late bloomer, there were a number of ladies much older than me and just as enthusiastic, learning with me. Most of them say they had always wanted of to learn to dance as children but, their families never allowed. Now, that they are well settled with personal lives they are grabbing the opportunity and they are enjoying every moment of it! (wow!)

I love classical dances specially the ones that tell a story through the dance form. Most classical dances (I know of Indian and Thai ones) tell mythological tales through dance. Kathak is different from the other classical dances by its elaborate footwork and twirls. Its quite interesting and fun and seemed a little difficult initially. But, I have picked up the steps quicker than other new learners maybe because I have learnt Bharat Natyam earlier (thats another form of Indian classical dance from South India, and I learnt it for 7 years!!). Though the footwork and handwork are different in both and I frequently do jumble up the two,but, its easier for me to co-ordinate my eyes, hand and leg movements. Basically, Bharatnatyam has firm movements, while Kathak is more free flowing and the differnences in the basic steps are minute, but both are very graceful and if you concentrate and practice you get them right easily enough.

Western dances are interesting too. I love the ones that have a grace and rhythm to it. I would love to learn Latin dancing too one day!!!



Some good "dance quotes" I found -

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."

"Dance for yourself, if someone understands good. If not then no matter, go right on doing what you love." ~Lois Hurst

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."