Oxford Dictionary defines Dance as “A series of movements and steps that are usually performed to music”.
But dictionary meanings can’t capture the essence of what the word would actually mean for a person.
When I was around 12 years old, I started training for Indian classical dance form – Bharatanatyam. But as soon as my friends quit learning, I discontinued as well.
Maybe I was not passionate enough. Similarly, I took up swimming and left it mid-way for the fear of water.
As I grew up I felt that I didn’t do the right thing by not chasing my dreams and succumbed to my anxieties and fear. Also, I realized that because of this attitude I have many unfulfilled dreams.
I now look at the approaching midlife to live those dreams. After I crossed 35 years, I can’t ascertain the why and how, but I changed as a person. I become more confident and determined about how I wanted to live my life.
There was a new-found vigour to leave my inhibitions and live a fulfilling life.
So, when I could manage to learn swimming at the age of 38 years, I decided that I should get back to learn a new dance form. And I chose Kathak.
Now I have weekly two days of Kathak class and we are a bunch of ladies all in mid-thirties who practice together. We have young teenage girls in our class as well who have been learning since they were either 3 or 4 years old. It’s inspirational to watch them dance and follow their passions. I also feel when one is around young people, there is so much more you can learn. They motivate you to push yourself.
Being a stay at home mom, I didn’t have opportunities to meet new people. Learning Dance gives me this chance. It gives me chance to interact with youngsters. It gives me a chance to express myself.
I look forward to these sessions and Dance like no one is watching. I dance for myself. Though technically I might be an inferior dancer I do yearn to be a superior learner and stay one always.
This quote by Katherine Jenkins sums up how I feel when I dance.
“When I dance, I forget everything else and just feel completely happy!”