Author: Gayatri Deka
As a guru and the founder of a Bharatanatyam school in Delhi, one of the most common questions I hear from new students and parents is, “Why should I choose Bharatanatyam? How is it different from a gym workout or a modern dance class?” It is a question I love to answer, because the truth is, Bharatanatyam is not something you simply do; it is something you become.
For over two millennia, this sacred art form has been a holistic discipline-a sadhana-that sculpts the body, sharpens the mind, and nurtures the soul in a way that few other practices can. It is a profound journey inward, a conversation between rhythm and emotion, strength and grace. In my 23 years as a performer and teacher, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible transformation it brings to people from all walks of life.
So, let’s explore beyond the beautiful movements and delve into the deep, life-altering benefits of embracing this timeless art form.
The Resilient Body: More Than Just a Workout
Many people are surprised by the sheer physicality of Bharatanatyam. Beneath the silk costumes and graceful smiles lies an athlete’s discipline. This is not a mindless exercise; it is movement with purpose, building a body that is both strong and supple.
The Foundation of Strength: The Power of Aramandi
At the core of Bharatanatyam is the signature posture, the Aramandi (half-sitting stance). This is so much more than a simple plié or squat. To hold a correct Aramandi is to be a living sculpture, demanding immense strength from muscles you may never have consciously used before—the quadriceps, glutes, and deep core stabilisers. I see my students build incredible lower-body strength and endurance, not through repetitive lifting, but through the sustained, dynamic energy of the dance. This posture alone improves stability and tones the entire lower body.
Grace in Motion: Cultivating Flexibility and Balance
The vigorous footwork and flowing arm movements of Bharatanatyam are a natural tonic for a sedentary lifestyle. The deep bends, elegant stretches, and intricate poses systematically improve joint mobility and muscular flexibility. But it’s the focus on balance that is truly transformative. Holding a pose on one leg or executing a swift turn hones your proprioception—your body’s innate awareness of its position in space. This is a skill that enhances poise in daily life and is crucial for preventing falls, making it invaluable for all ages.
The Rhythm of the Heart: Cardiovascular Endurance
Forget the monotony of the treadmill. The pure dance sequences (Nritta) are a powerful cardiovascular workout. A single session of energetic, rhythmic foot-stamping can leave you breathless and invigorated. This constant movement improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart, and builds stamina. Many of my students who are working professionals find this to be the most enjoyable way to stay fit and manage their weight, all whilst learning a beautiful art.
The Focused Mind: A Meditation in Motion
In today’s world of constant digital distractions, the ability to focus is a superpower. Bharatanatyam is one of the most effective ways to cultivate it.
Sharpening the Intellect: The Cognitive Challenge
Bharatanatyam is a formidable workout for the brain. It requires you to memorise long and complex choreographies (varnams and thillanas), interpret intricate rhythmic cycles (talas), and coordinate your limbs, eyes, and facial expressions simultaneously. This constant mental engagement builds new neural pathways, enhancing memory, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. It’s no surprise that many of my young students report improved concentration in their academic studies.
Finding Stillness in Movement: The Path to Mindfulness
The most profound mental benefit, however, is the practice of mindfulness. When you are dancing, you cannot be anywhere else. Your mind must be completely present, focused on the music, the rhythm, and the movement. The outside world and its worries simply melt away. I often see my students arrive at my Bharatanatyam classes in Delhi with the weight of the city on their shoulders, and leave with a sense of calm, clarity, and renewal. This is active meditation in its most beautiful form.
The Expressive Soul: Unlocking Emotion and Confidence
Bharatanatyam is, at its heart, a storytelling dance. It provides a rich, structured language to explore the deepest corners of the human experience.
The Language of the Soul: Mastering Abhinaya
Through Abhinaya (the art of expression), we delve into the Navarasas—the nine fundamental emotions. This practice is a safe and constructive space to explore and channel feelings. It teaches you to understand the nuances of joy, sorrow, anger, and peace, building profound emotional intelligence and empathy. For many, it is a deeply cathartic experience, a way to express feelings that words cannot capture.
From the Classroom to the Stage: Building Unshakeable Confidence
I have witnessed the quietest, shyest students blossom into confident individuals through Bharatanatyam. There is a unique power that comes from mastering a difficult step after weeks of practice, or the courage it takes to perform in front of an audience. This discipline and sense of accomplishment build a resilient self-esteem that extends far beyond the dance floor, into boardrooms, classrooms, and everyday life.
A Timeless Art for Every Stage of Life
One of the most beautiful aspects of Bharatanatyam is its universal appeal. The benefits are not confined to a single age group; they enrich every stage of life.
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For children, it instils discipline, cultural values, and coordination.
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For teenagers, it provides a creative outlet and builds confidence during formative years.
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For adults, it is the perfect antidote to a stressful, sedentary lifestyle.
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For seniors, it is a wonderful way to maintain mobility, cognitive health, and social connection.
A Journey Worth Taking
To learn Bharatanatyam is to embark on a journey of holistic well-being. It is a unique path where physical fitness, mental acuity, emotional expression, and cultural connection are not separate goals, but are woven together into a single, beautiful tapestry. It is a perfect choice if you wish to enjoy being fit and happy, connecting your body, mind, and spirit through a tradition that is both ancient and eternally new.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefits of Bharatanatyam
1. Do I need to be very fit or flexible to start learning Bharatanatyam?
Not at all. This is a common misconception that holds many people back. Bharatanatyam is a journey, not a destination. The purpose of the training is to build your strength, stamina, and flexibility gradually and safely. A good guru will always tailor the pace to the student’s individual capability, ensuring you build a strong foundation without injury. You don’t start because you are fit; you become fit because you start.
2. How is Bharatanatyam different from a regular gym workout or a yoga class?
While all are wonderful for well-being, they serve different purposes. A gym workout typically focuses on the physical body. Yoga unites the mind and body. Bharatanatyam does both, but adds a third, vital layer: the soul. Through Abhinaya (expression) and storytelling, it becomes an art form that provides a profound emotional and spiritual release. It’s a unique discipline where physical exercise, active meditation, and artistic expression are completely integrated.
3. I have a very stressful job. How can dancing actually help with mental stress?
I have seen this transformation in so many of my students, especially working professionals here in Delhi. When you are learning a complex sequence, your mind must be completely present. You have to focus on the rhythm (tala), the movement, the hand gestures, and the music all at once. There is simply no mental space left for work stress or daily worries. This state of intense concentration is a form of active meditation that calms the nervous system and leaves you feeling refreshed and mentally clear.
4. How exactly does learning dance steps improve memory and cognitive function?
Think of it as learning a new, complex language that involves your entire body. When you learn a long choreographic piece like a varnam, you are creating and reinforcing neural pathways in your brain. The process of memorising intricate sequences, coordinating different limbs, and responding to complex musical cues is a powerful cognitive exercise that enhances memory, sharpens focus, and improves your ability to multitask.
5. I am a shy or introverted person. Can Bharatanatyam help me become more expressive?
Absolutely. In fact, I believe it is one of the most powerful tools for introverted individuals. Abhinaya is not about being loud or extroverted; it is about learning a structured, safe language to channel emotions. The dance gives you a character to embody and a story to tell, which can be very liberating. I have had the joy of watching many shy students blossom as they discover a new, non-verbal way to express their inner world with confidence and grace.
6. Is there an age limit to start learning Bharatanatyam for its benefits?
There is no age limit. The benefits of Bharatanatyam are universal and manifest beautifully at every stage of life. For children, it instils discipline and cultural values. For adults, it is a powerful antidote to stress and a sedentary lifestyle. For seniors, it is a wonderful way to maintain physical mobility, social connection, and cognitive sharpness. The art form is adaptable to everybody and every age.
7. How much time do I need to commit each week to see these benefits?
Consistency is far more important than duration. While professional Bharatanatyam dancers practise for hours daily, those learning for holistic well-being can see significant benefits from attending two dedicated classes per week, supplemented by a little practice at home. Even that commitment is enough to start noticing improvements in your posture, energy levels, and mental clarity.
8. Can Bharatanatyam help correct my posture after years of sitting at a desk?
Yes, it is exceptionally effective for this. The entire foundation of Bharatanatyam is built on maintaining a poised, straight spine. The core posture, Aramandi, naturally strengthens your back and core muscles, which are essential for good posture. The discipline constantly reminds your body what correct alignment feels like, acting as a natural and graceful remedy for a “desk-bound” posture.
9. Do I need to be religious or spiritual to benefit from Bharatanatyam?
While the art form has its roots in the devotional traditions of Indian temples, its spiritual benefits are universal and accessible to all, regardless of personal beliefs. The “spirituality” in the dance can be experienced as a deep connection to the beautiful music, a meditative state of focus, a profound sense of inner peace, or simply the joy of creating art with your own body.
10. What is the most surprising benefit students discover when they start learning?
Many people initially join my classes seeking physical fitness. The most wonderful surprise for them, and the one they talk about most, is the profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. They come expecting a workout for their body, but they stay for the workout for their soul. They are often astonished by the sense of inner peace, joy, and self-connection they discover along the way.
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