Inspiration
Appreciating Great Dance Teachers Of India On This International Dance Day
Remembering some Indian dancers who spent their lives teaching dance
Since 1982, 29 April of every year has been dedicated in celebration of International Dance Day. This day was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute in collaboration with the United Nations to celebrate the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, who is known as the creator of modern ballet.
Dance is a form of expressing the deepest feelings that can not be given appropriate words, dance is also a form of treatment to the soul and the body. In many ways, International Dance Day also celebrates the unity amongst the dancer’s community along with all the good that dance brings. Perhaps, this is what we need in this time of great peril.
Here are some of the greatest Indian Dancer who taught dance to many and became the greatest dance teachers, the world has ever seen:
Mrinalini Sarabhai
She was highly trained in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. She is the founder of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts that is situated in Ahmedabad. Her dance academy has been considered one of the best in the country since its inception. She was married to the great Indian Scientist Vikram Sarabhai. Her daughter, Mallika Sarabhai who is a well-renowned dancer herself, manages the academy after her mother Mrinalini.
Meenakshisundaram Pillai
Dance Guru Pillai is considered as the prominent founder of the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam, Pandanallur style gives a lot of importance to ‘Abinayaha’. He is the one who taught Bharatanatyam to Mrinalini Sarabhai in his ‘Gurukul’. He has taught many prominent dancers of Indian history, in his lifetime.
Brijmohan Mishra
Pandit Rajendra Kumar Gangani
He is the present Guru of the Jaipur Gharana, which is one of the three distinct forms of classical dance Kathak. Pandit Rajendra Kumar is widely known for his innovative style and contribution to the dance form of Kathak.
Some immortal quotes on dance:
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” – Confucius
“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham
“Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.” – Oprah Winfrey