DREAMING WITH YOUR FEET!

Dance isn’t just dance, it’s magical, something that sets you free. Over the years, dance has become a big part of the lives of many people. From ballet to jazz, to tap, to hip hop, you name it. It gives people a way to express themselves and a way to escape from the world. Long exhausting hours of practice and dedication are worth the 3–6 minutes or even longer time spent on stage. Over time, dance has evolved and changed tremendously throughout the years.

In an exclusive interview with City First, Dr Seemaa Goel shares how with the permission and support of her Guru, she started an institute by the name of NRITYA SANSKRITI at Jagatpura to promote the art form.

Dr Seemaa Goel has rigorously trained under her guidance and completed her PhD in the field of Dance. When asked about her dance journey, she said, "I have a rich experience of performing as well as training students and ladies right from the age of 5 yrs to 75 yrs and teaching not only national but also International students from countries like India, Dubai, USA, Hongkong and China. I am an Ex-Member of the International Dance Council- an official organisation for all forms of dance all over the world and an official partner of UNESCO, Paris.

When asked what is dance according to her, whether everybody should dance or What it adds to life, the passionate woman said, "Dance is the rhythm of life, it keeps you rooted to your culture at the same time allows you to explore other forms in the form of its branches and return adding meaning to your life." Dance is one of the ways to reach the divine or higher source of life, on this she said, "Yes! I completely agree with it. When we dance we let go of all that binds us to this 3 Dimensional world and become a part of a galaxy that is way beyond our imagination in the mundane life. We become more sensitive, understanding, compassionate and innocent. We are open to learning and accepting, important tools to come into selfawareness and a connection with the divine or higher source. Giving a piece of advice to aspiring dancers, Dr Goel exclaimed, "

No advice in particular, but just be yourself and understand that we all have our own rhythm and pace to connect with! So dance away!!"

Kathak is characterized by intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns and it evolved into three main schools of thought- Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras forms. Shedding some light on the same, the dance Guru said, "I feel that no Gharana is lesser or higher, all Gharanas have their unique style it’s up to one’s choice what you wish to explore. The Gurus have done tremendous work in adding to this rich dance form and it’s a vast ocean waiting to be explored further. Ingredients consisting of Nritt, Nritya and Natya add beauty and completion to it and each dancer should do full justice to it. Jaipur Gharana has all three but it’s a misconception that people feel that the BHAAV or expression is missing in Jaipur Gharana and it’s only footwork and spins!"