CREDIT: MAURICIO PRADO
Fanshawe Dance Club hosted an Indian classical dance event to teach Bharatanatyam and its roots to people. The event included lessons of Gayatri Inaayat, dancer and founder of Sarvah Dance Academy.

On June 9, Fanshawe Dance Club hosted an Indian classical dance event to teach Bharatanatyam and its roots to people. The event included lessons of Gayatri Inaayat, dancer and founder of Sarvah Dance Academy.

“I am here because dancing to different cultures is some sort of therapy for me. My mood strongly depends on music and dancing,” said attendee Muskaan Suri. “I like this dance style, especially because it is very expressive, and I can canalize my emotions through it.”

A study by the Royal Society said that group dancing plays a role in social bonding, potentially via the release of endorphins, which are analgesic and reward-inducing.


“Even though it is an Indian classical dance, it is performed all over the country, and it is well-known for its excellent footwork and impressive gestures,” said Jhansi Panda, President of the Fanshawe Dance Club.

According to Cultural India, all human cultures perform and enjoy forms of music and dance in a group setting. Bharatanatyam is the most well-known form of Indian classical dance, and many other forms of Indian classical dance consider it to be their mother. This dance style inspires several art forms, including paintings and sculptures.

“The purpose of this Bharatanatyam event is to unite people and connect through dancing, history and music,” Panda said. “There are a lot of people who are passionate and excited about dance who just want to have a space where they can fully express themselves, so we decided to organize this event.”

She stated that these are some extracurricular activities people like to get out of the routine and distract themselves from classes. Panda added that dancing is a hobby for some people, so events like this help them practice what they love.

“We want people to explore and know different cultures because there is beauty in diversity,” Panda said. “Everybody that comes to these events shows passion for dancing and learning how it has impacted different cultures.”

Milind Parekh, the event manager, said that this specific dance style of Bharatanatyam improves flexibility, increases stamina and enhances the sense of balance.

“It does not matter if you can or cannot dance, this is to have a good time. Bharatanatyam is to learn, dance, express yourself and feel relief,” Parekh said. “Back when I was studying for my bachelor's in another college, there were not many opportunities to dance, but here in Fanshawe, everybody has a space and events to join, dance and enjoy the richness of different culture’s art.”