Dancing your way to a career

Indian dance is an extremely intricate art requiring skill, hard work and discipline. All Indian dances portray some expression of life and almost every dance posture has a specific meaning. Careers in this field can be that of a performer, teacher and choreographer. 

Dance is an age old tradition of India which originated in temples, princely courts, and villages of ancient India. A dancer can derive the artistic pleasure of showcasing his /her dancing skills to live audiences and receiving acclaim worldwide. A dancer can also merge all forms of art, like sculpture, music and painting and explore the cosmic rhythm with a metaphysical bliss. Dance can elevate the spiritual and philosophical insight and enable the dancer to provide entertainment to one and all.

Since dances can be taught, therefore its courses are a matter of great interest to the average Indian family since it is a perennial source of entertainment involving physical movements, subtle facial expressions and various emotions.

Eligibility & Course Areas: To be in this field one needs to have an inborn talent, training and guidance can only sharpen these talents.

Educational: To take up a course in this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. However, for post graduate level courses graduation in the subject is compulsory. Courses offered in this area are certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and post graduate level courses. Duration of various courses: Certificate course is of one year, Bachelor courses is of three years, Diploma and Post Graduate level courses is of two years.

Training in this field is available at a number of schools and institutes all over India. Course areas include history and evolution of dance and dance forms, the characteristic features of the dance form one specialises in, covering all aspects of dance as a performing art.

Personal attributes: Main attributes are talent, versatility, sense of rhythm, dedication, grace, an expressive facial and body language, an ability to interpret roles, attractive appearance, stage presence, creativity, physical stamina etc.  

Job prospects: They can find employment in Kala Kendras , Academies, TV channels and Dance troupes. There are also many opportunities for self-employment in the form of holding private classes or starting an institution.

Career options: Career options available in this areas are that of a performer, teacher and choreographer.

Teaching:  To be in this field one needs an aptitude to teach, initiative and patience. They must also have thorough knowledge of practical and theoretical aspects of dance. They should have a perfect sense of rhythm, and some proficiency in music. Dancers who take up teaching as a profession can find opportunities in schools, colleges, universities, dance institutes and even open schools of their own.

Choreography: The choreographer designs and composes dance sequences and co-ordinates the stage settings, music, costumes and supervises rehearsals. Choreographer must have creative or imaginative powers and an ability to interpret music and compose dance routines for solo as well as group performances. They must be able to work along with a team. Prospects in this field are expanding with more and more stage and TV shows. Choreographers can find employment in troupes performing stage shows, TV shows and in films. 

Performing: To be a performing artist one must have attractive appearance, facial expression, an ability to interpret roles and a stage presence. Performers have to spare time everyday for practicing. They must also have to keep in touch with the interest of the general public. They must travel a lot and give performances to be popular. Besides professional training; dedication, talent and the right contacts can only help a performer to become well established.

Performing artists can form their own troupes or even work with other troupes. They also have the option of starting schools and devote time for teaching.

Institute in India:

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Rabindra Bharati University, Faculty of Fine Art, Calcutta

Gujarat Universtiy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad

Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune

Annamalai University, Annamalainagar

Panjab University, Chandigarh

Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar

Kathak Kendra, National Institute of Kathak Dance, New Delhi.