One step at a time ( 09 January 2020)

  Learning an art form is a very involved and long process. Most art forms, especially the ones that have evolved over ages will have a structure to adhere to and thus training methods are extensive and takes a while to master.


Dance is no different. And Indian classical dance is especially an interesting case study. Evolved and codified over ages, most Indian classical dance forms take years to learn and many many more years to master or even touch the surface of its possibilities.


Even though most dance classes are taught in a group format, it is interesting note that each child progresses differently. The measure of a child's progress is never the same across all students in a class. A teacher sets certain generic milestones that every child should attain. But at the same time there are some individualized milestones for each student. An important point to keep in mind is that each student is an individual. And each one blossoms out differently. For instance one child might be good with her techniques, but not there yet when it comes to expressions. Another might do well but have stage fear and does not deliver well when on stage. A teacher has to deal with many different aspects even though it is a group class. In essence, when learning a classical art form like bharatanatyam each student has to take their own path.


Patience is key for a teacher and student. In these days of reality shows and competitions, a trend that has set in is to have a child practice a dance as a routine to the point that she works by muscle memory only and even emotions are just plastered on rather than felt. The sad part of such fast track performances are that the child does not mature into a performer. Often with such teaching the fundamentals do not sink in. In most cases given a different dance the student cannot do it right. And that is because she can only mimic it as a routine and not understand the movements or emotions involved. 


But at the same time when a student is trained to imbibe the basics of the techniques as well as the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the art form, that student matures as a true performer. That is when she becomes strong enough to give a performance that does not just mimic her teacher. Rather she is then able to bring her individuality to it. A teacher should not expect to create an army of robots that dance exactly alike. A teacher expects to see individuality blossom out. A teacher in essence is a guide who keeps in mind the wholesome growth of a student as the highest priority. Quality over quantity always. 


The process is never easy. But the fruits of patience are just too sweet. And that is what makes the wait bearable. Hard work and only hard work pays off. 



 


















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