Dance (from French danser, perhaps from Frankish) generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting In India, dance is an age-old tradition. 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. Dance themes are derived from mythology, folklore, legends and classical literature.
In India dance is said to have originated from ‘Natya Shastra’, which is a detailed script written on all aspects of Indian dance. The author of ‘Natya Shastra’ was ‘Bharata Muni’ in the 2nd century B.C. The two main divisions of Indian dance forms are classical and folk. The various classical forms OD Indan dance are Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchupudi of Andhra Pradesh, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak, Kathakali and Manipuri. The uniqueness of Indian classical dances is that they are all devotional in content. Of all these dance forms, Bharat Natyam is believed to be the oldest and the purest Indian classical dance.
Ideally training in Dance can start as early as six years. Inborn talent is also a must. Careers in this field can be that of a performer, teacher and choreographer.
Eligibility: Talent is essential but to take up a course in this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. Courses offered in this area are certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and post graduate level courses.
Career options and Job Prospects: Career options as a performer, teacher and choreographer. Performing artists can form their own troupes or start schools and devote time in teaching.