Episode 19: Importance of Dance

Welcome to episode number 19 of Inclusion with Mansi. I am your host,  Mansi Chandorkar. Each week, we are going to discuss various areas of inclusion and how you can be an inclusion champion!  We have been focusing on the various performing arts like dance and music. Today we are going to explore the importance of dance from the point of view of education and inclusion as well as my experiences with dance.

Dance is the joy of movement and the heart of life. Dance creates more complete human beings who are critical thinkers who have curious minds and lead productive lives.

Let me begin today’s episode by sharing my experiences first.

For me, dance has been something I really enjoyed, especially in school. Since academics, reading and spelling were such a challenge, here I had an outlet to just be free and express myself.

Yes, this too was challenging! Figuring out the timing and directionality. Well to be honest, that is something that is still a struggle, especially in online class.  I have taken up dance again after so many years and I find myself more confused than the others about which side to go or to remember the sequence of steps.

Since the teacher is facing me, I'm not sure whether to copy her right hand or to mirror it. So at different times, different things happen. But this never seemed to bother me in school nor does it bother me now.

I felt part of a group and we all danced together. This is something that is important. Finding a place to belong. I am really glad that none of my teachers felt I was not a good fit for the group in spite of the challenges. So a big thank you to my teachers in school and my current teachers for always encouraging me, helping me out and not letting me give up even when it gets tough.

So one may wonder why is dance so Important?

Well, Dance can have many purposes including expression, communication, education, therapy, recreation, or entertainment and may function in personal, social, religious, and spiritual environments.

We all need to remember that learning, thought, creativity, and intelligence don’t just come from the brain alone, but from the entire body. Movement combinations increase memory and sequencing skills. Creating dances also increases self-esteem which is so very important to learning.

There are so many reasons why dance is important to the health and development of our young people. Above all, children need to move! We are already witnessing the need for children to move throughout the day.

So any way that gets kids moving on their feet is a must (especially in a digital era). Dance also burns calories, strengthens muscles, improves balance, increases flexibility, and gives the heart a good workout. Dance has also been proven to increase cognitive development. Current research documents the importance of exercise on the brain and supports what dancers have always known – the body and mind are connected in vital ways.

We will explore more about Art Based therapies and movement in the upcoming episodes.

I would like to end today’s episode with this quote: Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance and belonging is dancing like no one is watching.

Thank you for tuning in to Inclusion with Mansi. If you have enjoyed today’s episode, do share the podcast with your family and friends. I would love to hear your feedback. You can connect with me on my Facebook page @InclusionWithMansi. or Instagram @inclusionwithmansi  You may also email me [email protected]