Las mujeres mayores están bailando para disfrutar de los beneficios del movimiento.

The Joy of Dance: Embracing Movement in Senior Life

Summary

Dance is more than just a form of art; it’s a transformative experience that rejuvenates the spirit and fosters connections, especially among seniors. In Kochi, India, various dance initiatives are encouraging older adults to take part, significantly improving their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This article explores the uplifting stories behind these vibrant dance communities, showcasing the dedication of instructors and the joy experienced by participants.

Introduction

"Time to dance for the seniors!" announces Geeta Maathane, the founder of Nataya Vyayama in Kochi. Geeta’s initiative, established in 2006, aims to inspire older women to embrace dance and exercise, empowering them to enhance their quality of life. With a vision ahead of its time, she began by informally teaching dance to seniors in 1998. Fast forward to today, and she is excited to announce the resumption of her classes, set to kick off in May.

If there is a group of 10 or more enthusiastic participants, she plans to host classes across various apartment complexes in Kochi. Geeta’s passion continues at her residence in Kottayam, where she also teaches invigorating sessions.

The Dance Community Blooms

Among her students is 72-year-old Chandrika Menon, an avid participant in ‘Kapz’, a dance initiative founded by choreographer Kalpana Sushilran. Chandrika is one of the many seniors benefiting from Kapz’s vibrant atmosphere. “I also dance to ‘Naatu Naatu’,” she beams, highlighting the cognitive and physical benefits that dancing bestows — improved memory, coordination, and overall vitality.

Another remarkable dancer is Geeta Karot, aged 78, who discovered her love for Western dance and jazz during her travels across Europe. She recalls feeling a pull to join her peers as they danced to familiar tunes. “I just had to join in,” she laughs, exuberantly recounting her journey into the world of rhythm and movement.

Kalpana, a talented instructor, oversees a group called "Lady Bags" comprised of women over 60. She notes that the act of dancing has tangibly alleviated a range of health concerns. One of her students, grappling with memory issues, has reported significant improvements due to the mental engagement required in learning dance steps.

The Spark of Salsa

Kalpana’s classes begin with lively Latin movements, gradually transitioning into Salsa Shine, a free-spirited segment where partners take turns showcasing their agility and creativity. The energy flows through the studio, with the seniors stepping up, immersing themselves in the rhythmic embrace of diverse dance styles.

The inspiring narrative continues with Shyamala Surendran, a prominent figure in the classical dance scene of Kochi. She shuttered the glass ceiling in 1982 by taking up dance at the age of 34. Her relentless pursuit of passion led to the establishment of the Dharrani School of Performing Arts in the 1990s. Shyamala reports that in 2023 alone, she has welcomed three students in their 50s eager to dive into classical dance.

Her take on dance is illuminating: "A whirl is like a vortex, pulling you into a world of self-discovery." She passionately believes that the essence of dance transcends age. While children may quickly grasp movement techniques, the emotional depth and subtleties required for expressive performances often come from life experience.

Bridging Generations

Shyamala emphasizes the cognitive connection dance can forge between generations. Many of her young students perform for their mothers, creating opportunities for transformation and deeper relationships. Vyashnevi Sainath, who established the Vyashnevi Dance Center in Secunderabad in 2012, echoes this sentiment. “Grandmas are joining classes, and mother-daughter pairs are rediscovering their bond through dance,” she notes, demonstrating the art’s power to reinforce familial ties.

Online Classes: New Horizons

The rise of online classes has opened new avenues for women aged 40 to 60, providing a safe space to break through societal constraints. Vyushnevi notes, “It’s heartening to see women finally embracing their passion for dance.”

Sheeba Joseph, a 57-year-old retiree and new student at the Dharni Dance School, shares her experience. “My family supports my decision, even if some neighbors do not. Dance helps me manage my weight." Inspired by her 75-year-old teacher Shyamala, she now approaches life with newfound vigor.

Encouragingly, Dhanjayan, a classical dance vice president, attests to the reasons behind the resurgence of interest in senior dance. Many seniors revisit long-dismissed childhood passions, discovering the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of rhythmic movement. “They even include audiences in their performances, highlighting the nuances of dance — a true artist’s wish,” he remarks.

Conclusion

The world of dance has become a beacon of hope for seniors, as communities rally together to embrace movement, joy, and creativity. From improving mental agility to strengthening relationships, the benefits of dance extend far beyond mere physicality. In Kochi, it’s clear — the rhythm of life flourishes even in the golden years. Dance is not just a pastime; it’s a pathway to rediscovering joy, health, and connection in later life.

As we celebrate these stories of resilience and enthusiasm, let’s encourage more seniors to join the dance and experience the transformative power of movement in their lives.