THE
EDUC
A
FE
TIMES
One of the most beautiful forms of performing Art is Dance.
Dancing is a way of life in India. For almost all happy occasions
– be it festivals or parties, celebratory functions or weddings,
we find people expressing their joy and verve through dancing.
A dancer uses movement, expressions, gestures and body
language to portray a character, situation or abstract concept
to the audience in accompaniment of music. Grace, flexibility
and rhythm are the cornerstones of a good dance.
Dance as an art form and a career has existed since ancient
times, but till recently it wasn't quite accepted as a
mainstream career. While the Indian culture and heritage has
always celebrated and appreciated dance, the progress in the
acceptability of dance as a career in recent times has truly
been exceptional.
The career path
In India, today, there are three categories under which
students learn dancing – classical [such as Bharatanatyam,
Kathak, Kuchipudi. Kathakali, Odissi etc], modern [such as
hip-hop, free style, fusion, ballet,tap dance etc.] and fitness
[Zumba etc].These, especiallythe classical forms are taught in
What does it take to be a
dancer?
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO
BE A DANCER?
MEET THE
PROFESSIONAL: MS
DURGA TILAK (THE
BHARATNATAYAM
PRODIGY)
CAREER QUERIES ?
LEARNING WITH FUN
I N T H I S I S S U E
A U G U S T , 2 0 2 0 I S S U E N O . - 1 5 0 8 2 0 2 0
or through private coaching or in dance schools established by
professional dancers.
Training in dance should start as early as 6 years and training is
lifelong. One should have an inborn talent for dance; training and
guidance can only hone these skills.
The basic requirement for training in dance in an educational
institution is 10 + 2. However, one can also do a Graduation in dance
and then pursue a Post-Graduation in Performing Arts. There are also
certificate and Diploma courses available.Dance cannot be learnt
forcibly; passion is the most important tool for success. If one
focuses on training and is willing to put in hours of dedicated hard
work, finds one’s area of specialty and creates an original style that is
unique, one can surely turn their passion into a successful
Career.However, only if you're truly passionate about dance will you
be able to make it a successful profession.
A U G U S T , 2 0 2 0 I S S U E N O . - 1 5 0 8 2 0 2 0
24 year old dancer and engineer hailing from Pune. She has been
learning Bharatnatyam since 16 years. Excerpts from an
interview with this dedicated dancer who is planning on doing
masters in mechanical engineering from Germany.
Growing up how did you manage studies and dance together ?
It never felt like ‘managing’ or choosing between the two. I had
very supportive parents and school who never separated the two
things and everything happened so organically and fell into
place. Now when I look back, I think time management played an
important role. I had priorities set up for example if i had my
exams i knew that for one month my focus should be that. So
instead of practising the choreo for 3 hours i would do it for 1.
More than that there was no pressure from anywhere, and that
helped me to focus on both the things.
Meet the Bharatnatyam
prodigy - Durga Tilak
Performer – on stage,
for weddings etc.
Choreography – for
stage, movies, T.V.
shows, Weddings etc.
Dance instructor
Story telling
Dance Therapist
Fitness Trainer
Dance teacher at a
school
Career Opportunities
When did you decide that you had to pursue dancing?
More than a decision it was a realization that I had around 8th std when I had my Arangetram. I realized
how much I loved performing on stage and practicing dance. Dance is like a different space for me, like an
escape where I forget everything. It takes me into a whole different world. Dance is my happy place. Since
then there is no stopping.
Please tell us something about your mentor(s) and their role in your life.
I have been trained by Dr. Parimal Fadke , and he's my inspiration. He's played many roles like a father, a
friend , a critique and a mentor, and guided me. Along with him my parents and grandparents have played
a very important role. My mother always says never leave anything you love doing. That still keeps me
going .
I am doing my 12th now, and I am very interested in research in
biotechnology. Should I opt for B.E. [Biotech] or B.Sc. Biotech? Will
I have a bright future in this field?
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of
living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology,
medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts.
Biotechnology has applications in four major industrial areas,
including health care (medical), crop production and agriculture,
non-food (industrial) uses of crops and other products (e.g.
biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil, biofuels), and environmental
uses. (source: Wikipedia)There are some differences as well as some
similarities between a B.E. Biotech and B.Sc. Biotech. B.E stands for
Bachelor of Engineering while B.Sc. stands for the Bachelor of
Science degree. B. E is a four year, technical course while B.Sc. is a
three year, science course.
Due to this difference in duration, more emphasis is given on
practical training in the B.Tech courses, as compared to the same
subject in B.Sc. In B.Sc., the whole course work is designed such that
the candidate is given thorough theoretical knowledge.Due to all
these difference, B.Tech has greater employability as compared to
B.Sc. in the field of work. However, if you are interested in research,
then a B.Sc. and later post-graduation and a Ph.D. will give you ample
scope. The field in general has tremendous scope at the present
times. However, how well you do in this field would depend on your
interests, abilities, personality, commitment and work ethics.
Any message for the budding dancers who want to pursue dance as a
career?
I think when one decides for a career , he/she needs to look at things
very practically. Career in the field of performance arts may look vibrant
and alluring but it has its own challenges. So plan ahead in advance as to
why you are choosing this as a career, is it because of the shine you see
or are you ready to face the challenges. I say it's challenging because
your body and mind both come into play. Dance demands practice and
hard work and there will be people constantly telling you to think over
your decision. So you should be convinced with your decision . You
wouldn't want to start disliking the passion you loved before.
Career Queries
Riddles
1. A barrel of water weighs
20 pounds. What must
you add to it to make it
weigh 12 pounds?
2. Big as a biscuit, deep as
a cup, Even a river can't
fill it up. What is it?
3. You answer me,
although I never ask you
questions. What am I?
FUNFUN
LEARNING WITH
by : Dr. Sudha Bhogle
“We cannot solve
problems with same
thinking we used
when we created
them”
Albert Einstein
answers: 1. Holes, 2. a strainer, 3. a phone call
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