THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dance aficionado Chothy Nair has a mission- to change the way dance is taught and performed. And she is doing it step by step. The former runner up of a women’s reality show in a regional television channel who started the Varadamudra Temple of Dance few months ago, feels her dance movement therapy classes will bring about a difference, especially in children.
“Through these classes, we not only concentrate on dance as a stress buster, but also as a means to understand one’s body,” she said. The students are first taught different movement techniques through the form which has incorporated classical and contemporary dance forms. “The classes are taught in three portions- an initial set of exercises, creative session and theory classes. We are yet to reach the creative classes,” Chothy said.
So why call this dance therapy? “These movements have psychological and therapeutic effect. It also helps one have better body balance and confidence which leads to a lot of positive change in a person,” she said.
She says that many people approach her sessions with a prejudiced mind. “They think they can’t do it. You just need to know your body well and understand how far it can stretch. We have a set of steps, rhythm and exercises which help them in the process. Theory sessions deal with the history of dance,” the dancer said.
Chothy who began learning dance forms from age three has studied bharatanatyam, mohiniyattam, kathak and contemporary dance. She explains the reason why she introduced this concept in the city. “At dance schools, there is a rigid format on how to dance. Dance movement therapy allows the person to be free and creative. Contemporary dance is supposed to be a free style of dance. While I am particular about the technique, those who come to learn are free to choose how they emote or execute it,” she said.
When it comes to the classical styles of dance, she feels there are little platforms for the talented except a few festivals where only a few select artistes perform almost every time.
The dance institute which is situated at Palkulangara in the city also teaches bharatanatyam, contemporary and kathak apart from the dance movement therapy classes. For more details, contact 7592893646 or 9446043920.