Dance and Democracy at MS 4- Sharing India's Cultural Ethos with the world

Shehnaaz Dance Academy has a mission beyond Dance! We aspire to spread the beauty of Indian traditions and the Strength of our rich cultural heritage, through dance and music, to our community and all over the world.

SDA was extremely excited collaborate with Nimbus School of Dance to conduct Dance and Democracy workshops at Middle School 4 in Jersey City. Talking to 8th graders about the nuances of the Indian culture and democratic principles of our Nation through dance, was a fulfilling experience. The sessions conducted by Ms. Shehnaaz Jagasia and Ms. Anushya Mamtora were a blend of learning, dancing and a journey through the cultural ethos of India. Our sessions started off with a brief introduction to India, it’s democratic foundation and it’s diversity in language, dance and music.

Each session focused on two popular folk dance forms - Bhangara (from the agricultural state of Punjab) and Garba (from the heart of Gujarat) and one classical dance form - Bharatnatyam.

The Bhangara segment got the students up and dancing, practicing their wide leg squat stance, shrugging shoulders and other powerful moves from the traditional folk form. We led the students through the basics of Badi, Dhamaal, Baithke and other simple moves which they adapted seamlessly into Punjabi Dhol beats. Through the energetic dance form students were led to discuss about the Right to Protest and the important topic of farmer rights in India. Students learnt about the plight of the farmers of Punjab and the steps that were adopted by them to peacefully protest for their agricultural rights.

Our second segment brought to light another democratic principle - Right to Worship. Students were encouraged to make a big circle and master the agile leg movements and coordinated clapping that is the mainstay of Garba. The students were taught the importance of dancing together as a community irrespective of religious beliefs. Students learned about Navratri and mentioned that a few of them had been to the vibrant Garba festival at Journal Square in Jersey City. They thoroughly enjoyed learning the basic Garba moves and were excited to dance in a huge circle while smiling and chattering away- the true essence of a Garba gathering.

Our third segment focused on one of the oldest dance form and India’s national dance - Bharatnatyam. Through the story of the Devdasis or women who were slaves of the temple, who were the flag bearers of this classical dance, the students not only learnt about mudras and abhinaya in classical dances but also discussed the Right to Gender Equality, briefly touching on Women’s Rights.
Through the ancient stories of the Devdasi community, Ms. Anushya was able to touch on sensitive topics like Female Infanticide and the Dowry system which the Indian democracy and Government has worked hard to put a stop to.

The students were asked to present a little dance or skit about what they learnt during the sessions. It was truly gratifying to see them use Bhangra, Garba and the principles we discussed to represent modern day challenges in a democracy. Students split up in groups of similar sensibilities but cheered on for all their peers. SDA is thankful to Nimbus School of Dance for this fantastic opportunity to share India’s history and culture through dance and it’s poignant tryst with democracy with the students of Middle School 4.