Make the right move

Who thinks of dance as anything but fun? Parents, that’s who. And the kids they’ve forced into dance classes – for kids, it’s one more class to add to a long list of classes, one more activity that eats into the time they could use to play Minecraft and Roblox . Of course, that’s not the case when it comes to Shiamak Davar International classes. People – yes, even little ones – want to attend his classes: after all, everyone wants to move like Tiger Shroff, Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. (And oh, by the way, did you know Gauri Khan was his student too? That’s how he got around to choreographing Dil To Pagal Hai. More interesting nuggets on my new episode where Shiamak Davar International discusses the lesser-known physical benefits of dance).?

His name is associated with the Indian film industry, but Shiamak Davar International teaches a host of dance forms, and most importantly, as you’ll hear him say on my new episode, he teaches people about the importance of form, and about the need for warm-ups and stretching (and the need to have fun! Let’s not forget that). If you’re going to sign up for dance classes – and everyone should, even in the corporate world, perhaps especially in the corporate world with its many pressures – it’s important to invest in the supervision of someone who really understands these things. Separately, I was delighted to hear that Shiamak Davar International runs corporate workshops, too. Can you think of a better way to de-stress and motivate your team in these difficult times?

Dance can be many things: a way to build camaraderie between teams, an expression of art or culture, a hobby, or something you do to de-stress or when you’re enjoying a romantic evening…but foremost, it is a great workout. Dance – especially when you study a dance form – involves engaging all the limbs and muscles, even facial muscles (what would a Bollywood number be without expressions), and it can increase endurance and stamina significantly.?

In my previous episode on Wearables and Fitness Technology, we touched upon dance apps that helped people stay fit through the lockdowns. They’re lots of fun and definitely worth trying (try Dancebit, Body Groove or Hip Hop Dance – and if you do, please let me know what you thought of them). But if you want to really reap the benefits of dance and actually learn a dance form, in-person classes are best; and classes delivered by someone with extensive experience, like Shiamak Davar International , are absolutely invaluable.?

I started this note by saying that parents don’t think of dance as fun, and neither do their kids, who are forced to join dance classes. As someone who was forced to attend Kathak classes when I was little (I pushed through it for ten whole years), I cannot tell you how grateful I am in retrospect. There’s no denying it: dancing changes the way your mind and body function. Shiamak Davar International talks about this a little on my new show; he touches on the fact that it builds muscle memory. Here are some other unique ways in which dance heals:

• Enhances memory?
• A weekly dance class can boost your energy levels tremendously
• Improves bone health?
• Improves balance and spatial awareness
• Staves off dementia and cognitive decline
• It also makes a profound difference to your mental, emotional and spiritual health?

And, if you’re wondering when you should start. There’s no time like now. Listen to my episode with Shiamak Davar International to get inspired.?