How tradition and trends are shaping a new generation of dancers

DEHRADUN: Every year on April 29, the world celebrates International Dance Day to honour the art form as a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. Established by International Theatre Institute in 1982, the day commemorates the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the father of modern ballet.While the occasion is often celebrated through performances and social media tributes, its purpose is to recognise dance as an ever-evolving art form that also reflects the evolution of society.In cities like Dehradun, dance continues to serve as a bridge between heritage and modernity. Classical forms such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam are still taught with rigor, highlighting centuries-old traditions of storytelling and discipline. At the same time, contemporary styles, from hip-hop to freestyle, are gaining popularity among the youth.Kshitij Chopra, 35, owner of Dehradun Academy of Dance, says dance today is both expressive and meditative. “Dance helps young people grow while finding joy and confidence. Modern forms are on the rise, driven by evolving music trends and visually appealing hook steps, though proper training remains essential to execute them well,” he says.In addition to being about style and technique, dance is also becoming an emotional outlet for youngsters. Among the factors that draw the youth to the art form is the need to feel more in control of their minds and bodies. It is a tool of building self, an activity that makes them more aware of their senses.For 16-year-old Mansha, dance is something that helps her connect with the audience, the stage and most importantly, herself. “On days when everything feels overwhelming, dancing gives me a sense of control. It has quietly been building who I am. It’s made me more patient, because progress is slow and sometimes frustrating. It’s made me more confident, because you learn to stand in front of people without the fear of judgement. It’s also made me more comfortable with vulnerability, because when you really dance, you can’t fake emotion.”The art form is also gaining popularity as a means of catharsis. It communicates emotion, identity, and even social issues, often where language fails. Charu Rana, a 54-year-old Kathak dancer, says that today’s generation is redefining dance. “They are open, creative and daring. They are not afraid to experiment, mix styles, and express their individuality. This also helps reduce their stress. In a way, dance has become a form of meditation.”Interest in dance has grown in recent years, local teachers say, with more students now seeing it as a serious pursuit. To a large extent, this is due to social media. “Today, dance is more visible and accessible than ever. A talented artist no longer needs big platforms or connections. If you truly have talent, you can show it to people across the world,” Charu says.However, this increased visibility comes with its own challenges. “Rich art forms also end up being reduced to trends and quick popularity. This is especially true for classical dance, where the depth, patience, and years of practice it requires are often overlooked. In the past, great gurus like Birju Maharaj dedicated years to perfecting even a single movement. Today, imitation is easy, but true understanding is missing,” Charu adds.Mansha views the pressure to stay relevant and meet audience expectations as a challenge in this regard. “With so many platforms and opportunities, it feels more possible to pursue dance seriously. But at the same time, there is pressure of having to constantly prove your worth, stay relevant, or deliver what people want to watch,” Mansha says.For Priya Sharma, a dance teacher associated with the Lucknow gharana, the connection one has with dance is as important as the connection they have with those who teach them dance. “I was very attached to my teacher and imbibed everything she taught me. But those were different times. Nowadays, there is a lot of pressure on the kids to excel in academics, and there are other distractions as well, due to which they are unable to form such bonds,” she says.She also acknowledges that ideas of what counts as a ‘proper’ form of dance have changed over time, adding that when she began teaching, it was considered improper to use film songs or turn classical dance into semi-classical. This is a principle she continues to follow to stay rooted. “But children today are losing touch with this. Although I am not entirely comfortable with the shift, I accept that times have changed and everyone has their own approach,” she says.Looking ahead, artists feel that dance has a future where new interpretations will be made and fresh perspectives discovered. “It will involve an increasing use of technology, including high-end graphics, AI tools, online sessions and even collaborations with robots,” Kshitij says. Referring to recent performances abroad featuring robotic background dancers, he says such innovations can create visually striking experiences. “However, technology must be used thoughtfully, to enhance creativity, rather than overshadow it,” he adds.Charu believes that going forward, we must focus on preserving each dance form’s core essence. “Dance will continue to blend tradition with innovation and will play an increasingly important role in emotional well-being. However, it is important to preserve the originality of each dance form. Our responsibility is to move with the times while staying rooted and preserving the true essence and soul of dance,” Charu says.