In 60s, they find poise through bhava

Kochi: A retired engineer, M R Geetha, 66, began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 61. It was not compulsion but pure desire that inspired her to join a professional dance class."Mentally and physically, dance brings joy, and it is good exercise. Rather than sit idle at home, dance helps me connect with like-minded people," she said. After her ‘arangettam' on Guruvayur temple premises in 2022, her confidence grew. "I am confident of performing solo too. At my age, I don't chase perfection; it is all about personal satisfaction," added Geetha, who attends a dance class at Changampuzha Park.
Geetha is not alone. There are many more like-minded women who, after retirement, are eager to experiment and chase unfulfilled dreams. Better mobility and health are an added advantage. As demand grows, there is also an increase of special senior-friendly dance classes, helping elders embrace and learn the tricky ‘adavus' and hand movements effortlessly at their own pace.And they are not stopping at just one dance form. "I don't dance for exercise; I dance because it is my passion. Its rhythm gives me sheer joy," said Shobha Anup, 61, who is learning Bharatanatyam at Punarjani School of Dance, Girinagar. She also learned Mohiniyattam.Emotional high that dance lessons give them is helping them stay healthy and lose weight too. "I forget every health issue when I dance, maybe because my passion is of so much importance to me. I want to keep learning as long as I can, as long as my body allows. Remembering so many steps sharpens memory and keeps mind active. It is as good as any other physical exercise," said C Sudha Kartha, 71, who learned Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam after retirement."More than the exercise, it gives me mental and emotional happiness. At my age, the training is both physically and mentally taxing, but at the same time, the happiness and satisfaction you get is immense," said Usha Menon, 64, a retired teacher, who is now a Kathakali student.Interestingly, dance teachers admit that teaching dance to elderly is turning out to be a positive and inspiring experience. "Unlike small kids who are forced to come to dance classes, elderly come due to pure passion. The steps may hurt them, but they rarely complain about pain or discomfort. They are regular and continuously improve and practise," said dance teacher Usha Mohan from Dharani School of Performing Arts.And if someone does complain, teachers are willing to go slow or adjust dance moves. "We ensure that they don't feel lonely or out of place," said Edappally Nritha Aswadaka Sadas committee member Mallika Varma.