In today’s rapidly evolving education landscape, there’s a growing need to re-emphasize the value of performing arts in education. With increasing emphasis placed solely on academics like medicine and engineering, many enriching and culturally significant courses—including non-verbal art forms such as music, dance, and drama—are gradually disappearing from mainstream academic settings.
However, performing arts are more than just extracurricular activities. They are powerful tools for personal development, cultural preservation, and emotional well-being, especially for students. India, known for its diverse and vibrant traditions, is a global treasure trove of classical performing arts.
What Are Performing Arts?
Performing arts include expressive disciplines like music, classical and folk dance, theatre, and drama, where artists use voice, body language, gestures, and facial expressions as mediums of expression. These forms not only entertain but also educate, heal, and elevate human consciousness.
Dating back to the 2nd century, India’s performing arts are deeply rooted in ancient texts like the Natya Shastra, authored by Bharata Muni. This Sanskrit treatise laid the foundation for Indian music, dance, and drama, emphasizing the nine ‘Navarasas’ or emotional expressions—love, humor, sorrow, anger, fear, heroism, disgust, wonder, and peace.
Why Performing Arts Matter in Today’s Education System
Incorporating performing arts into education promotes:
– Self-confidence & Emotional Intelligence
– Creativity & Critical Thinking
– Cultural Awareness & National Pride
– Improved Communication Skills
– Holistic Development
Students trained in dance and music exhibit better academic performance, reduced stress levels, and enhanced empathy. These art forms cultivate discipline and help in mental and emotional growth, acting as powerful mediums for self-expression.
Icons Who Shaped India’s Performing Arts
India is blessed with legendary artists who have immortalized the significance of performing arts:
Vocalists: MS Subbulakshmi, Lata Mangeshkar, Bhimsen Joshi, Ravi Shankar
Dancers: Pandit Birju Maharaj, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Uday Shankar, Vempati Chinna Satyam
Their contributions continue to inspire generations and highlight the cultural depth of our nation.
Sai Seva Sangh’s Commitment to Promoting Performing Arts
At Sai Seva Sangh, we recognize the profound impact of performing arts on student life. Our institution offers specialized courses in classical dance and music at both intermediate and degree levels. With a dedicated and experienced faculty, we aim to revive the lost glory of Indian arts by nurturing young talent.
Notable achievements include:
– A stunning Navadurga Kuchipudi Dance Ballet performance during Dussehra 2019 at Muddenahalli, Karnataka.
– An impactful group performance on Nirvana Shatakam, receiving widespread acclaim.
These achievements reflect our students’ growing interest in cultural arts and our continued effort to revive and preserve India’s artistic heritage.
The Path Forward: Empowering the Next Generation
With the right platform, education in performing arts can:
– Foster future artists and cultural ambassadors
– Promote inclusive education by blending academics with creative arts
– Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to connect with their roots
– Preserve India’s intangible cultural heritage
We believe performing arts will not just survive but thrive with continuous institutional support, skilled mentorship, and community appreciation.
Conclusion
Performing arts are not a luxury—they are a necessity for holistic student development. As we embrace technology and modern learning, let’s not forget to cherish and protect the soul of our culture—the arts. With focused efforts from institutions like Sai Seva Sangh, we hope to bring back the prominence of dance, music, and drama in our society.
Let’s raise a generation that moves with grace, speaks with emotion, and sings with soul.
