Life

Dancing the Monotony Away

Dance is that one state which actually gives you an outlet for your emotional, physical, mental and sub conscious stress. Dance classes therefore are cathartic in the context of the stresses and pressures of modern day life. Saturday Fare caught up with Annkita Dolawwat, a Latin and Standard ballroom dance teacher in Guwahati and her students to know their experiences

Sentinel Digital Desk

The North East of India is a culturally vibrant region with some incredibly creative people. Many are very interested and inclined towards music and art. Ballroom dancing and for that matter any style of dance, teaches one a lot of things apart from just moving to beats. It teaches mind and body coordination, flexibility, etiquettes, body language and postures and also about different cultures across the world -simply because there are dance forms of so many varied styles each with a unique history and background.

Ballroom dance classes are indeed trending in Guwahati. Annkita Dolawwat, a Latin and Standard Ballroom Dance teacher is doing her part to train people in the nuances of Standard and Latin Ballroom Dance.

So how is this dance form enriching the life of her students? Annkita says that while the takeaways may be varied and subjective it definitely is helping all to break the monotony of their professional lives and usher positive changes in their outlook towards life. So we caught up with some students to know about their experiences.

Rohini Surekha

Investment Banking Professional

Rohini Surekha, an investment banking professional with 12 plus years of experience in the finance industry says,

"In my attempt to balance work and family expectations, I was donning many hats. Consequently, I had practically no time for myself. Earlier, dance to me was simply what I did on the dance floor after a couple of drinks –however, I have always aspired to dance to perfection. Today, what begun as a desire to look good on the dance floor has converted into a full blown hobby. I love it when I am dancing with Annkita. I look forward to my class. I love myself a little bit more, all thanks to the happy moments spent while dancing and I do not feel guilty about it."

Tarali Das, ACS

Being a civil servant and a mother of two daughters, I was really busy with my work and family life. Of course I enjoyed each day of life without a second thought. However, when I sighted an advertisement by Annkita Dolawwat on Latin Ballroom dance, I had a flashback of my childhood dance classes. Instantly, I felt that I must grab the opportunity to learn a new form of dance to make my life more vibrant. Today I can happily say that I took the perfect decision of joining her classes. These days, I with my co partner eagerly wait for the Friday Ballroom dance class. This class rejuvenates me for the entire week and it has also increased my overall confidence.

Hamad M.A.R. Berlashker

Founder – CEO TANGENT

As a communications professional, my never-ending work requires me to be on my toes all the time. Stress takes a toll on one's health and also on one's social life.

I never thought I would be able to make time for the weekly dance classes. But as luck would have it, not only did I make time but also improved my work-life balance.

An inspiring professional, Annkita's style of instruction is unique and makes the dance form easy and interesting to learn for a working professional like me. She gives each of us her undivided attention. Learning ballroom dance with Annkita has indeed helped me to be a better dancer.

The learnings from my dance class have taught me that with a proactive approach, we can always learn new skills and strengthen our discipline. I am a better person today with sharp hearing and listening skills. Dancing has made me more physically agile and enhanced my mental space and faculties too. During the two hours in class, I give my undivided focus and concentration and thereby forget the stresses of the day. Dance in a way is meditation. My body language has also improved tremendously. I am more conscious of my health, body and mind.

Needless to say the North East of India is a culturally vibrant region with some incredibly creative people. Many are very interested and inclined towards music and art. "I am trying to add a little ballroom dancing and become a part of this beautiful diverse society," Annkita smiles.

She goes on to add, "I believe ballroom dancing and for that matter any style of dance, teaches one a lot of things apart from just moving to beats. It teaches mind and body coordination, flexibility, etiquettes, body language and postures and also about different cultures across the world (simply because there are dance forms of so many varied styles each with a unique history and background). I personally feel that each and everyone should try to start their day with a little bit of dance, because it creates magic ahead."

Some popular Latin Ballroom dance styles are rumba, samba, cha cha, jive, paso doble while the popular Standard Ballroom dance styles are waltz, foxtrot, viennese waltz, quick step etc.

Annkita Dolawwat

Latin and Standard Ballroom Dance Teacher

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