Yoga Classes in New York City

Yoga is a Sanskrit term that means “union,” and this ancient practice utilizes breathing techniques as well as various physical postures that are aimed at enhancing the strength of the body and providing mental calm and relaxation. This holistic practice has spread worldwide and is now commonly provided in schools, institutes, and health clubs run by various independent centers and organizations. There are various Yoga classes in New York City where one can be trained to experience a remarkable transformation in body, mind and spirit.

What You Learn in these Classes

When you enroll for these classes, you get to learn the various postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana). These categories are combined in different yogasanas to enhance physiological, psychological and biochemical effects to keep the body healthy and the mind happy.

Benefit from a Healthy Body and Divine Wellness

Yoga classes are beneficial for the mind and the body. Its practice in today’s hectic life schedule is essential as most people don’t get time to perform regular exercises. It focuses on the physical well-being of a person by promoting greater mobility, balance, longevity and internal happiness through a healthy body. It can be practiced by almost all age groups to relieve stress, fatigue and bodily disorders. Apart from that, some of the other benefits are:

yoga classes new york city

• Pain Relief

• Proper Breathing

• Increased Flexibility

• Increased Strength

• Weight Management

• Improved Blood Circulation

• Cardiovascular Conditioning

• Focus on the Present

• Inner Peace

If you plan to include this in your regular regime, you must seek out a center with a proficient Yoga teacher. Your teacher should be able to give you a clear-cut understanding of what to expect and what you can hope to achieve by the end of the session.

Classes for Children

It might be difficult to get children to agree to attend these classes. Therefore, the classes are made special, with innovative ways of teaching children. Games and storytelling are included to add more interest and hold the attention of children.

Tips on Finding a Good Center in NYC

There are many centers that offer Yoga classes in New York that it is difficult to choose a reliable one. Nevertheless, you should try and find a not-for-profit academy that helps to spread knowledge of Indian culture and heritage in the US. The following tips may prove useful in finding a good center in NYC:

• Ask your friends and neighbors

• Talk to someone who knows and practices Yoga

• Search the internet for Indian cultural groups in NY promoting yoga classes

• Attend spiritual events conducted by different organizations.

Indian Classical Dance Classes

indian classical dance classes

Indian classical dances have a very rich tradition which has been explained vividly in Natya Shastra – one of the oldest Indian texts which speak on stagecraft. Though there were singers and instrumentalists who played their part well, much importance was given to the dancers who even now occupy a central position. To keep the culture of India alive, many non-profit cultural organizations have begun to conduct Indian classical dance classes in New York.

Learn a Classical Dance Form

Indian classical dance requires dedication and lots of practice. Most of the institutions providing dance classes offer flexible timing for the convenience of students. Based on prior knowledge and experience, the interested candidate would be put in either the beginners, intermediate or advanced learner’s batch. Most of the dance institutes in NYC teach the following dance forms:

Bharatanatyam: This dance form indigenous to the state of Tamil Nadu is performed to the accompaniment of classical music. It is inspired by the ancient sculptures of South Indian temples. The uniqueness in the technique of Bharatanatyam dance is abhinaya which is the dramatic art of story-telling; nritta signifying the dance movements; and nritya, which is a combination of nritta and abhinaya.

Odissi: The Odissi tradition existed in three schools, Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipua. This Indian classical dance has Mangalacharan, Battu Nrutya, Moksha, Pallavi, Abhinaya, and Dashavataar as its various forms. All these forms have their own vocabulary of foot positions, head movements, eye movements, body positions, hand gestures, rhythmic foot work, jumps, turns and spins. In the past, Odissi dancers used to perform outside on the temple courtyard.

Kathak: This dance form originated in North India and traces its history back to bards called kathakas. The work Kathak is derived from the word Katha which means the art of story telling. Dancers perform to the accompaniment of music with religious recitals and mythological tales. Kathak dancers are required to focus on dramatic and sensuous expression. It is one of the most dynamic theater arts in the world which can be performed by both men and women.
 
Learn from Qualified Dance Teachers
 
Indian classical dance classes are conducted by qualified dance teachers who have many years of experience to their credit. They would help interested candidates decide which dance is most likely to suit them and suggest the right type of clothes. They constantly motivate their students and help them master the dance technique. The students who perform well can even get the opportunity to stage shows for cultural events, programs and festive occasions.

Indian Dance Classes in Long Island

Enthusiastic learners of all age groups can benefit from Indian dance classes in Long Island provided by reputable non-profit cultural organizations. These classes are expected to promote the rich culture and heritage of India among the next generation of Indian expatriates living in America.

indian dance classes

Choose from Various Indian Dance Forms

Indian dances have the capacity to evoke Ananda or bliss both in the hearts of the performer as well as the audience. These are performed during cultural programs, events, festivals and ceremonies to add happiness, fun and color. Indian dance classes provided in Long Island are:

• Bharatanatyam: Students can learn the unique style and substance of Bharatanatyam dance to the accompaniment of Carnatic music played in the backdrop. Male and female dancers are trained to rhythmically coordinate their movements. In this dance form, one gets to understand the significance of blending bhava, raga and taala.

• Odissi: Odissi dance classes instruct students to synthesize the gracious dance steps and hand gestures with sublime expressions. Its learning involves the practice of simple and intricate postures which are iconic of sculptural legacy seen in the sun temple at Konarak.

• Kathak: When you gracefully combine Katha (story), Abhinaya (action) and Updesha (moral) you get to experience the zeal in Kathak. Dancers would learn the art of presenting the various poses with proper expressions and body movements while being swift on their feet work.

• Bollywood Dance: The latest dance steps performed by all time favorite actors in the Indian cine industry are taught to all aspiring dancers. This would even give them the opportunity to create new steps that would gain applause when performed for stage shows.

Both classical and Bollywood dance forms are taught by qualified dance teachers in Indian dance classes. They provide fun filled but intensive training sessions that would help students perform the steps flawlessly while on stage.

Dance Classes for Adults and Children

Indian dance classes in Long Island are offered for both adults and children. Most of the institutes offer flexible timing to suit the convenience of those who wish to learn dance after office or school hours. It’s best to choose an Indian dance institute which has been promoting a lot of events and functions. Some of the other ways of finding a good place to learn dance are:

• Ask your friends and neighbors

• Talk to someone who performs Indian dances

• Search the internet for non-profit Indian cultural groups that offer dance classes.

Indian Dance Classes for Adults

Indian dance classes for adults enable an understanding and appreciation of Indian culture and diversity. Whether you are an Indian or from any other cultural background, you can benefit from these classes.

When you do an online search, you’ll find that there are various dance studios, schools, academies, and non-profit concerns in the US providing training in Indian dance. Qualified dance teachers handle classes to suit the needs of basic, intermediate, and advanced learners. The classes would cover various aspects such as:

indian dance classes

• Indian dance theory

• Basic dance gestures and steps

• Accuracy of body movements

• Importance to gracefulness, energy, facial expressions, or other factors depending on the dance form

• Timing and rhythm

• Performance evaluations

Classes for Various Indian Dance Forms

Classes are offered for Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kathak, and Bollywood dance.

• Bharata Natyam – Bharata Natyam is an ancient Indian dance form. The term “Bharata Natyam” has been derived from the three fundamental concepts of Bhava, Thaala, and Raga. It was earlier termed “Daasiyattam” because it was performed by the Devadasis in the Tamil Nadu temples of long ago.

• Kathak – Kathak comes from the Sanskrit word “Katha” which translates to “story”. The Sanskrit term “Katthaka” translates to “to do with stories” or “he/she who tells a story.” Kathak represents the features of dance of both Muslim and Hindu cultures. Drama, sentiment, pure dance technique, and mood are its important features.

• Odissi – Odissi is an Indian classical dance form from the state of Orissa. It is a highly impassioned, sensuous, ecstatic and inspired kind of dance that has its basis in dedication to Lord Krishna. An essential aspect of Odissi is the importance given to the tribhangi ( division of body into three parts – head, bust and torso) and the chauka or primary square stance.

• Bollywood Dance – It is a dance style that features in Indian films. It mixes various styles such as belly-dancing, hip hop, East Indian Classical, Bhangra, Salsa, jazz, modern, and Indian folk.

Register for Indian dance classes for adults. It is really worth it if you’re fascinated by the beauty of dance, and the variety that India is so well-known for.