To mark World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday, a Kathak workshop, lecture, and play explore how rhythm and movement support better balance, coordination, and confidence for those living with the condition
Sharma (centre in dark green) at a previous kathak workshop. pics courtesy/kathak rockers; Movement mantra; Third Half Theatre
On World Parkinson’s Day (April 11), Kathak Rockers, led by dancer Kumar Sharma, will host a workshop that explores Kathak as a form of movement-based therapy. Designed to engage, the session focuses on how classical dance can support people living with Parkinson’s. “The workshop will highlight how Kathak works as a positive mind and body exercise for people with Parkinson’s,” emphasises Sharma. He further explains that the structured rhythm of the dance plays a crucial role in physical and motor improvement.
Mona Ambegaonkar and Bhumika Mane from Still Dancing
Movement set to music also acts as an external cue, making it easier to initiate and regulate motion. Repetition of sequences keeps the mind active, while expressive elements such as abhinaya encourage facial movement and communication. “Multitasking helps, even a very basic sequence like ti ka ta di ga na dha, or footworks like 1-2-3-4-5, helps their speech and body and mind,” Sharma reiterates.
The workshop will begin with participants learning a short Bollywood Kathak fusion choreography. This will be followed by a lecture-demonstration by Dr Vonita Singh, founder of Movement Mantra, who will speak about the therapeutic benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients. Reflecting on the emotional and mental challenges associated with the condition, Sharma notes, “Parkinson’s as a disease enters your life abruptly; it has no particular cues, and sometimes, people don’t really know how to deal with it along with the denial that comes with it.”
Dr Singh, whose father lived with Parkinson’s, emphasises the importance of movement-based practices. “Tatkar (the foundational rhythmic footwork in Kathak, translating the dance syllables into sound through ankle bells) helps the mind and body, especially through training your muscle memory as the dance is planned which in modality helps the person,” she says, referring to the footwork in Kathak.
ON April 11; 11 am to 1 pm
AT Adhbhut Collective Arts, Aram Nagar, Versova.
CALL 8130100821
COST Rs 1800
Still Dancing
Following the workshop, Movement Mantra and Third Half Theatre will stage Still Dancing, a play written and directed by Sanjeev Dixit and produced by Dr Vonita Singh. “The play has somewhat taken inspiration from the life of Vonita herself, and looks at the mistakes we make and the problems those around us create,” says Dixit. “The idea was to present a person who feels trapped in a cage — while being the same from within.”
Sanjeev Dixit and Dr Vonita Singh
To this Dr Singh adds, “The biggest mistake we made with my father was that we ended up babysitting him, whereas we should have allowed him to move.” The performance aims to spark reflection on caregiving, independence, and the importance of movement in living with Parkinson’s.
ON April 12; 6.30 pm; April 13; 8 pm onwards
AT Royal Opera House, Mama Paramanand Marg, Charni Road (April 12); Rangshila Theatre 1st Floor, 72/A Ground Floor, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova. (April 13)
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COST Rs 350 (for both)
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