The Neuroscientific Basis and Therapeutic Potential of Indian Classical Dance: A Review

Résumé 0

Indian Classical dance forms, or Nritya, encompass a rich connection between intricate movements and abhinaya - a form of story telling by the dancer using facial expressions and mudras. While the aesthetic and cultural significance of Nritya embraces a deep philosophy of the existence and is well established, its potential impact and influence on the neural networks of our brain remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, it is important and instructive to delve into the intersection of Nritya and neuroscience to investigate how this ancient Indian art-form influences cognitive processes.Drawing on the principles of embodied cognition, we explore how themulti-faceted aspects of Nritya training - encompassing physical movement, rhythm perception, emotional expression and mudra formations - impact various brain regions. We also examine potential benefits for cognitive function, such as self-awareness, memory, spatial navigation, and motor control. Additionally, in this paper we delve briefly into neuroaesthetics, and explores another important role of Nritya in leveraging the emotional well-being. Unveiling the link between Nritya and neuro-cognition will not only deepen our understanding of this cultural heritage but also open a dimension for future research on the cognitive and therapeutic benefits of Indian classical dance.