There are lot of similarities between Yoga and Dance. Infact, being a classical dancer I believe that dance is same as yoga and sometimes more than that. Let us all explore this with me. 

 

Shiva is said to an Adiyogi which means the first Yogi. Shiva is also said to be the originator of Tandava, the masculine part of classical dance. Both Yoga and dance has same origin.

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As per Ashtanga Yoga philosophy, there are angas like Yama and Niyama. These angas help a Yogi to strengthen his/her mission towards union with the universe. An Indian classical dancer follows a discipline similar to Yama and Niyama learning the dance form. And these disciplines slowly moves into the dancer even when he/she is not dancing and playing other roles in life. And he/she becomes a Yogi.

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Hatha Yoga focuses on physical aspect of Yoga i.e. Asanas and Pranayama angas of Ashtanga Yoga. Dancing is very close to Asanas part of Yoga. Being a classical dancer keeps you very fit, young, focused practising the dance form.

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Dharana anga of Ashtanga Yoga asks about focusing on one thing. I promise you till the time I am in my dance class, no thought crosses my mind, it is like being in other world, like meditation. The only thing that has my focus on is my dance class. Such is the energy and aura of Indian classical dance form.

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Breathing plays major role in both dance and yoga. In both, breathing at correct timings helps one in performing them.

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If we talk about Indian classical dance forms like Odissi, many poses are very similar to Yoga.

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I will talk about Mudras and Anatomy too. But my research is still in process with these two things..... Keep looking the website for the same.

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