It is common knowledge that pregnant women are advised exercise to facilitate easy delivery, but not many know of a fun alternative to it—dance therapy. The trend is fast catching up and has the approval of many gynecologists.
Asha Nimbalkar, who conceived recently, is looking forward to attend a dance therapy workshop.
“I am a fitness buff. Until recently, I worked out at the gym five days a week. Now I am advised against strenuous exercise, so this dance therapy is an ideal progression.”
She says she felt happy and exhilarated by dancing through her pregnancy, besides managing to stay fit. She is attending the workshop of AV Satyanarayana, who kickstarted this trend. He trains pregnant women to dance to the beats of classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Acknowledging the benefits of dance therapy, leading gynecologist and director, BACC, Dr Kamini Rao, has backed him from his initial days. Other well-known gynecologists in the city, Dr Hema Diwakar and Dr Rajeshwari Shekar, too endorse Satyanaraya’s work in the field.
Emphasising the importance of physical activity for pregnant women, Satyanarayana says, “Exercise is very important during pregnancy. These days, women are overcautious, many of them end up doing no physical activity while carrying. They don’t realise that this could lead to difficulty during delivery, their bodies become stiff and they are unable to control their breathing.”
Satyanarayana’s classes involve dance moves especially choreographed keeping the expectant mother in mind. A mix of Bharatanatyam, martial arts and rhythmic movements is designed to tell the story of the loving relationship shared between Yashoda her son Krishna. “At the end of the day, dancing is fun, and through this choreographed piece, we bring out the maternal instincts in these women.” Many of the dance moves depict domestic chores, such as churning of milk or drawing water from a well.
Dance therapy, if followed correctly, reduces body fat, strengthens muscles and vital organs like the heart and lungs, also makes the body more supple, which help in a smooth delivery. The steps are designed to strengthen back, abdomen, and pelvic floor muscles and help in easing backache, which is a common side effect of pregnancy.Dr Padmini Prasad, director, Institute of Sexual Medicine, says dance therapy has the same benefits as any other exercise form, including yoga.
“Ultimately, this is also an exercise. It will improve flexibility of the woman’s body, and increase muscle- and joint-strength, which are very important,” she says.
While she feels there is no contraindication associated with it, scientific research data would propel doctors to recommend it to their patients more widely.
