Yoga and Indian classical dance are deeply connected, with Lord Shiva known as both Adiyogi and Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. The first four limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—discipline, self-practice, posture, and breath control—build the physical strength and flexibility needed for dance. The next four—inner focus, concentration, meditation, and peace—help dancers connect deeply with their purpose, making each movement mindful and expressive. Molina Singh shares her thoughts.
How yoga enhances dance: Experts share hidden connection you didn’t know
Samira Vishwas | June 21, 2025 9:24 PM CST
New Delhi: Yoga and dance may seem like two different worlds — one rooted in stillness and inner awareness, the other expressive and dynamic. But when looked at closely, they share a profound alignment that makes them beautifully complementary. Both yoga and dance are forms of embodied movement, where the body becomes a medium to express energy, emotions, and consciousness.
In many traditional Indian art forms, especially classical dance like Bharatanatyam or Odissi, yoga is intrinsically woven into the technique. On this special occasion of International Yoga Day, with two renowned classical dancers, who have shared their thoughts on how Yoga and Dance are spiritually aligned, and how it should be a part of everyone’s routine, finding purpose in life and living with it forever.
Renowned choreographer and performer Dr Anita Ratnam and Molina Singh, Manipuri, Kathak and Odissi dancer, have shared their thoughts in conversation with News9live, to provide insights into their journey of how yoga helped them and also to motivate others around.
How do yoga and Indian classical dance complement each other to build mind-body awareness?
Dr Anita shares her views, saying, it is in Yoga, Classical dance that the names of mudras and Asanas are chosen after animals, nature and birds.. Mayura (peacock), Ardha Chandra (half moon), Shekhar (mountain). In yoga, you have the Dhanurasana ( bow pose), Bhujangasana ( cobra pose), and Matsyasana (fish pose). Nature has informed the names of the Asanas and Mudras.
How are classical dance mudras similar to yoga asanas?
Dr Anita says, Both are different disciplines with differing approaches. One can be a yoga practitioner without being a dancer, but a dancer needs to learn yoga for flexibility, strength and balance.
Molina Singh shares, Mudras in yoga are used to create energy circles, whereas in dance, it is mainly symbolic, either to depict something or just as an ornament for a beautiful pose. However few of Yoga mudras and dance mudras are similar like Anjali Mudra/ Namaste, Pataka (Asamyukta hasta) in dance is one of the variation of Abhaya mudra in yoga. Like “Agni mudra” in yoga is a combination of two dance mudras depicted in Bharatmuni’s Natyashastra, which are Mukul and Tripataka Hasta.
Do you include yoga in your daily routine as a dancer?
We got to know that Molina Singh is a certified advanced-level yoga teacher from The Yoga Institute, Mumbai and Yoga Vidya Niketan, Vashi. It is a wrong conception that only a certain practice is going to help. It is a myth that Asana and Pranayama are yoga. Yoga is a way of living. I eat, drink, breathe, sleep Yoga. You can not alienate or cut yourself from yoga once you are into it. You are in a false perception of yoga if it is only time-bound.
Dr Anita shares, Yoga has been part of my daily life routine since age 8. I was cured of chronic asthma only due to consistent yoga classes with Acharya Krishnamacharya. I have experienced the benefit of daily yoga no matter where I travel or live. It is like a shadow partner in my life and health.
Q: How did yoga and dance help you deal with stress, stage anxiety, or emotions?
Molina shares with us, yes. I am a certified advanced-level yoga teacher from The Yoga Institute, Mumbai and Yoga Vidya Niketan, Vashi. It is a wrong conception that only a certain practice is going to help. It is a myth that Asana and Pranayama are yoga. Yoga is a way of living. I eat, drink, breathe, sleep Yoga. You can not alienate or cut yourself from yoga once you are into it. You are in a false perception of yoga if it is only time-bound.
Dr Anita shares her journey, saying, I practice a series of yoga asanas depending on the time of day and the level of stress. I also chant slokas and Buddhist meditative routines. It is a combination of all these that has helped me. Yoga has been hugely beneficial in regulating my gut and digestive issues. I practice Pranayama, the technique of yoga breathing for calmness and a balanced state of mind to deal with stress, deadlines and other emotional issues.
How yoga transform not just the body but also enhance creativity and self-expression?
The experts share that if yoga can become a daily habit of at least 45 minutes a day, optimum health is within reach. Creativity comes from a calm state of mind when there is stillness, and ideas can flow. Yoga asanas and Yogic Pranayama can clear the restlessness and create a very good template for curiosity, ideas and new movement possibilities.
Yoga, as I said, is a way of living. Your body and mind have to be in tune, aligned and vibrating as one. This can only be achieved through yoga. When you are still and at peace with yourself, the creative energy will find a way to channelise in the most beautiful way you could imagine.
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