Coinciding with Mental Health Week, Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence together with APPG for Dance recently organised a fascinating event titled “The Role of Dance in Health, Wellbeing, and Community Cohesion”.
Hosted by Baroness Fraser in the presence of Co-Chair Baroness Hooper, Baroness Mobarik, and Baroness Sater at the House of Lords, the event had thought-provoking presentations and dance & movement demonstrations that captivated the full house of attendees.
Captain Munish Chauhan, Surgical Registrar in the British Army spoke on combat stress and stress management, Gulnaz Brennan, Founder of SheInspires Network spoke on how dance empowers survivors of domestic violence and supports mental well-being, Chanukya Rajagopala spoke on how the concept of Bollyfit was amalgamating different genres of dance, and Singer-Songwriter Renu Gidoomal spoke on the impact of music on Dementia that engaged the attendees very well.
Sarah Quraishi, Press Advisor at the High Commission of India spoke on strengthening the Living Bridge through dance and performing arts.
Lakshmi Pillai through Bharatanatyam, Hrishikesh Kizhikkiyil through centuries-old martial art form Kalaripayattu, and Dr. Adriana through Odissi demonstrated movements that help in muscle strength, coordination, blood circulation, and posture. Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre, spotlighted the benefits of dance therapy in Down’s and autistic children and has also performed a calming genre of dance presentation.
Sushil Rapatwar and Manju Sunil coordinated the flow of the event which concluded with acknowledgements to all presenters, who have come from all over England. Audiences shared excellent feedback about how rich and meaningful the content was.