It's never too late!

 Today I received an inquiry call for my class. The girl calling introduced herself ,expressed her interest and her first question was - I am 28 years old, can I start learning Odissi so late?

This isn't the first time I was asked such a question. It's a very common question asked at various ages in the range of  20 to 50.

In my opinion It's a myth that one cannot learn any serious /classical dance form post 20. There are many examples of successful dancers who started late.

There are many advantages to starting early in childhood, especially if you are going to choose dance as a profession. But most of the kids who start early do not know if they will become professional dancers later. Most kids are sent to dance school because their parents want them to learn dance or if they observe their child enjoy dance and music. It's rare for a child to ask for dance class let alone any specific form of dance. Sometimes children even lose their early interest in dance. So starting early doesn't necessarily mean you will be an excellent dancer in future. 

But approximately around 15- 16 , you feel like learning a specific dance form, mostly you are exposed to that form and genuinely like it and so you wish to learn it. Which in my opinion is a great start. At this age, you have the  exposure , ability to understand your likings, ability to make decisions to learn something and to commit to it and a certain level of  maturity. Here you will make an extra effort  to achieve something. 

In terms of physicality, most people are strong enough to start and if not, while learning, with correct guidance, encouragement, motivation and self practice , one can achieve the strength that is required to dance Odissi. Till 30 it's comparatively easy to work with your body. 

Although post 30 , for an average person the body changes a little and post 40 it does change a great deal. But  then, when you strongly feel like learning something , you really, very seriously mean it. At this stage  you are more likely to have a strong passion and will to learn. This is a fantastic time to start dancing. You may not have great physical strength, but it can be developed. Besides, you are not going to choose dance as a profession at this stage. You will be able to judge your ability better and make the right choices accordingly. So most likely you want to learn dance as a hobby. 

When you are learning it as a hobby , it's okay if you are not a great dancer, it's okay if you are not able to hold the posture as neatly as a professional dancer. You are learning purely for the joy of it. So why worry about perfection even before you start? Imagine in the future, looking back ,having  a deep regret of not learning to dance at all. 

So, if you are 20,30,40,50,60 or more doesn't matter, fret not….It's never too late!

Interesting Fact - My Guru Smt. Jhelum Paranjape started learning Odissi in early 20s. She is an amazing dancer, teacher and choreographer. Conferred with many awards and won many hearts.