A Qualitative Interview Study to Illuminate the Lived Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Impacts of Experienced Bharatanatyam Dancers

Abstract

Background: While some evidence suggests psychosocial and physical health benefits of Bharatanatyam (eg, Indian Classical Dance), no study has explored the lived experiences of Bharatanatyam dancers themselves and the value they place on this practice for their own well-being. Objective: Using a qualitative methodology, the purpose of this study is to explore Bharatanatyam dancers’ perceptions of this practice and its impact on their lives. Methods: Bharatanatyam dancers with at least 10 years of experience participated in a 60-minute recorded Zoom interview about their experience, history, and relationship with Bharatanatyam, with a focus on how it may have impacted their well-being. Using a Grounded Theory approach, research team members engaged in open coding to create an initial codebook from the first transcript, and then took an interrater reliability test (Kappa >.70) before coding subsequent transcripts. Group-based axial coding was used to create higher-order categories and themes from the original codes. Saturation was documented. Results: In total, 15 Bharatanatyam dancers were interviewed, resulting in 206 unique codes. Saturation was met for 82% of the codes. Axial coding yielded 27 higher-order categories, and five overarching themes: (1) “Foundations of Bharatanatyam”, which highlighted important aspects of the practice (2) “Heightened Connections” across emotional, spiritual, community, and cultural areas, (3) “Improvements in Mind/Body/Spirit” highlighting increased emotional, physical, cognitive, and energetic wellbeing, (4) “Motivations and Challenges for the Practice” such as perceived benefits and practice barriers, and (5) “Processes of Practice” highlighting the dynamic and stylistic nature of the art form. Conclusion: This study offers evidence that Bharatanatyam plays a role in a dancer’s well-being through heightened connection and improvement in physical and mental health; knowledge which can help transform its role from a mere artform to a creative healthcare modality.