Transitioning from one form of art to another might seem like an unusual shift. Yet, when I went from practising cultural Indian dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, a classical style, to boxing, I realised there were more intersections between these two worlds than I had initially imagined. Cultural Indian dance and boxing may appear worlds apart—one focused on grace, rhythm, and cultural expression, while the other emphasises power, agility, and endurance. However, there are valuable lessons that connect the two in unexpected ways. Here’s a short reflection on this transition and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Discipline
Both Indian classical dance and boxing demand a high level of discipline. As a dancer, I was taught the importance of practice, precision, and dedication. The discipline required to master complex footwork, intricate hand gestures (mudras), and synchronised movements is no less intense than that needed to refine a punch or perfect footwork in boxing. The hours spent rehearsing in front of the mirror, correcting subtle missteps, and focusing on breath control in dance mirrored my boxing training, where repetition and attention to form are key to mastering the sport.
The discipline I cultivated in dance provided the foundation I needed for boxing. It taught me to push past physical limits and focus on the finer details. In both disciplines, I learned that consistent effort and the ability to overcome discomfort are crucial to achieving mastery.
The discipline I cultivated in dance provided the foundation I needed for boxing. It taught me to push past physical limits and focus on the finer details. In both disciplines, I learned that consistent effort and the ability to overcome discomfort are crucial to achieving mastery.
Body Awareness and Control
In Bharatanatyam, the body becomes an instrument for storytelling. Every muscle, every angle, every tilt of the head has significance. The control and flexibility developed through dance are incredibly transferable to boxing. In dance, your posture, core strength, and breath control are vital for fluidity and grace. These same qualities in boxing help ground you, stay agile, and maintain balance when throwing punches or defending attacks.
Through dance, I developed a deep awareness of my body’s alignment and movement. When I started boxing, I realised that these same skills allowed me to move efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain. Boxing is about the economy of movement, much like dance, where every gesture counts and excess energy should be avoided. This awareness has been invaluable as it’s allowed me to preserve energy and avoid injury while boxing.
Rhythm and Timing
In Indian classical dance, rhythm (called “tala”) is central to performance. The intricate beats and patterns guide the dance, and a dancer must be in sync with them to maintain fluidity. Boxing also involves rhythm, but it’s more about timing and flow—when to strike, when to move when to defend.
The connection between rhythm in dance and timing in boxing was one of the most surprising revelations for me. I found that my innate sense of rhythm from dance gave me a natural ability to anticipate and flow with the movements in the boxing ring. I began to recognise the subtle timing of an opponent’s moves, knowing when to step back, when to counter-punch, and when to take control of the space. In both dance and boxing, it’s not just about the movement itself but also about how it fits into a larger rhythm or pattern.
Emotional Expression and Mental Strength
Dance is a deeply emotional experience—it’s about expressing stories, emotions, and devotion through movement. Similarly, boxing, though often perceived as aggressive, is about mental strength, focus, and control. Transitioning from dance to boxing made me realise that both are outlets for emotional release, albeit in different ways.
In dance, the expression of emotion through the body using movement, gestures and facial expressions, helps to connect with the audience. In boxing, emotional control is key—remaining calm and collected in the face of a challenge is just as important as the strength to deliver a knockout punch. Both disciplines crystallise how one can channel their emotions whether it’s the joy of performance or the intensity of a fight into focused action. Additionally, boxing builds a layer of mental toughness, helping me stay present, not letting fear take over, and pushing through discomfort—a lesson I drew from my dance practice.
The Intersection of Art and Sport
Ultimately, transitioning from cultural Indian dance to boxing has shown me the intersection between art and sport. Both are forms of expression, requiring immense dedication, skill, and focus. While dance connects the body with spiritual expression, boxing connects it with physical prowess and strategic thinking.
The lessons learned in each discipline—discipline, body awareness, timing, and emotional control—are universal. They are the shared underpinnings of both artistic and athletic endeavours. In this way, one can appreciate that the boundaries between dance and sport are not as rigid as they may seem. They are two sides of the same coin—both fostering growth, discipline, and self-expression in unique ways.
Whether you’re a dancer considering a new form of movement or a boxer exploring the depths of emotional and physical discipline, my journey from Bharatanatyam to boxing proves that the skills we develop in one area can enrich our experiences in another.
The beauty lies in recognising the similarities between seemingly different practices and using those lessons to grow physically and mentally.
Watch the Video: Produced in collaboration with Namaste New Zealand and supported by NZ On Air reflects my journey and weaves together the worlds of classical Indian dance and boxing—showing how these seemingly different disciplines can intersect and complement each other.
Stay inspired!
S