Doctors Team With Dancers to Prevent Injuries

When Kathak dancer Arpita Banerjee dislocated her knee during rehearsal in 2010, she thought her career might be over. Instead, it sparked a movement that's now helping dancers across India understand the science behind every spin, leap, and posture.

Dr. Prashanth Nagaraj, an orthopedic surgeon who treated Arpita, recently led a workshop called "Biomechanics of Dance and Dancers' Bone Health" at Dhurii Studio in Bengaluru. The session brought together medical experts and dancers to analyze movements in real time, teaching performers to spot the difference between productive training and harmful strain.

"While the world sees grace and beauty, I involuntarily spot muscle fatigue and possible strain," said Dr. Prashanth, whose own mother studied Bharatanatyam. His unique perspective bridges clinical science with the physical demands of classical dance.

The workshop tackled issues dancers often ignore, like flat feet and chronic ankle pain. Dr. Bhavana M.B., a pediatric physiotherapist, demonstrated how the impact of foot-tapping travels through the entire body. "The harder you tap your feet, the stronger the impact on your legs, hips and spine," she explained while showing dancers corrective exercises.

Arpita's recovery reshaped how she approaches dance. "Pain is often ignored by dancers, especially when we start as children," she shared. Her organization, Anaadya Performing Arts, now advocates for informed movement practices that honor both artistry and anatomy.

The science reveals fascinating differences between dance forms. Bharatanatyam emphasizes postural strength, while Kathak demands intense neuromuscular control during spins. Odissi dancer Madhulita Mohapatra explained that injuries typically come from "collapsing into knees, locking joints, or practicing without sufficient preparation."

Why This Inspires

This collaboration shows how traditional art forms can evolve without losing their essence. Legendary gurus like Kelucharan Mohapatra and Pandit Birju Maharaj danced into their advanced years because they respected technique and moderation.

Bharatanatyam dancer Shijit Nambiar proved the power of this approach after a devastating 2013 road accident. Doctors predicted seven months of recovery for his shattered knee. Through rigorous physiotherapy and understanding of biomechanics, he returned to the stage in four months.

"For centuries, Indian classical dance traditions have nurtured resilient bodies," said Shijit, who trained at Kalakshetra in Chennai. "Injury prevention was built into the training because classical dance is backed by science."

The doctors even study dancers who perform with prosthetic limbs, like Sudha Chandran and Amy Purdy. Their cases are examined globally because they demonstrate how understanding biomechanics helps overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

Rest matters as much as practice, Dr. Prashanth emphasized. "If you have a performance tomorrow, divide practice over a week," he advised. "Bones and muscles need time to recuperate."

These workshops are spreading a simple but revolutionary message: understanding your body doesn't limit your art. When dancers combine centuries-old technique with modern medical knowledge, they create something even more beautiful than grace alone.