Old School Meets New Groove: The Dance Therapy Rivalry?
Word on the street is that two dance institutions—one a legend, the other a rising star—are shaking things up in dance education and therapy. We’re talking about none other than 92NY (92nd Street Y, a cultural powerhouse that’s been leading for 150 years) and BAFA USA (Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, thriving at 15 years old). One has history, and the other has hunger, but here’s the tea: their approaches to dance therapy and education are eerily similar.
Both institutions have made dance a daily ritual, integrating movement into education to heal, inspire, and empower their students. While 92NY has been a long-standing dance, wellness, and culture hub in New York, BAFA USA has made waves by uplifting Bangladeshi heritage through dance while embracing global techniques.
Let’s talk about morning meetings because that’s where the magic begins. Instead of the usual “sit in a circle and share” routine, these schools take things up a notch. Dance yoga, Aramandi (that perfect Bharatanatyam posture), and other classical Indian movements aren’t just for the stage—they’re seamlessly woven into morning rituals, choreographed by dedicated educators to match students’ abilities.
But wait—there’s more! A 15-20-minute breathing exercise follows to center the mind and focus on the day’s learning target. Think meditative moments, controlled breaths, and a calm-before-the-storm energy shift that preps students for the day ahead. And let’s not forget the power of affirmative statements—starting the day with “I am strong,” “I am creative,” or even “I am ready to dance through challenges.”
When you think they’re done, both programs wrap up with something even more heartwarming—the “turn and talk” exit ritual. Whether it’s a reflection on their movements, a pep talk for a nervous performer, or just a shared moment of support and encouragement, students don’t leave class without lifting each other.
So, is it a rivalry or a revolution? Is BAFA USA taking cues from the legendary 92NY, or is 92NY picking up on the fresh energy of BAFA USA? Either way, one thing is clear: dance therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of education. And if these two institutions keep moving the way they do, we might witness the birth of a new era in dance-based learning.
In the heart of New York’s Bangladeshi community, two dance academies—one in the Bronx and the other in Queens—have been locked in an unspoken war for years. Rivalry? Check. Drama? Endless. And leg-pulling? Oh, it was practically an art form.
At the center of it all was a teacher whose name carried respect and controversy. Nepotism? Allegedly. Favoritism? Without a doubt. Eventually, the Bronx Academy had enough, and out he went—straight into the welcoming arms of the Queens Academy. A power move? Perhaps. But fate had other plans.
One day, tragedy struck. The once-revered teacher was found dead in his Bronx apartment, leaving both academies in turmoil. His presence, once divisive, now felt like an irreplaceable void. An eerie silence now overshadows the rivalry that once thrived on competition.
Years passed, but history has a way of making a comeback. Just when the past seemed buried, a student emerged, carrying his legacy, technique, and unfinished battles. Rising from the ashes of controversy, she had one mission: to untangle the deep-seated prejudices that had kept the dance world divided for so long.
And just like that, New York had a new name to whisper in the shadows of its dance halls—Chitrangada.
But she’s not just a dancer. Oh no, darling, she’s a choreographer-turned-performer and psychologist, a mental health advocate, and who vanished into the whispers of an asylum only to return with unfinished business. Undo? Redo? That remains to be seen.
What brought her back were prejudices—the invisible chains that had bound the Bangladeshi dance community for years. As she dissected the deep-seated biases, she stumbled upon something more significant: the Dance for Fitness (DFF) Initiative, a community-driven movement to heal young immigrants through dance. The class size is 6-8, and meets twice a month for three months. The Bridging the Learning Gap program component is Dance For Fitness.
Here’s the irony—while the city had long debated whether dance was art or rivalry, DFF had already been using movement to mend broken spirits. Adolescents aged 10–15 found their rhythm in choreography and self-discovery. And Chitrangada? She saw an opportunity to merge her worlds—mental health, dance therapy, and community healing.
From DMF Youth’s after-school empowerment programs to Dance for All’s inclusive movement curriculum, from Children’s Aid NYC’s trauma-focused approach to Fit4Dance NYC’s holistic fitness, Chitrangada’s research took her through the underbelly of dance as therapy. New York had been dancing toward healing all along—but who was genuinely watching?
And then, there was him—the mentor who once dictated the fates of dancers, the man whose scandalous favoritism sparked chaos. He was gone, but his influence wasn’t. Did Chitrangada return to honor him, challenge him, or erase him? No one knew. But what they did know was this:
She’s back. And this time, the stage isn’t just for performance—it’s for revolution.
Episode Title: “The Fallen Mentor: Scandals in the Spotlight”
Opening Scene:
📍 A dimly lit dance studio in the Bronx. The mirrors reflect the sweat and determination of young dancers, but in the shadows, a different kind of tension simmers. A mentor once revered now walks a tightrope between talent and controversy…
Act 1: Arrival of the Enigmatic Mentor
When Mahta arrived in New York from Bangladesh on an artist visa, the dance world took notice. Trained in classical Bharatanatyam and Odissi but equally gifted in modern fusion and contemporary, he was a rare blend of tradition and reinvention. The Bronx Academy welcomed him with open arms, hoping he would elevate their school’s reputation.
And he did—at first.
His classes were full, and his choreography was breathtaking. He introduced techniques no one had seen before, modernizing Bangladeshi dance without losing its soul.
But then… whispers began.
Act 2: Conflict of Interest or Sabotage?
Students started noticing favoritism—a select few always getting lead roles, some mysteriously landing performance opportunities outside the academy. Was it mentorship? Or manipulation?
The Queens Academy—always watching—wasn’t pleased. Rivalry or jealousy? No one could say. But Mahta had admirers… and enemies.
Then came the sponsorship deals, workshops outside the academy, and private coaching for wealthy patrons—all under the table. Some said he was building his empire within the school. Others called it passion and ambition.
The breaking point? An anonymous complaint. The Bronx Academy launched an internal investigation. Nepotism, favoritism, negligence in duty, financial irregularities… The walls were closing in.
Act 3: The Mysterious Fall
Before he could be fired, he resigned. Not out of guilt—no, Mahta never admitted to wrongdoing. Instead, he made a grand exit, walking straight into the arms of the rival Queens Academy. A calculated move? A desperate escape? No one knew for sure.
But one thing was sure—he wasn’t done yet.
Until… tragedy.
One evening, in his small Bronx apartment, Mahta was found dead. The official cause? Heart attack. But the rumors? They whispered something else—kidney failure.
- Was it the stress of bias and prejudices?
- A silent vendetta finally executed?
- Or is just fate playing its cruelest trick?
No one had answers—only a void. And a legacy is now up for grabs.
Act 4: Enter Chitrangada
Years later, one of his former students, Chitrangada, returns. She is a psychologist, a choreographer, and a woman on a mission. She doesn’t just want to teach; she wants more than truth.
Because buried beneath the story are the prejudices, education, and hidden hands that shaped the human. And if Mahta were guilty of anything, she would find out.
The stage is set.
And the whispers?
They’re about to turn into a reckoning.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Episode Title: “Breath, Balance, and Betrayal”
Opening Scene:
📍 A modest Bronx apartment, barely lit by the pale morning sun. The wooden floor creaks as a man moves with fluid grace—slow, deliberate motions of Bharatanatyam merging seamlessly into the grounded breathwork of yoga. His breath is steady, his presence magnetic. Mahta is alone, yet he dances as if the world is watching.
Act 1: Morning Rituals & A Double Life
Guru Mahta had a routine every morning before heading to the public school where he worked as a teaching artist.
- 6:00 AM: A long stretch into a deep bow, his palms pressing into the floor.
- 6:15 AM: A controlled exhale as he transitions into a warrior pose, his toned arms extending outward like a statement—strength and grace in one breath.
- 6:30 AM: A final meditation—eyes closed, spine straight, whispering words only he could hear.
He wasn’t just a dance teacher. He was a man of contradictions—gay but deeply closeted, progressive but consumed by his own biases, a modernist in his art but rigid in his judgments. His charm was undeniable. His students adored him; colleagues admired him, but rivals? They despised him.
Yet, in the public school where he worked part-time, he was a different Mahta.
Act 2: Yoga & Affirmations in the Classroom
Cut to a New York City public school, a dance studio filled with young students stretching on yoga mats. Guru Mahta, now dressed in crisp athleisure, moves among them like a conductor, orchestrating their breaths.
He had introduced a radical morning meeting ritual for a public school setting.
- 10 minutes of dance-infused yoga to wake up the body.
- 15-20 minutes of breathwork, centering their minds, focusing on the day’s learning target.
- Affirmations—each student declaring:
- “I am strong.”
- “I am creative.”
- “I am ready to dance through challenges.”
The students loved it. His critics, however, did not.
“He’s turning the classroom more engaged and student-led in an academic space.”
“Does his project accommodate only certain kinds or levels of people?”
“Maybe he’s using dance as a front for something else.”
What exactly? Nobody said it out loud.
But they all watched. And waited.
Act 3: Prejudices & Power Plays
Guru Mahta had always known that jealousy and prejudice were deep-rooted in the New York community. But what cut deeper was the betrayal from within.
There were whispers about his favoritism, personal biases, and unapologetic queerness—and then came the accusations of conflict of interest.
- Was he using the school to recruit students for his dance projects?
- Was he building a secret empire behind closed doors?
- Or was he too modern, bold, and unwilling to play by the old rules?
No one had answers. But the knives were out.
And when he was dismissed from the Bronx Academy, he never saw it coming.
Act 4: The Last Performance
The night before his death, Guru Mahta danced.
Not for an audience. Not for his students.
For himself.
In his small Bronx apartment, he moved through the motions he had practiced for years—slow, deliberate, as if rewriting his own story. He was a man torn between past and future, tradition and reinvention.
But this would be his final act.
Because in the morning, he would be found still, breathless, lifeless.
The whispers turned into silence.
And the legacy he fought so hard to build?
It was now a puzzle for someone else to solve.
Act 5: Enter Chitrangada
The one student who had never stopped believing in him.
She knew his flaws. She knew his brilliance.
And now, she was back. Not just to honor him. But to uncover the truth.
Because in the world of dance, where movement tells stories…
Some stories refuse to be buried.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Guidelines for Implementing a Dance Yoga Course
Course Title: Dance for Fitness: Mind-Body Wellness Through Movement
Instructor: Psychologist & Mental Health Educator Choreographer
Target Audience: Adolescents (Ages 10-15)
Course Duration:
- 3 months program
- Two sessions per month
- Class size: 6-8 students
Implementation Steps
1. Define Objectives
- Promote mental well-being through dance and yoga.
- Improve focus, emotional regulation, and stress management.
- Strengthen physical health, flexibility, and endurance.
- Enhance self-expression and confidence through movement.
- Foster community and inclusivity among young immigrants.
2. Set Up the Space
- Location: A dance studio, school gym, or community center.
- Equipment Needed: Yoga mats, music system, mirrors, comfortable clothing.
- Ambiance: Soft lighting, calming colors, and a welcoming environment.
3. Structure Each Session
- Warm-up (10 min): Breathing exercises, stretching, and intention setting.
- Main Activity (30 min): Dance and yoga sequences.
- Cool-down (10 min): Guided meditation, affirmations, and reflections.
4. Integrate Psychological & Emotional Components
- Mindfulness & Self-Awareness Exercises before and after movement.
- Affirmations & Positive Self-Talk for confidence-building.
- Reflection & Journaling to track emotions and progress.
5. Monitor & Assess Progress
- Self-assessments (e.g., How do you feel before vs. after class?)
- Observational notes by the instructor on emotional & physical improvements.
- Student feedback to ensure engagement and effectiveness.
Six Lesson Plans for “Dance for Fitness”
Lesson 1: Movement for Mindfulness
Objective: Learn to connect breath with movement for focus and calm.
- Warm-up: Deep breathing & gentle yoga poses (Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow).
- Main Activity: Simple choreographed dance integrating rhythmic breathing.
- Cool-down: Guided visualization & affirmation circle.
Lesson 2: Expressing Emotions Through Dance
Objective: Use movement as a tool for emotional release and self-expression.
- Warm-up: Free movement with music, feeling the rhythm.
- Main Activity: Choreographed movements based on different emotions.
- Cool-down: Pair-sharing about their experience, ending with a grounding exercise.
Lesson 3: Strengthening the Body & Mind
Objective: Build endurance and confidence through dance and yoga.
- Warm-up: Strength-building yoga poses (Plank, Warrior II).
- Main Activity: Dance cardio with mental focus techniques (counting steps, visualization).
- Cool-down: Progressive muscle relaxation & self-affirmation exercise.
Lesson 4: Social Connection & Teamwork
Objective: Improve social-emotional skills through partner/group movements.
- Warm-up: Interactive movement games (mirroring partner’s moves).
- Main Activity: Group choreography emphasizing unity & trust.
- Cool-down: Group reflection with gratitude statements.
Lesson 5: Dance as a Stress Reliever
Objective: Reduce anxiety and tension through movement.
- Warm-up: Tension-release exercises (shaking, bouncing, stretching).
- Main Activity: Dance improvisation to uplifting music.
- Cool-down: Breath-focused relaxation & journaling.
Lesson 6: Celebrating Growth & Creativity
Objective: Showcase progress and boost self-esteem.
- Warm-up: Reflection circle – sharing personal growth.
- Main Activity: Student-led mini-performances.
- Cool-down: Meditation on self-acceptance & positive closure.