Lucknow, June 7 -- Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (BSV) is set to launch a certificate course in Dance Therapy from the academic session 2025-26. The course aims to promote dance as a method to support treatment of various health conditions. It will be offered by the university's department of dance and will span two semesters, shared vice chancellor prof Mandavi Singh. Controller of examinations and Kathak artist Ruchi Khare, who has conducted extensive research on using Kathak to treat fibromyalgia, in collaboration with Dr Siddharth Kumar from King George's Medical University (KGMU) and acupressure expert Dr Narendra Dev, said the course will focus on treating fibromyalgia patients through Kathak. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and insomnia. It is both a physical and psychological condition, affecting around 90 percent of women. The condition is diagnosed when a person experiences pain in 11 or more of 18 specific muscle and joint areas. "Although there is no complete cure, combining Kathak therapy with medication has shown better relief for patients," said Khare. She added that the course will cover the global history of dance, the significance of dance therapy, and practical training to provide therapy using dance movements. Those holding a degree in Kathak, medical professionals aspiring to work as dance therapists, and caregivers of fibromyalgia patients can apply. Khare also mentioned that the course will support skill development for students of BPA Kathak. "This will open up career opportunities for students as dance therapists in hospitals. The course will be free for BPA students at the university, while others will need to pay the certificate course fee set by the university," she said. Prof Singh added that this initiative is the first step towards the university's broader plan to promote music and dance therapies for various ailments. "We will soon introduce another course focusing on music and dance therapy for individuals dealing with stress and children with autism," she said....