Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Can a good Muslim learn an “art” such as classical Indian dancing in order to stay healthy and learn physical discipline?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
It is permitted to do things that do not entail the impermissible or reprehensible. If the art one seeks to pursue is such, then it is permitted. Otherwise, it would be disliked or impermissible, depending on what it includes.
Classical Indian dancing would normally entail several impermissible matters, including impermissible instrumental music, and reprehensible imitation, and would thus not be permitted.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani