Lifestyle

Last Chance to Shape the Conversation: Name Change Survey Seeks Diverse Perspectives

Published

5 months ago

December 5, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Easy Name Change

Byline: Louie Aldip

Changing one’s name has become a growing focus in personal identity management, with more people seeing it as an important part of their self-expression. To understand this trend, Easy Name Change, a company specializing in assisting individuals through the name change process, is conducting a survey to collect data on the experiences of those who have changed or plan to change their names. The survey seeks to provide insights into motivations, challenges, and potential improvements to the process.

The survey targets several key groups:

Engaged or newlywed individuals aged 25-40
Divorcees aged 25-60
Anyone who has legally changed their name

The survey is open to all genders, though many respondents are expected to be female. Individuals who have changed their name in the past 24 months or plan to do so in the next 12 months are invited to participate.

Trends in Personal Identity Management

The personal services industry, which includes name change services, is seeing notable growth. Market forecasts suggest an increase from $1,379.77 billion in 2024 to $1,891.41 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%, highlighting a shift in how people manage their personal identities.

A researcher at Easy Name Change remarks, “People’s perceptions of their names are changing. More and more, names are viewed as flexible elements of personal identity.” While marriage and divorce continue to be common reasons for name changes, there is a rising number of individuals who are making changes for personal or gender identity reasons.

Administrative and Financial Considerations

The name change process can be time-consuming, often involving multiple steps, from court petitions to updating personal and official records. The survey aims to quantify the amount of time and effort involved in these tasks.

A legal expert at Easy Name Change explains, “Court approval is just the first step. After that, individuals need to update their name with various institutions and organizations.” Initial results suggest that most people spend between 20 and 30 hours completing the necessary updates across different platforms and documents.

The survey also explores the financial aspects of name changes. Preliminary data shows that individuals spend between $500 and $1,000 on name change-related costs, excluding any potential lost wages for time taken off work. These findings could contribute to future discussions on making the process more affordable and accessible.

Broader Implications for Identity Management

The insights gathered from this survey could help shape future industry practices and influence policy discussions around identity management in a world where digital and legal identities are increasingly intertwined.

A spokesperson from Easy Name Change notes, “Name changes reflect broader social shifts in how we understand personal identity. This survey aims to shed light on the practical aspects of these changes and help develop policies and services that better meet people’s needs.”

As the survey wraps up, Easy Name Change hopes to provide a comprehensive look at current name change experiences. Individuals interested in contributing can participate in the survey here.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

21 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.