The day was full of surprises, with just two participants for our workshop. We had questions about whether we should cancel. We decided against it, and perhaps it was a good thing.The workshop was an experience. Things that we had planned could not take place simply because there were not enough people. Yet, it taught us much. I came away with no regrets about having done it, but lots of questions. Tomorrow will be an experience too. With a performance scheduled, it will be strange if there are just two people, and even stranger if there are fewer.Maybe more will show up; maybe not. If nothing else, twenty years of training in Bharatanatyam will stand us in good stead. It helps when dance is flowing through your veins! … [Read more...]
Abhinaya – A Workshop on Indian Classical Dance
This weekend, we bring to you a dance workshop - Abhinaya ... … [Read more...]
Performances and Workshops
Many books on dance talk about how the layman likes quick movements and rhythmic pieces. There is a certain amount of condescension when dancers write about quick eye-movements and complicated-looking footwork because all of that is eye-wash. It is easy showmanship for an uninitiated audience. The true connoisseurs of art, say dancers, are those who realise the beauty of slowness and depth rather than eye-catching speed.In 2012, we had three performances in France - two in Renage, and one in Voiron. After our Renage performances, we asked our friends and members of the audience which pieces they liked so that we could decide on the pieces we would perform at Voiron. And the answers took us by surprise.The favourite pieces, we discovered, were the slower, deeper pieces. Those that explored a rasa like bhakti, devotion. Those that gave full sway to abhinaya.Because abhinaya, whether … [Read more...]
Nayanabhinaya
What is Nayanabhinaya?Divide the word and we get "Nayana" (eyes) and "Abhinaya" (loosely translated as expression).The eyes are an essential part of Indian classical dance, and that is one of the reasons why they are highlighted with thick kohl. The eyes express emotion and create beauty.Learn the basics of Nayanabhinaya at our workshop on Abhinaya at The Cultural Centre. Dates: 26th and 27th July, 2014 Time: 5 pm - 7 pm Fee: Rs. 1,500 … [Read more...]
Hastaabhinaya – expressing through your hands
Classical dance is a language that has the power to express your deepest emotions. When we learn a language from scratch, where do we begin? When you read, you begin with A-B-C; when you sing you begin with Do Re Mi ... The alphabet of dance consists of mudras or patterns formed with your hands. With four fingers and a thumb, the number of mudras we can form is extensive. Codified by the Natya Shastra, a treatise on dramaturgy, mudras form the base of Indian classical dance.What makes a mudra beautiful? What can we express with our hands? Who sets down these rules? How can I understand something I see? Expression through our hands - Hastaabhinaya. At "Abhinaya", our dance workshop at The Cultural Centre. … [Read more...]
Abhinaya: A Dance Workshop
What is abhinaya? Does it really just mean 'expression'?Etymologically, abhinaya comes from two words 'abhi' (towards) and 'niya' (leading). So, Abhinaya leads you, the audience towards something. And what is that something? Rasa - aesthetic pleasure. Considering that these ideas come from the Natya Shastra, the abhinaya aspect of dance is linked to theatre and drama. It involves the aspect of dance that deals with storytelling, expression and emotion.Come, experience the richness and depth of abhinaya with us at "Abhinaya: A Workshop on Indian Classical Dance" at The Cultural Centre later this month.Dates: 26th and 27th July, 2014 Time: 5 pm - 7 pm Fee: Rs. 1,500For more details, do contact me or call: 09764441478 … [Read more...]
Workshop Coming Soon …
We are conducting a dance workshop (followed by a performance) soon ...I will share the details in the next few days! … [Read more...]
Thank you!
For all those who came and watched me and listened to me at Art Hop Pune, thank you!I began with almost no one in my audience. In five minutes, there were over twenty people - a large number in such a small place. And as I was doing my last piece, the place was full. I was honoured!Of course, the result of having no one to begin with was that I forgot to market myself. I forgot to tell people that I was a writer and a dancer. In the very end, I apologised and said, "By the way, I'm a writer too. And my collection, The Story-Catcher, is on sale here."Needless to say, no copies were sold.Despite that, what a charming experience it was! Art Hop Pune was a grand event! … [Read more...]
Lecture Demonstration at Art Hop Pune
Nritta is one of the two pillars of the magnificent structure called dance. Nritta is pure technique, with no hidden symbolism, no complex meaning and no detailed explanation involved. What is the purpose, then, of nritta?That's one of the modules of today's lecture demonstration at Oakwood Sen5es at 5pm. Be part of Art Hop Pune! … [Read more...]
Workshop on Rasa at Art Hop Pune
I will be facilitating a short workshop on Rasa: Understanding the Aesthetics of Indian Classical Dance on Sunday the 27th of April, 2014, at Oakwood Sen5es at 5pm as part of Art Hop Pune. I hope to see you there! … [Read more...]