.About Dance India

Dance India is unique as the only residential international summer school for Indian dance in the UK. More than this though, Dance India is a movement that supports the learning, development, and performance of Indian dance in the UK and the West.

For one intensive week, participants completely immerse themselves within the world of Indian dance, receiving unprecedented access to a wide range of activities, learning experiences, training opportunities and performances. This holistic training leaves students with a trans-formative experience which informs and enhances their future dance practice.

Each Dance India strives to provide a more diverse and exciting experience than the last. This year we continue this vision by streamlining and developing key strands in the training programme. The school takes place once again in the beautiful setting of Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus. With students living and learning on campus, in beautiful gardens and a state of the art performance theatre, the Dance India experience will be greater than ever.

One of the most significant benefits of Dance India is the teaching faculty. The experience of learning from and interacting with legendary gurus and some of the finest teachers and performers of our time is unique. The tutors are all assisted by musicians who complement their teaching by providing live rhythm accompaniment.

The one week programme is suitable from age 16 years onwards and adults of all ages. Accomplished, responsible young learners between the ages of 12-16 may also join Dance India on the recommendation of their teachers and on the complete understanding of the youngster’s parent/guardian that Milapfest does not and cannot undertake their special supervision inside or outside of programmed sessions. The admission will be facilitated if a responsible, co-resident adult (including a participant or tutor) takes charge of their conduct, participation and wellbeing for the duration of Dance India.

Programme Approach & Ethos

Dance India offers intensive training in three classical Indian dance styles; Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi. With each dance style, there are different courses of study which focus on two main areas: exploring and developing technique, and building on repertoire. Participants also experience the unique approach of the teaching faculty members, each of whom are internationally renowned performers and choreographers in their fields.

Participants will learn and interact with all Dance India tutors at lecture demonstrations, performances and In Conversation events throughout the week. This rare opportunity to learn from the experiences of world class teachers, performers and choreographers is unprecedented in the UK.

The training approach at Dance India is holistic and individual focused, therefore the development of personal talents and goals are highly valued and encouraged. For the duration of the school, complete immersion in dance and related arts and activities contributes to achieving this goal.

The programme is carefully constructed with content, length, and intensity of sessions appropriately designed to each level of study. Each morning begins with a warm up session to prepare the body and mind for the day to follow. The daily Yoga, or Pilates class will reinforce the awareness of good, safe dance practice. Daily there will be two morning and afternoon training sessions for each dance style and level covering areas such as technique, repertoire, abhinaya, and performance skills. Daily interactive sessions with tutors will encourage participants to think about related dance practice such as performance theory, health, career development, and music and ryhthm. Many evenings will feature inspirational performances by the tutors at the on campus performance venue, The Capstone Theatre.

Levels of Study Beginners - A New Process This level is for those who have a minimum of three to five years of dance experience for their chosen style. This level of study explores the process of creating dance using body and space, in addition to articulating and finding a range of qualities in movement by looking at different levels of tension and effort. The course will also focus on refining technique and developing performance skills, through a taught choreographed dance piece. Intermediate - Create and Rediscover This level is suitable for dancers with a minimum of five to seven years of experience in their chosen style. The intermediate programme will focus on the dynamic use of space, in addition to articulating and finding a range of qualities in movement. The programme will also look at refining technique and developing performance skills. Dancers will be required to move at a faster pace and will be expected to have a high level of fitness and the desire and willingness to explore and discover new depths in their dance. Advanced - New Directions & Choreographic approach This level of training requires a minimum of ten years experience and a high level of fitness for this physically demanding programme. Advanced level explores the unique performance skills and choreographic approaches of Dance India’s tutors through a taught piece or by investigating repertoire. Dancers will explore quality of movement, rhythm and dynamics, and levels and direction in space. A strong emphasis will be placed on strengthening technique, performance skills and enhancing repertoire. Upon receipt of your application to the school, the Dance India faculty will assess your performance experience and training history in order to place you in the most suitable course of study, from which you will benefit the most. Please note that while you may apply for the level of study appropriate to your experience, the Dance India faculty retain the final decision in this process.

Levels of Study

Beginners - A New Process
This level is for those who have a minimum of three to five years of dance experience for their chosen style.
This level of study explores the process of creating dance using body and space, in addition to articulating and finding a range of qualities in movement by looking at different levels of tension and effort. The course will also focus on refining technique and developing performance skills, through a taught choreographed dance piece.

Intermediate - Create and Rediscover
This level is suitable for dancers with a minimum of five to seven years of experience in their chosen style.
The intermediate programme will focus on the dynamic use of space, in addition to articulating and finding a range of qualities in movement. The programme will also look at refining technique and developing performance skills. Dancers will be required to move at a faster pace and will be expected to have a high level of fitness and the desire and willingness to explore and discover new depths in their dance.

Advanced - New Directions & Choreographic approach
This level of training requires a minimum of ten years experience and a high level of fitness for this physically demanding programme.
Advanced level explores the unique performance skills and choreographic approaches of Dance India’s tutors through a taught piece or by investigating repertoire. Dancers will explore quality of movement, rhythm and dynamics, and levels and direction in space. A strong emphasis will be placed on strengthening technique, performance skills and enhancing repertoire.

Upon receipt of your application to the school, the Dance India faculty will assess your performance experience and training history in order to place you in the most suitable course of study, from which you will benefit the most. Please note that while you may apply for the level of study appropriate to your experience, the Dance India faculty retain the final decision in this process.