! Dance India 2010~ Looking Back!

"Dance India- a place where Love, Motivation & Inspiration reside....if only it was held all year along!!"

~thus reads one of the many remarks left on the Dance India farewell diary. And it sums up the spirit and enthusiasm that characterised this memorable ten day period in Manchester. And another happy memorable Indian Dance week comes to and end with participants and teachers fanning out to distant destinations with heavy but happy hearts!

In its sixth continuous year, the school had 107 participants from 16 countries, with registrations stretching right up to the first day of its launch. The stunning Lowry building resonated with the voices and footwork sounds of excited youngsters, while the evenings were made memorable with absolutely outstanding performances of a galaxy of dance artistes. "We not only learnt about the great dance traditions, but also learnt how with each passing decade, these traditions dynamically innovate and are as relevant to our lives today as they were generations ago!"

This was a joyous week of celebrating Indian Dance, with all its wondrous, beautiful tradition, and also watching some of its most electrifying contemporary choreography. Of learning from teachers and performers who are or are on way to becoming legends, and of brilliant young performers who inspired and enthused the participants. We learnt technique and abhinaya form the gurus; but we also spoke of Lighting design, Music in Dance, Nattuvangam, fitness in Dance  and contemporary choreography. From early morning to late night we lived, breathed, experienced and dreamt dance.  Many friendships were made; many new determined dancers emerged. Dance teachers and students from around the globe were together for a week which gave "fresh inspirations were born and a real meeting of like minded people took place".

"To talk to, learn from and watch the performances of Smt Kumudini Lakhia, Leela Samson, Madhavi Mudgal, Vyjayanthi Kashi, Nirupama-Rajendra, Shijith-Parvathy & Priydarsini Govind for an entire week was an experience that was unique in itself; memories for a life time were made", wrote one participant.

This year, we were very happy and excited to add Kuchupudi to the course. The style was lead by renowned artiste and teacher Smt Vyjayanthi Kashi, and ably assisted by her very talented daughter, Prateeksha Kashi. This is our effort to popularise and support the learning of Kuchupudi across Europe. We also offered two extra days on 11th and 12th August as Taster days for absolute beginners.
The School ended with a lovely Closing ceremony where certificates were distributed and the participants spoke of their experiences, and the gurus gave parting messages.

Thus a memorable, happy week drew to a close and we began the countdown to next year's Dance India Programmes!

What was New in 2010

Two day introductory course for complete beginners to Indian dance !

· Introduction of new style: Kuchipudi !

· Dedicated classes in music including learning Nattuvangam

· Lecture on Lighting / body conditioning / Yoga/ health and well-being

· Varied performances of high quality over six evenings

· Bursaries for those in difficult financial situation

· Excellent accommodation at walking distance from the studios!

.Styles & Levels:

 

 Levels

 Dates

 Styles

 Experience required

 

Introductory

 

Thus 12 – Fri 13 Aug

 

Introduction to Indian classical dance

 

For complete beginner to Indian Dance classical dance. No experience necessary!

 

Beginners

 

Sun 15 – Sun 22 Aug

 

Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and *Kuchipudi

 

To join this level, you should have at least one year of dance experience in your chosen style. It is also suitable for those who have taken a break from dance and are out of practice. The participants for beginner level will mainly learn the basic technique of the dance style.

 

Intermediate

 

Sun 15 – Sun 22 Aug

 

Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and *Kuchipudi

 

To join this level, you should have minimum of five years of dance experience in your chosen style. This level will focus on refining technique and developing performance skills. In this level you will be required to move at a faster pace.

 

Advanced

 

Sun 15 – Sun 22 Aug

 

Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi

 

To join this level, you should have minimum ten years of dance experience in your chosen style. This level will focus on strengthening technique, performance skills, enriching repertoire, and will require high levels of fitness.

 

 

* Kuchipudi : Sun 15 – Thus 19 August for beginners and intermediate level only.

   Please note: If we do not get sufficient intake for the Kuchipudi style, then we will offer this style as one day taster session only instead of a five day workshop for beginners / intermediate level.

.The Bursaries

Milapfest remains committed to providing bursaries to those who take their dance training seriously but are not able to afford the fees.Milapfest is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries on Tuition fees to those who are studying or not working and whose total family income is under £30K. The applicant must show proof of their inability to pay the fee. 

* Bursaries are not applicable on accommodation fees.                                                                

.The Travelling Fellowships & The Milapfest-Kalakshethra Scholarship

 Milapfest will award four annual dance fellowships, three to dance students, and one to an established dance teacher in Britain. These prestigious fellowships will be awarded to deserving candidates from amongst those attending Dance-India on the basis of recommendations given by the Dance-India faculty and Gurus. The Milapfest Dance Fellowship will enable the successful candidate to travel to learn from an established Guru. One fellowship will be given to an aspiring Kuchupudi student if applicable.

The year long Milapfest Scholarship at Kalakshethra will be on offer again ths year. Last year Ariana Billabio won it and is at Chennai at present.

.Evening Performances

One of the major highlights of Dance-India is being able to see inspiring performances by the tutors each evening as well as taking part in a rare and insightful “in-conversation” session with each of them.This year we have a special DUET PERFORMANCES SEASON!! With Shijith Nambiar & Parvathy Menon. Madhavi & Arushi Mudgal. Vyjayanthi & Prateeksha Kashi and Nirupama-Rajendra-all performing in duets we are in to the JODI season this year!
A veritable feast of Dance awaited us each night!