Dance-India 2009 Brochure.pdf

The InternationalDance SummerSchoolSunday 9 August –Sunday 16 August 2009A unique week long training programme in three Indianclassical dance styles ::Bharatanatyam • Kathak • OdissiA rare opportunity to learn from legendary Dance Gurus ::The Dhananjayans • Kumudini Lakhia• Madhavi Mudgal • Leela SamsonJoined by a superb teaching facultyincluding leading dance artists ::Priyadarsini Govind • Prashant Shah• Arushi Mudgal • Vaishali Trivedi• Shobana Bhalchandra • Pushkala Gopal• Anusha SubramanyamAt one of the most stunning dance venues in Europe ::The Lowry, Salford Quays, United KingdomConceived & Created by

ContentsWelcome To Dance-India!3 Welcome4 The Teaching Faculty10 The Musicians12 Styles & Courses of Study14 Programme Approach and Ethos16 The Venue17 The Accommodation18 Milapfest Dance Fellowships20 The Festival of Dance22 Fees23 Application FormDance India is more than an International Dance School; it is a movement that seeks to dynamise and supportthe learning and performing of Indian Dance in Britain and the West. So as an attendee you will be able toaccess the wide ranging activities of learning and performance we have planned for you throughout the year.So whether you are a teacher, student or a connoisseur of Indian Dance, you will find within the programmesomething that will interest, fire and inspire you in the long term!Dance India 2009 at the Lowry is a residential summer school designed to offer a unique experience of learningand interacting with legendary dance gurus, and some of the finest teachers and performers in a friendly,intimate environment.The school offers a structured and nurturing learning experience with a range of complementary activities toencourage healthier dance practice.The one week programme is suitable for young people from the ages of 16 years upwards and adults of all ages.Those between the ages of 12 to 16 years can also join in the programme subject to certain conditions(Pleasesee page 25 for details).2 325 Term and ConditionsYou will be able to learn in an atmosphere that is friendly, caring and fully sensitive to your needs as a dancestudent. Each evening, there will be outstanding performances by world class artistes which constitute the26 Dance India 2008 Memoriesteaching faculty, as well as some specially invited guests.This year we are delighted to have Leela Samson, an eminent Bharatanatyam artist, along with legendary gurus,the Dhananjayans, Kumudini Lakhia, Madhavi Mudgal and Priyadarsini Govind. Leela Samson will open thesummer school with key note speech followed by an inspirational talk on her own specific style of dancing. Thisyear will also feature a special performance by an outstanding Kuchipudi guru from a highly distinguished lineage:Shri Vempati Ravi Shankar will perform as well as conduct an introductory session on the Kuchipudi dance style.We hope this will pave the way for introducing this beautiful form at Dance India in future.Enjoy a terrific week of living, learning and working with fellow dance students from around the UK, Europe &USA and beyond.We think you will make memories that will last you a lifetime!With Best Wishes,The Milapfest TeamPhoto Credits: Front Cover - Karthik Venkatraman

The Teaching FacultyV.P. Dhananjayan andShanta DhananjayanCredited with many innovationsin Kathak, her choreographies arerenowned for their fresh and innovativeuse of the performance space whilelosing none of the pure classicism ofthe dance form. Kumudini Lakhia isthe Founder and Director of KadambCentre for Dance and Music, a leadingdance Academy promoting and teachingKathak in Ahmedabad, India.Leela SamsonPadmashri Leela Samson receivedPadma Bhushan Shanta andV.P.Dhananjayan, popularly known asthe Dhananjayans, are a phenomenain the field of Bharatanatyam. Theunique couple, who complement eachother perfectly, combine the higheststandards as performing artistesthe impulses for her growth as adancer from Kalakshetra, the Collegeof Fine Arts in Chennai, Tamil-Nadu.She adheres to the mould of theKalakshetra technique yet has grownout of its binding, believing as shedoes that adherence to any schoolwith total dedication to teaching.is a point of reference only. She is anThe Dhananjayans have illuminated Madhavi Mudgalacclaimed performer, accomplishedthe national and international sceneteacher & choreographer, and also an4of Bharatanatyam for the past fourdecades. “Bharatakalaanjali”, thePadmashri Madhavi Mudgal, a primedisciple of legendary Guru Kelucharanacknowledged author. In May 2005, shebecame the Director of her alma mater,5has moulded countless artistes. TheDhananjayans pursuit of perfection isuncompromising and they instil thehighest values of our tradition andculture in succeeding generations ofaspirants.institution they founded in 1968,greatly refined sensibility to her artform. She has received repeated acclaimin the major cities and dance festivalsthat have featured her throughoutthe world as teacher and performer.Her grace, sensitivity and aestheticimagination are particularly sought-afterMohapatra, is credited for bringing a Kalakshetra.Kumudini Lakhiaand widely admired. Her commitmentto the continuation and augmentationPadmashri Kumudini Lakhia is one of theforemost Gurus and Kathak exponentsof India today. With a life time ofcommitment to Kathak, her teachingskill has produced many excellentdancers nationally and internationally.of her chosen art form has seen heras one of the foremost teachers in hergeneration, initiating beginners as well assenior students into the finer nuances ofOdissi at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya,an institution established by her fatherPandit Vinaya Chandra Maudgalya.Photo Credits: Top Left - Vipul Sangoi | Top Right - Himanshu Pahad | Bottom Left - Photo courtesy of Madhavi Mudgal | Bottom Right - Photo courtest of Leela Samson

Priyadarsini GovindVaishali TrivediPriyadarsini Govind is one of theforemost Bharatanatyam dancersamongst the current generation. Sheis a dancer known for her commandof traditional technique while at thesame time effortlessly embracing thecontemporary. Acquiring a massiverepertoire of padams and javalis fromthe Abhinaya guru Smt. KalanidhiNarayanan, Priyadarsini is renowned forher exquisite expressiveness.Prashant ShahPrashant Shah has received over twoand half decades of training under thetutelage of Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, whichmakes him one of the most outstandingmale dancers of Kathak today. Prashanthas also been honoured with theprestigious Ustaad Bismillah Khan YuvaPuraskar, the national Award for youngand promising dancers, from the SangeetNatak Akademi, India.Vaishali Trivedi is a noted &accomplished Kathak dancer of thenew generation, who received hertraining under Smt. Kumudini Lakhia.She has performed widely within andoutside the country as a member of theKadamb group, participating in majorevents. She is currently teaching at theKadamb School of Dance and Music inAhmedabad.Arushi Mudgal6 7Arushi Mudgal is one of the mosttalented and beautiful young Odissidancers of today. She is a disciple of Smt.Madhavi Mudgal. Arushi is not only asuccessful performer but also teaches atthe Gandharava Mahavidyalaya, a greatdance and music institution started byher grandfather, Pandit VinaychandraMaudgalya, in New Delhi.Photo Credits: Top Left - Himanshu Pahad | Top Right - Photo courtesy of Vaishali Trevedi | Bottom Left - Himanshu Pahad | Bottom Right - Karthik Venkatraman

Musicians of Dance IndiaOne of the unique features of DANCE-INDIA training is learning dance withlive music which is rare and often notpossible during your weekly classes. Thisyear, R.N. Prakash and R.R. Prathap willaccompany Bharatanatyam classes onMridangam and Kousic Sen and HirenChate will accompany Kathak classes onTabla.R.N. PrakashR.N. Prakash is a versatile artist whospecialises in South Indian PercussionInstruments like Mridangam, Ghatam,and Khanjira. Prakash started learningMridangam at the age of 6 fromBangalore Vidwan K.N. Krishnamurthy.R.R. PrathapKousic SenKousic Sen is a well known andrespected Tabla player in the UK. Hecomes from Benaras Gharana and is adisciple of Pandit Kumar Bose. KousicSen has been performing all over theworld for the last twenty years.Hiren ChateR.R. Prathap, a student of Vidwan. K.N.Krishanmurthy of Banglore had hisinitial training under his brother VidwanR.N. Prakash. Prathap is a versatileMridangam player and specialises inconducting dynamic, powerful andunique interactive drumming workshopsand residencies for school kids ofdifferent age groups, and special needspeople. He has performed for quite afew prestigious organizations in the UKand abroadHiren Chate is a young and talentedTabla player who is also a formermember of Tarang, the UK’s Indian musicensemble. Hiren has worked with wellknownmusic directors nationally andinternationally, including Nitin Sawhney.10 11Photo Credits: Top Left - Pritpal Ajimal | Top Right - Pritpal Ajimal | Bottom Left - Artists own | Bottom Right - Vipul Sangoi

Styles & Courses of StudyDance India offers intensive trainingin three dance styles: Bharatanatyam,Odissi and KathakWithin each dance style, there aredifferent courses of study which willfocus on two main areas: exploringand developing technique and buildingon repertoire. The classes will focuson exploring different connectionsbetween body and space, and the useof gravity and momentum to allow formore complex rhythms to manifest. Inaddition, each of the courses will allowparticipants to experience the uniquePrakriya - A New ProcessThis course will explore the unique12 approach of our teaching faculty, eachof whom are internationally renownedperformers and choreographers.performance skills and choreographic 13All participants at DANCE INDIA willhave the opportunity to experience thecreative approaches and learn from alltutors.Upon receipt of your application to theschool, the Dance India faculty will lookat your overall background in training,performance, and skill and appropriatelyplace you in the most suitable course ofstudy from which you will benefit themost.*Courses of StudyAadita - Find New BeginningsIn this course of study participants willwork with their tutors to understandthe breadth and depth of dancetechnique through learning simple dancesequences. Aadita is suitable for thosewho have been learning dance for overa year. It is also suitable for those whohave taken a break from dance and areout of practice.This course will explore the process ofcreating dance using body and space,in addition to articulating and findinga range of qualities in movement bylooking at different levels of tension andeffort. Prakriya will also focus on refiningtechnique and developing performanceskills, through a taught choreographeddance piece. Prakriya is for those whohave a minimum of three to five years ofdance experience their chosen style.Srijan - Create and RediscoverThis course will focus on the dynamicuse of space, in addition to articulatingand finding a range of qualities inmovement. The course will also lookat refining technique and developingperformance skills. You will be requiredto move at a faster pace and will beexpected to have a high level of fitnessand the desire and willingness toexplore and discover new depths inyour dance. Srijan is suitable for thosewho have a minimum of five to sevenyears of dance experience in theirchosen style.Navadrishti - New Directions –Choreographic Approachapproaches of Dance-India’s tutorsthrough a taught piece or investigatingrepertoire. The Navadrishti course willexamine quality of movement, rhythmand dynamics, and levels and directionin space. A strong emphasis will beplaced on strengthening technique,performance skills, enriching repertoire.For this physically demanding course ofstudy, one should have a minimum often years of dance experience in theirchosen style.*Please note that while you may apply to bein a certain course of study, the final decisionultimately rests with the Dance India faculty.Photo Credits: Left - Himanshu Pahad | Centre - Vipul Sangoi | Right - Himanshu Pahad

Programme Approach and EthosDance-India has a holistic and individualfocusedapproach to dance training,and hence values the development ofthe participants’ individual talents andgoals. Every day at the School will bean immersion in dance and its relatedarts and activities towards achieving thisobjective. The programme is carefullyconstructed with content, length andintensity of sessions appropriatelygeared to the courses of study offered.Daily there will be two morning andafternoon dance class sessions for eachstyle and course covering areas suchas technique, abhinaya (expression),choreography and performance skills.Post-lunch, there will be interactivesessions with guest artists in whichparticipants will have a chance to thinkabout different concepts of movement,rhythm, music, anatomy and more.Each day will end in an eveningperformance by two brilliant artists.There will also be time during breaks,lunch and dinner hours to catch up withold friends and make new ones!14Each morning will start with a prayerand warm-up to prepare the body andmind for the day to follow. The dailyYoga or Pilates class will reinforce theawareness of good, safe dance practice.15Photo Credits: Left - Vipul Sangoi | Centre - Vipul Sangoi | Right - Vipul Sangoi

The VenueThe AccommodationThe venue for DANCE-INDIA is TheLowry, the prestigious arts centre setin the magnificent waterside location ofSalford Quays in Greater Manchester.The Lowry houses two main theatresfor performances and several toplinestudio spaces with a spectacularwaterside views.An architectural flagship, The Lowryis a 10-minute drive from ManchesterCity Centre, 20 minutes’ drive fromManchester Airport, and a quarter of amile from the motorway network, givingaccess from all over the North Westand beyond. For more information onThe Lowry, visit: www.thelowry.comThe DANCE-INDIA team will bepresent at all times at both the venueand the accommodation to helpparticipants or answer any of theirqueries.The accommodation for residentparticipants will be arranged atWilmslow Park Opal Accommodation,Manchester’s Premiere StudentAccommodation located close to theOxford Road, Manchester Universitycampus and the city centre. Theaccommodation will consist of singlerooms with bedding and an en-suitefacility. A fully equipped kitchen withfridge, freezer, cooker and microwavewill be available per block of four rooms.Secure car parking is available as well as24 hour security at the accommodation.16 17Wilmslow Park Opal Accommodation is4 miles from the studios at The Lowry.Resident participants will be transportedby coach between Wilmslow Park OpalAccommodation and The Lowry at thebeginning and the end of each Schoolday. On- site facilities include Internetcafe, launderette and leisure club as wellas a swimming pool and gym which maybe used for a small fee. Local amenitiesinclude 2 supermarkets, 2 cafe bars,post office and a bicycle shop. For moreinformation on Wilmslow Park OpalAccommodation, visit:www.opalstudents.comPhoto Credit: Peter WrightPhoto Credit: Opal Buildings

Milapfest Dance FellowshipsOne of the best things an aspiring youngdancer can hope for, is to go out andlearn the intricacies of a particular dancestyle from a wonderful and inspiringGURU.This ‘Finishing School’ style of learningis by and large not possible outside ofIndia in a sustained manner – establisheddancers and teachers who wish tohone their teaching, choreographic orabhinaya skills often have to make theirown arrangements to do so.18 Each year Milapfest awards four annualdance fellowships, three for dancestudents,and one for an establisheddance teacher in Britain. Theseprestigious fellowships will be awardedto deserving candidates from amongstthose attending DANCE-INDIA onthe basis of recommendations given bythe Dance-India faculty and Gurus. TheMilapfest Dance Fellowship will enablethe successful candidate to travel tolearn from an established Guru.19“DANCE-INDIA has been an extremelyvaluable experience for me. Over the shortperiod of intensive training, I have noticed ahuge improvement in my dance technique andinterpretation. The close contact with gurusof such high calibre has truly inspired me topush myself closer and closer to the standardsthat they set. The creative environment hasallowed me to challenge myself while still beinga thoroughly enjoyable experience.”RANI NATALIE ROUTParticipant of DANCE-INDIA 2008 and the recipient ofMilapfest Travel FellowshipThe Milapfest Dance Fellowship has helpedme to pursue further advanced training inBharatanatyam from the Dhananjayans inChennai, India. This is something I have alwaysdreamed of! As a result of the training andguidance from the Dhananjayans, I am able topolish my dance to the highest standards. I havealso had the opportunity to learn Nattuvangamand Carnatic Music from Bhagavatulu SeetaramaSharma. These are the moments that I willalways cherish, thanks to DANCE-INDIAand Milapfest for providing me such fantasticopportunity and helping me shape my career asa professional dancer!HITEN MISTRYParticipant of DANCE-INDIA 2008 and the recipient ofMilapfest Travel FellowshipPhoto Credits: Left - Himanshu Prahad | Inside Left - Himanshu Prahad | Inside Right - Himanshu Prahad | Right - Photo courtesy of Divya KasturiI have just got back from my adventures in India,the land of spirituality, values and contradiction.he aim of this trip was to take tim out from myroutine (teaching and performing). I felt a tripto India, to spend time with myself, my dancingand things I felt rewarded doing felt muchdeserved. It was a pleasant surprise when I wasawarded a scholarship by Milapfest to train witha Guru of my choice. I’d like to thank Milapfestfor their faith in awarding me a teacher trainingdance fellowship. Without this I may never havegot the courage to leave my company and goto India for those months. It is thanks to thisopportunity I was able to develop myself as adancer and teacher and in many other ways.NIKITA THAKRARParticipant of DANCE-INDIA 2008 and the recipient ofMilapfest Travel FellowshipIn 2008, I attended DANCE-INDIA, the summerschool by Milapfest for the first time. For me,the whole experience was reminiscent of atraditional Indian ‘gurukula’ system of learning.The day long sessions of eventful learning,joyous interactions with ace artistes, inspiringevening performances and not to mentionthe sumptuous food..are all still fresh in mymemory. With the Milapfest Dance FellowshipI spent five weeks learning from KumudiniLakhia in New Delhi. I was also lucky enoughto attend the ‘Kathak Mahotsav 2009’ givingme great insight into the current scenario ofKathak in India. I would not have gained theserich invaluable experiences if not for Milapfest’sencouragement by way of choosing me for theFellowship.DIVYA KASTURIParticipant of DANCE-INDIA 2008 and the recipient ofMilapfest Travel FellowshipFor further information please contactArchana Shastri at Milapfest on0151 707 1111.

Dance India’s Festival Of Indian DanceA rare and unique feast of Indian dance unlike any other!Every evening at The Lowry, 7pmSun 9th AugThe Dhananjayans & Shobhana Bhalachandran (Bharatanatyam)Mon 10th AugPrashant Shah (Kathak)Madhavi & Arushi Mudgal (Odissi)Tue 11th AugVempati Ravi Shankar (Kuchipudi)Leela Samson (Bharatanatyam)20 21Wed 12th AugBeeja dance theatre company (Bharatanatyam)Pratap Prawar (Kathak)Thu 13th AugPriyadarsini Govind (Bharatanataym)Kajal Sharma (Kathak)Fri 14th AugSanjukta Sinha (Kathak)In conversation with Kumudini LakhiaSat 15th AugSwapnokalpa & Group (Odissi)Prashant Shah & Vaishali Trivedi (Kathak)*This programme is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances without prior notification.Photo Credits: Left - Photo courtesy of Madhavi Mudgal | Inside Left - Photo courtesy of Vemapati Ravi Shankar | Inside Right - Vipul Sangoi | Right - Himanshu Pahad

Dance India 2009 FeesApplication FormCategoryParticipation FeeAccommodation andEvening MealsStudent UK Pound 315 275Euros 375 300US Dollars 475 400Unemployed UK Pound 375 275Euros 450 300US Dollars 575 400Employed UK Pound 450 275Euros 525 300US Dollars 675 400• Please DO NOT send cash in the post.• Bookings for DANCE-INDIA 2009 are open from 1 March 2009• Fees are NOT refundable unless the training programme is cancelled by Milapfest• Participation fee and accommodation fee can be paid in two separate instalments• The accommodation fee includes checking in on the 8 August and checking out on 16 August• An extra night of accommodation can be booked at an additional fee of £35/ €40 /$50 per night• For extra night of accommodation, participants will have to make their own arrangements for meals.• Lunch is provided free to all the participants as a part of the training programme• All the fees should be paid by 5 July 2009. The fees can be paid by Cheque, Bank Draft or electronic transfer.Personal Information Dance InformationNameAddressCityPostcodeCountryTelephone/Mobile TelephoneEmail22 23Date of Birth (Minimum age 12)StyleLevelHow long have you been learning the above style and how many times do youattend the class / practice in a weekReason for joining DANCE-INDIAPlease contact Anita Srivastava for any queries or information: anita@newdimensions-arts.comWhat would you like to see at DANCE-INDIA?

Application FormTerms and ConditionsSignatureParental Authorisation Post The FormNameDateSignatureThe minimum age requirement for this course is 12 years. If you are 16 years or under, the adult responsible for you mustcomplete and sign this section of the form.RelationshipDateSignaturePlease send the completed application form along with the fees at thefollowing address. Fees should be paid by cheque to MILAP FESTIVAL TRUST.Archana ShastriDANCE-INDIAMilapfest, 85 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5AP, United KingdomApplication closing date: 30 June 2009. Full payment must be received by 5 July 2009.• Milapfest reserves the right tosubstitute the teaching facultyadvertised or alter the programme,without prior notice to theparticipant in the event of unforeseencircumstances• Milapfest reserves the right to refuseparticipant admission to its coursewithout explanation to the participant.I acknowledge, as the adult responsible for the person named above, that Milapfest accepts no responsibility whatsoever, for• Participants will lose their right toaccident or injury to that person or damage or loss of their personal belongings during the course.continue participation if they engagein unacceptable conduct.charge of their conduct, participation24 Name• While all reasonable precautions and wellbeing for the duration of25and information will be providedfor participants to ensure a safeworking environment, Milapfest shallnot accept responsibility for loss ofproperty or personal injury during thecourse or outside of teaching hours.• Milapfest has a Child Protection Policyto ensure the safety of all children.• Participants must make sure that theyare physically fit to attend the courseas they will be involved in at least 8hours of training each day includingdance and physical fitness.• Accomplished, responsible youngstersbetween the ages of 12-16 may beadmitted to Dance-India on therecommendation of their teachers(in a separate letter attached to theApplication), and on the completeunderstanding of the youngster’sparent/guardian that Milapfestdoes not and cannot undertaketheir especial supervision inside oroutside of programmed sessions.The admission will be facilitatedif a responsible, co-resident adult(including a participant or tutor) takesDance-India. All other Terms andConditions herein will also apply.• Milapfest has an Equal OpportunitiesPolicy in place. These policies areinvoked by inclusion in all our activity.

Dance India 2008 MemoriesDANCE-INDIA 2008 was attended by 107 participants from 10countries. The participants were provided holistic dance training by8 gurus including Prof CV Chandrasekhar, Kumudini Lakhia, AditiMangaldas, Sujata Mohapatra, Priyadarsini Govind, Prashant Shah,Manjari Chandrasekhar and Sushmita Ghosh.It was very well organised summerschool. The Gurus were very friendlyand approachable. The dance lessonswere brilliant and the Gurus were veryinspirational. I loved the interactivesessions and the evening performances.- Nuthana Prathiwada (London)Performances, discussions were all veryinspiring. I liked the morning warm upexercises. . Programme generally startedon time despite the large number ofparticipants. I was touched by the factthat the organisation is so passionateabout Indian dance and has broughtsuch talents to aspiring dancers.- Kimberly Soni (Manchester)DANCE-INDIA was very exciting andenjoyable programme. It was an honourto learn from such legendary Gurus. Iloved the performances every evening.- Radha Patel (London)26We had fantastic teachers and I enjoyedthe interaction with all of them. I really27I really appreciated the direct contactwith the teachers and enjoyed theevening shows and their diversity.- Catherine Derieux (France)enjoyed the in-conversation sessionsand evening performances. It wasgreat to meet dance students fromother countries. It was a great learningexperience overall!- Arianna Ballabio (Italy)DANCE-INDIA was very exciting,challenging and very intense programme.I enjoyed learning from great Gurus andmeeting other dance students.- Marcina Arnold (London)Photo Credits: Top - Himanshu Prahad | Inside Left - Vipul Sangoi | Right - Himanshu Pahad | Back Cover - Himanshu Pahad

We hope this brochure hasanswered most of your questions.If you would like any furtherinformation, please do not hesitateto contact us.To book a place or for further info, please contactAnita Srivastavae-mail: anita@newdimensions-arts.commobile: 07762 225 721DANCE-INDIA is managed by the Milapfest Teamand Anita Srivastava of New Dimensions ArtsManagementnew dimensionsarts managementMilapfest85 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5APtel 0044 151 707 1111e-mail info@milapfest.comwww.milapfest.comCreated and Conceived byIn Partnership withSupported bySponsored bywww.danceindia.org.uk