WORKSHOPS

Odissi Dance Class
This introductory class is an opportunity to learn basic abstract movement phrases and the body-training specific to Odissi, as evolved and practiced at Nrityagram.The company begins with a brief lecture that traces Odissi dance from its origin to how it is practiced today, specifically at Nrityagram. This is followed by a demonstration to illustrate the body training practiced at Nrityagram, the language of Odissi: body positions, basic movement technique, and the use of hand gestures and facial expressions for expressional dance. To end the demonstration, the technique and language of Odissi dance is brought to life through the performance of an excerpt.Participants then learn Isolated body-training techniques used at Nrityagram, including information from the Abhinaya Darpana and Natyashastra, which are ancient texts of dance and theatre. The class ends with the teaching of basic phrases that provide a brief but complete experience of the Odissi dance vocabulary. 
DETAILS
Instructor: Pavithra Reddy
Capacity: 25 students Max
Dress code: Full-length tracks or yoga pants and a comfortable t-shirt. No Shorts or Skirts.
Running time: 90 minutes – 2 hours

Odissi Workshop(Two Days or More)
An extended workshop is also offered where participants experience more in-depth instruction and create a short paragraph of abstract dance based on the phrases that have been taught.
DETAILS
Instructor: Pavithra Reddy
Capacity: 25 students Max
Dress code: Full-length tracks or yoga pants and a comfortable t-shirt. No Shorts or Skirts.
Running time: 90 minutes – 2 hours each day

LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION

Based on Odissi dance from India, the Lecture-Demonstration is an Introduction to Odissi dance as evolved and practiced at Nrityagram. The presentation will begin with a brief lecture on the history and evolution of the dance form and a demonstration of its unique features including music, rhythms, basic body positions, basic movement vocabulary and nuances such as walks, spins and jumps. This is followed by a demonstration of hand gestures, facial expressions and stylized body language–techniques unique to Odissi, which are used to tell stories. Finally the technique and language of Odissi dance is brought to life through presentation of short dance sequences from KHAṄKHAṆĀ. The event culminates in a Q&A session with the companies.Geared for young audiences, company members illustrate the breathtaking beauty of both dance forms, demonstrating how each reflects the culture of their homeland and thus the differences that set each apart.

SCHOOLTIME MATINEE

Dance Village Odyssey
The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble transports students on a magical journey through time and space to Eastern India, the birthplace of Odissi–one of the world’s oldest dance forms. Geared specifically for young audiences, company members illustrate the breathtaking beauty of the dance, demonstrating how it reflects the motifs of ancient Odisha temple sculpture as well as the poetry from the deep wellsprings of Oriya music. This engaging lecture-demonstration which includes audience participation, will introduce the language of Odissi, from body positions and basic movement to the “Language of Expressional Dance” with hand gestures and facial expressions. Excerpts from Nrityagram’s vast repertoire will also be streamed as part of the presentation. A one-of-a-kind cultural exchange, students engage with India’s premiere dance ensemble, culminating in a Q&A session with the dancers. Student Audience
Running time: Approx 50 minutes + 10 minute Q&A.
Grade range: 4-12

ARTIST TALKS & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Topics include but are not limited to classical Indian dance; Māya-Leela – featuring Odissi dance forms, sculpture, music and rhythms; the poetry of the Gita Govinda; religion and dance; temple architecture and dance; the Natyashastra; storytelling through dance; costumes; body conditioning and injury prevention; gender studies; and the Nrityagram dance village.

PRE AND POST PERFORMANCE DISCUSSIONS

Available upon request.

For tailored engagement activities offered by Nrityagram Dance Ensemble email: info@ciaartists.com