Tatkar (footwork), Chakars (pirouettes), Bhao (acting), Compositions
*Amara Kapur at ODC
Songs: Shyam Sundar, Holi Tarana, Sharpa Shisha, Sri Krishna Chaitanyo Composed by Pt. Chitresh Das
*Mira Sen at ODC
Hindu stories and philosophy from Ramayan, Bhagvat Purana, and Vedas taught in an accessible way
*Maya Rassai in Krishna pose
Dancers learn footwork, and then build on this through repetitive exercises that develop their ability to dance in taal (rhythm), with clarity and power, at faster and faster speeds.
Learning compositions that require an understanding of rhythm. Then, dancing so the correct movements land on the correct matra (beat).
After dancing for a while, students work on developing an open body posture and learn how to create extension with their arms, creating proper lines. This lets them move their bodies through space with strength and articulation.
Eventually dancers can play with the right softness and flexibility to apply to any movement, as well as learn subtle gestures and facial expressions.