An endeavour to revive Indian dance forms

BANGALORE: Natya STEM (Space, Time, energy, movement) Dance Kampni for the first time intiated Namma Dance Utsav, a series of programmes organised for students in the city. The workshop which was held recently mainly catered to children between 8 and 14 years of age.The workshop introduced children to the eight classical Indian dance forms of like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi and Kathak.This workshop also highlighted the folk dance forms of Karnataka and Indian contemporary dance. The event also included performances by students which gave them a platform to exhibit their talent. Kalaripayat, Chau, Thangtha and other martial art forms were demonstrated to create a visual treat for those who were present there.Expressing his opinion about the first initiative by Natya STEM Dance Kampani, Janardhan Raj Urs, Artistic Director said, “Youth today are attracted to Westren dance and reality shows today. This Utsav is initiated to create an awareness about the Indian folk, classical and martial forms.”Dance programmes were also held to provide a platform for budding young artistes. Themes selected for the dance programmes were ‘Save animals and nature’. The theme was brought out subtely throughout the performances.Sanjay Nambiar, father of one of the dance students, Laya Nambiar said, “It is a wonderful event that brought several different art forms together. This also gives an opportunity for children to perform and showcase their talent. The different age group classification for dance performance brings out the hidden talent in the child among their peer groups.”Natya STEM kampni also involved various other dance schools in its Namma Dance Utsav. Tripti Bhupen, Director, Samarpan School of Performing arts said, “This is a good initiative to explore different dance forms. Five students from our dance school are performing and taking part in the workshop. This will help them understand further dance movements.”Open air screening of international dance films took place which was a part of the festival schedule. The event included screening of seven off-beat films. Explaining about the speciality of the films screened, Bhushan Bagadia, Technical director of Natya STEM dance Kampni said, “The camera in these films became the part of the dance. People should be made aware of non-commercial films. These films connected dance with other art forms.”