Storytelling Through Dance: Bharatanatyam, an Indian Classical Dance

This workshop is designed for those who harbor a natural curiosity in ancient cultures and enjoy both the art of listening and narrating stories with emotion. Bharatnatyam is the most ancient dance form of India which uses hand-gestures, eye-movements, head movements, neck movements and body movements to narrate a story. Dive deep into this workshop and experience an emotion which you have never felt before.

Bhakti means devotion and this workshop will take you deep into an understanding of the emotions experienced by the characters in the Ramayana — an ancient Indian epic composed in the 5th century BCE. Our goal is to impart an understanding of Bhakti and open a whole new dimension of life to you in order to navigate through life with ease and comfort.

No previous dance experience is necessary. Remain a spectator or partake in activities which work for you.

The workshop will comprise of the following:

• Understand the essence of life as you understand Bhava (emotion) and Bhakti (devotion) – if you have ever felt like your life needs direction -then this is the workshop for you !
• Glimpse into a traditional dance form and remain a spectator as Kirti and Izumi perform the “dance” aspect of Bharatnatyam.
• Use your voice and hands to understand “rhythm” in music in a seated position.
• Learn Mudras and their uses (hand-gestures in a seated position) with Kirti and Izumi! This is the first step to learning Indian Classical Dance,
• Learn Abhinaya— the storytelling aspect of dance by using hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements combined with simple foot-work. Understand Bhava, the emotional aspect of life, with a few simple steps.

This workshop is like no other with experienced teachers who will teach you how to navigate through life with ease.