Bag a Diploma in Movement Arts and Mixed Media
Like to dance but don’t know how to convert it into a career? This is a common dilemma for many dance enthusiasts who end up treating dance as nothing more than a hobby.
For those of you who wish to study the art in depth, get an actual degree in it and move on to make it a full-time career, the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bangalore, is offering a Diploma in Movement Arts and Mixed Media.
The course, which started in September 2006, is a year-long intensive professional training course in contemporary dance and allied subjects.
An extensive and interesting curriculum lays emphasis on body conditioning and technique classes to ensure correct body posture and alignment, safe movement practices, balance, strength and flexibility. Kalarippayattu, Yoga and Pilates provide practical strategies while theoretical studies cover a wide range of arts related topics.
Creative exercises
Daily technique classes include contemporary dance, Bharatanatyam and ballet, among others. Creative exercises consist of movement improvisation and introduction to choreographic techniques. Brief modules in Light Design, Dance Pedagogy, Philosophy and Art History are also part of the curriculum.
The Diploma aims to give a sound foundation and an understanding of the movement principles of select Indian physical and performance traditions. With its emphasis on developing kinaesthetic, spatial, musical, inter- and intra-personal intelligences, the course is said to be well suited for students who are better at applying themselves in practical ways.
Career opportunities
The centre, in a release, said job opportunities for dancers are many. “Dance companies look for well trained artistes and offer members a chance for continued training and a regular income besides opportunities to perform and tour. Attakkalari’s own internationally reputed repertory company consists almost entirely of graduates of the Diploma programme. Dancers earn a good livelihood and are given opportunities to travel and perform within the country and abroad. They also teach/participate in exchange residencies and workshops and are encouraged to create their own choreographies,” the release said.
Apart from corporate and commercial shows, professional dancers can also earn by teaching at workshops, schools, colleges, dance studios and gyms, or take part in the visual media, the release added.
“In addition to performance, teaching and choreography, dancers can deepen and diversify their skills with further training in allied fields where their basic training as dancers stands them in good stead. For instance, with their understanding of their body, dancers are ideally equipped to pursue further training in a variety of somatic practices. Numerous avenues are open for those interested in working with Yoga, Pilates and other forms that awaken or work the body’s intelligence in a gentle manner. Physiotherapy and massage can be practiced with clients recovering from injuries or as methodology to prevent injuries. A certified dance therapist can work in several situations where supportive and curative work is required,” the release said.
Eligibility
The course is open to students who have completed their 10+2 or its equivalent. According to a release from the centre, the course goes a long way in shaping mind and body and is an excellent option for those young people looking for an interesting way to spend a ‘gap year’ after school and before their further studies.
Applications are open for the next batch of the Diploma programme. The course commences on September 10, 2012. Auditions in Bangalore have begun. Application forms may be downloaded from www.attakkalari.org
Students can also contact 080-22123684/ 41483534/ 41467690 or write to attakkalari.diploma@gmail.com
Keywords: Diploma in Movement Arts and Mixed Media, dance career, Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts
