With continued commitment to widen the reach of contemporary movement arts through multiple avenues, Attakkalari celebrates a decade this year. Established in 1992, the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts is a one-of-its-kind umbrella organisation that looks into education, research, training, and an exchange of ideas and talent.
With an in-house repertory of 15 dancers led by artistic director Jayachandran Palazhy, Attakkalari has followed a mission to make performance arts accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background.
They also mean to empower young artistes by giving them the tools and training to be able to use their bodies as a form of expression, a new language.
Professional training
When Jayachandran started training he had to go out and source everything, before they could put together the one-year diploma. The focus is now on making it a three-year programme as soon as they have the space and resources. And the students are selected through an audition that begins in April-end.
The selected candidates are put through an intensive programme in Indian contemporary dance.
They also have classes in Bharatanatyam, yoga, Kalaripayattu, Kathak, ballet and other contemporary dances.
While they started as a platform for the movement arts, they have gone on to be involved in not just the repertory company, but also outreach programmes, workshops with schools and communities and a professional training programme.
People who follow a career in dance are essentially pursuing their passion and are aware that while there are increasing opportunities it is a tough path, and Attakkalari works to create an economy in dance and to ensure that it is a viable career option.
Unique platform
The Attakkalari India Biennial is an extensive effort and a unique platform to showcase fresh talent in contemporary dance, digital arts and research. The event is hosted in Bangalore and the next edition, titled ‘Frames of Dance’ will be held between January 25 and February 3.
The initiative is meant to fulfil its commitment to bringing together local, national and international practitioners of dance, choreographers and critics.
After the success of its last show titled Meidhwani: Echoes Of The Body , the repertory is now working on Aadharachakra – Cycle Of Life . The dancelogue has been developed in an imagined setting and yo-yos between the past and the present, allowing the audience to participate in a ritualised experience. A show that incorporates many different disciplines like movement, film and multimedia design and sound, the performance will be the curtain raiser to the Attakkalari India Biennial 2013 on November 23 at Ravindra Kalakshetra.
