Trained extensively in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu by the greats, Jayachandran Palazhy’s pursuit of self-discovery, quest for a suitable medium for self-expression, and urge for innovation led him to contemporary dance and the launch of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts in Bengaluru.
Reflecting on his journey since the launch in 1992, he says that unravelling the human experience and finding effective mechanisms to portray the continuously changing realities, their play and shift between foreground and background of our lives, is the key of Attakkalari’s artistic pursuit. “Having been exposed to various traditional art forms, I felt that contemporary dance is the closest form that can assimilate and communicate contemporary realities and experiences. ‘Movement’ is at the centre of this exploration and is a vital part of expression. The syntax and structure of the language I employ is based on this,” he adds.
Several research and educational projects followed, one of them being ‘Teaching Methodology in Indian Performing Arts’ that focussed on the making of an artiste and the various learning stages and components involved in the process. A collaborative effort with various educational institutes explored the feasibility of introducing movement, music and visual arts in the curriculum. Unleashing creativity in students and seeing them transform gave Attakkalari the impetus to launch a diploma course in 2006.
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The diploma course in Movement Arts and Mixed Media is a blend of Attakkalari’s underlying philosophy – traditional physical wisdom, innovation and technology. The unique curriculum draws from multiple knowledge streams and the faculty includes great masters and practising artistes from each stream.
The movement principles and techniques of Indian physical traditions teach different aspects of body awareness that help to expand one’s possibilities and potential in movement. The course also exposes students to the judicious use of mixed media – movement, film, light, plastic arts, digital arts and sound – in order to aid non-linear and fragmented narratives. He elaborates that creativity stems from being able to recognise and cherish what one has and in celebrating one’s uniqueness.
This facilitates unique personal interpretations leading to authentic expression. The students are encouraged to be fearless about unearthing possibilities of connecting various elements within the frame and the theme.
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“It is an extremely enriching experience to see aspirants bloom as professionals and the course has earned the credential of being one of the best of its kind across South Asia,” adds Jayachandran who feels content with Attakkalari’s continuing contribution to the field of liberal arts in particular and society in general.
After completion of training, the students have multiple avenues to choose from such as joining as trainees in the Attakalari Repertory that tours worldwide, teaching in schools and colleges, fitness training, choreography, personal training and performing on television, stage, films and advertisements. After the diploma, Attakkalari also offers a six-month-long vocation training course that imparts advanced training in the student's chosen field of performance, pedagogy or choreography.
The Attakkalari team is currently gearing up for the intake of their next batch. The one-year course commences in September. He reiterates that the course is extremely intense and demanding. The audition is more to ascertain that the aspirants have aptitude, commitment, dedication and, most importantly, an unflinching desire to pursue the art form. Previous training is an added advantage but not a must for the selection process. Although minimum academic eligibility for the course is higher secondary, he says that many batches have also had professionals from various fields signing up to pursue their true passion. Each batch has 20 to 30 students and the course fee is Rs. 1 lakh.
The financial implication of sourcing eminent artistes from various disciplines as faculty and high production costs is a continuous challenge for Attakkalari. “It is commendable and heartening that certain organisations have come forward this year to sponsor five talented and deserving candidates from Kerala by covering their course fee and living expenses. We are hopeful that this will encourage more sponsors to come forward with similar contribution as part of CSR initiatives,” says Jayachadran, who is exploring the feasibility of having two batches from next year onwards.
Stressing on the artistic, academic and therapeutic relevance of Movement Arts, he exudes optimism that our diverse and pluralistic society will further appreciate and encourage the promotion and progress of this art form.
The next audition for the course is on July 25 at 2 p.m. at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Thrissur .