Workshops & Master Classes

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Biomechanics of Movement: 

Best practices for optimal dance physiology 

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This workshop, led by professional Bharatanatyam dancer and biomedical researcher Prof. Shriya Srinivasan, will provide an overview of the physiological principles and anatomy of dance. An interactive session putting theory into practice, participants will learn how to use the musculoskeletal system optimally for dance through best methods for warming up and cooling down the body and strengthening exercises related to injury-prevention and performance. Finally, the class will lead participants to connect their body awareness to the physics of jumps, turns, and more!

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For all types of movers and abilities, at all levels of experience.  No previous dance training necessary. 

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The Abstract and the Concrete: 

A foray into Indian classical dance

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In an interactive session, students will be exposed to the fundamentals of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance-form. Bharatanatyam proves unique in its ability to blend nritta, abstract intricate movements, with nritya, concrete mime used to portray situations and characters. Through this class, dancers will not only expand their movement vocabulary, but also improve in expressive ability. Students will learn to use facial expressions to engage in storytelling, basic steps and postures used in the artform, and some of the history surrounding this tradition.

For all types of movers and abilities, at all levels of experience.  No previous dance training necessary. 

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Love, War, and Comedy: 

An exercise in the navarasas

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In Indian classical dance, the navarasas, or nine emotions, are believed to give rise to all human sentiment. Through this class, students will form a deeper understanding in the use of body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures to portray various situations and characters. From falling in love to bickering with a friend, students will work through various exercises teaching the importance of empathy, introspection, and observation to better communicate the characters they play to audiences.

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Art and Academics:

Finding and maintaining balance

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With an increasingly fast-paced, career-focused world, students can find it challenging to balance their artistic and academic pursuits and to make sense of the value of the arts. In this interactive session with the directors of the dance company, students will hear about the journey each took in their artistic and academic realms. We’ll also discuss the ways in which the arts brought a sense of balance in our lives as well skills for time management, planning, and goal setting.