Ready for rigour? Attakkalari is for you

Bengaluru: “If you ever dreamt of a career in dance, then this is your opportunity.” Renowned dancer and artistic director of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Jayachandran Palazchy’s message to dancers is simple: “If you have the passion and desire to learn dance, here’s your chance.”

The Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports is holding a week-long ‘Introductory Movement Workshop’ in Bengaluru in the first week of August. Auditions to select participants for the five-day workshop will begin from July 16.

Mr Palazhy says, “The introductory workshop will give young minds a skill development opportunity, especially to those considering dance as a viable career. The participants will get firsthand experience to interact with dancers and learn the intense training that goes behind a performance. Thus, they can make an informed decision to consider pursuing dance as a profession.” The workshop aims to reach all, though limited time is a challenge, he adds.

 “The idea is to bring contemporary dance to the complete socio-economic spectrum crossing geographic barriers. We want contemporary dance to reach even the lesser privileged children. However, considering we have very little time, we are hoping to reach as many as possible” Mr Palazhy says. Interestingly, it’s a free workshop with accommodation and food expenses covered.

He adds, “The state government might support talented candidates chosen from the workshop for further studies to help them pursue a career in Movement Arts. Those chosen will get a chance to be internationally trained.”

And those who are not professionally trained have nothing to worry about. Though prior training in dance will be an advantage, those with a passion to dance will be given an opportunity to learn, says Mr Palazhy.

“Not everybody has the passion for dance. Only a select few will have the passion and they will be given a chance,” he concludes. Auditions will be held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi and Dharwad on different days and 30 students will be selected for the workshop.

Audition schedule

• July 16 at Dr Chandrashekar Patil Indoor Stadium, Kalaburagi, 1 pm to 4 pm  
• July 17 at Rajya Sarkari Naukarara Bhavana, Mangaluru, 1 pm to 4 pm
• July 20 at R.N.Shetty Indoor Stadium, College Road, Dharwad, 1 pm to 4 pm
• July 21 at Yavanika Auditorium, Nrupathunga Road, Bengaluru, 3 pm to 6 pm
• July 22 at Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium, Nazarbad, Mysuru, 1 pm to 4 pm