Attakkalari - Performances for Special Events

Asia- Africa Dance Exchange

Photos from Seoul, South Korea

Attakkalari Audition this Saturday

http://mybangalore.com/article/0709/attakkalari-auditions-for-diploma-program-in-dance.html

Attakkalari Repertory Member in Brouhaha International Workshop Programme – Liverpool, U.K.

Brouhaha International has invited Attakkalari repertory member – Denny Paul for a dance workshop in Liverpool, UK from July 25^th to August 4^th, 2009. Denny had attended the Brouhaha International Festival in 2008 along with 3 other repertory members – Remya, Santosh and Jyotsna. This year he will be choreographing a new piece with other international dancers.

http://www.brouhaha.uk.com/

Attakkalari Repertory Member in “Asia – Africa Dance Exchange”, Seoul, Korea

On SIDance (Korea)’s invitation, one of Attakkalari’s repertory members – Divya Vibha Sharma is participating in a 6 month residency programme in Seoul, Korea. From June to November of this year (2009), Divya is interacting with Korean and international dancers and choreographers to create new work which will be presented in October at the Seoul International Dance Festival 2009. Under the “Asia – Africa Dance Exchange”, she is also participating in presentations and discussions of cultural significance, learning the Korean language and traveling to historic and cultural sites within Korea. www.sidance.org

PURUSHARTHA - Multi Media Production (Edited Video)

CHRONOTOPIA- Multi Media Production- Edited Video

TRANSAVATAR ( 60 MNS ) Multi-media

TransAvatar is a multi-media performance of contemporary dance and martial arts with integrated digital sound and technology. This unique dance production, explores the multiple identities of individuals and its manifestations in different physical and mental spaces.

In this re-worked version incorporating more dancers, Attakkalari offers a fresh approach to dance that is both visual and physical, combining elements of theatre, martial arts, classical Indian dance and acrobatics with contemporary dance. The original production was done by the Imlata Dance Company in partnership with Attakkalari.

Imaginative lighting, eclectic costumes, and talented young dancers moving at an electrifying pace interspersed with gentle, graceful moments…combine to create a captivating dynamic. Digital images projected on transparent metal gauzes in front and back of the stage envelop the live action creating a multi-layered sensorial narrative.

Through intense concentration, sensuous elegance and athletic exuberance the team of seven talented dancers and international creative artistes present the cultural complexity of a thriving, vibrant, interrelated yet diverse Indian diaspora in the global arena today. Their collective South Asian and European experience is reflected in the absorbing and shifting land and sound-scapes. The dance vocabulary brings together the earthiness and precision of Indian physical traditions and the freedom of contemporary dance. The language also draws on influences from Indian folk and popular dance along with acrobatics and improvised pedestrian movement.


“At the cutting edge…..
The work has a language and style of its own… “ The Stage

“A sense of journey and the tension of living in several places at the same time..” - The Hindu

“Demanding, inventive ……teeming with action …you need eyes on stalks to keep up with the dancers….” -The Yorkshire Post

Choreography : Jayachandran Palazhy ( India )
Digital Design : Christian Ziegler (Germany)
Music : Joseph Hyde ( UK )
Costume Design : Ursula Bombshell (UK )
Lighting Design : Helen Cain ( UK )

Initially performed and conceived in association with Imlata Dance Company ( UK)
Performed in India by : Jayachandran Palazhy, Dil Sagar, Rakesh MP, Hemabharathy, Diya Naidu and Mirra Arun.

Janet Lilly - Choreographic Approaches Workshop

Janet Lilly, an Associate Professor at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U.S.A conducted a series of technique, choreography and pedagogy sessions with the repertory at the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts.

Janet Lilly focused on Choreographic Approaches – Weaknesses and Problems as part of the Continuing Professional Development programme for the repertory members.
As a choreographer, performer and teacher, Janet has enjoyed 19 years of professional experience in the field of dance and theater. From 1983 to 1991, she was a Principal Dancer with internationally renowned Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, also serving as the company's rehearsal director, master teacher and repertory reconstructor. As a Jacob Javits fellow, Janet received an MFA in Dance with highest honors from the University of Michigan in 1992.


Since arriving in Milwaukee, Ms. Lilly has choreographed extensively for the UWM Dance program as well as continuing to perform and present her work nationally and in New York City. Janet has received numerous choreographic grants including The Arts Foundation of Michigan and recently received a creation and planning grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.




























Janet and the Attakkalari Repertory presented their week’s learning on Friday, April 17th , 2009 at the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Art Studios.





Photo Credits: Akshay Mahajan (except Janet Lilly photo)

AUDITIONS FOR THE REPERTORY !

If you've been wondering about opportunities in dance as a career, look no further.

Attakkalari announces the India Auditions for 2009-2011 projects in the Repertory Company on May 2nd in New Delhi ( at Max Mueller Bhavan) and June 13th (Terence Lewis Dance Studio, Khar)in Mumbai.Bangalore/Pune/Hyderabad auditions will be fixed soon. The auditions are for both the Repertory and Diploma Programme.

The Attakkalari Repertory Company consists of a team of highly skilled dancers from various disciplines and movement backgrounds who are trained in Attakkalari's unique movement language. Dancers are on a regular contract with attractive remuneration and opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are assigned to exciting projects (based on capability), perform at prestigious art and culture events/venues around the world, travel and perform nationally, at select corporate events and are active participants in our Outreach Programme with schools, corporates, and other organisations.They also hold Community Classes at our studios.

You can also audition for the Attakkalari Diploma in Movement Arts & Mixed Media, a one of its kind opportunity in dance education, at the same venues on the same days.Diploma graduates will also be given the opportunity to join the Repertory after completion of the Programme.

Call +91 080 22123684/41467690 or email us at attakkalari.repertory@gmail.com for more details on how to join the Repertory and be a part of a leading contemporary dance organisation in India.

Additionally, send your :

- Photograph ( Portrait X 1 )
- Formal Performance Photographs x 2 ( optional)
- 2 movement sequences ( not more than 2 -3 mns)
- Resume

To :

The Programme Manager
Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts
24-04, BTS Bus Depot Road
Wilson Garden
Bangalore 560027.

NEW CLASS ! MATURE MOVERS by Jayachandran Palazhy

Attakkalari announces the commencement of a brand new Contemporary Dance Class for those above 40. Sessions will be conducted from 6.30- 8: 00 am in the morning on Mondays and Wednesdays for those who know that dance is the way to stay young for ever ! Gentle exercises to warm up will be followed by contemporary movements set to music under the experienced tutelage of Jayachandran Palazhy, internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and Artistic Director, Attakkalari.

So get set to stretch, swing, extend and head in the direction of a more supple, limber, flexible and well toned body, starting this summer !

Call 080 41467690/22123684 or email us at attakkalari@gmail.com to register !

ATTAKKALARI , Rashtrapathy Bhavan Oct 08

Attakkalari - On invitation by ICCR for the IBSA Summit 2008

OCTOBER 15TH 2008, Rashtrapathy Bhavan
OCTOBER 14TH 2008: KAMANI AUDITORIUM, NEW DELHI

Attakkalari was specially invited by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations,New Delhi, to participate in a cultural exchange between India, Brazil and South Africa in New Delhi ( Oct 10th - 15th 2008 ).The culmination of this interaction was a combined performance ( 20 mns ) between the three countries at the prestigious Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, along with an Attakalari performance at Kamani ( 40 mns ) and a special performance by Attakkalari at the Rashtrapathy Bhavan ( 15th Oct) for the Presidents of India, Brazil and South Africa.

This awe-inspiring piece began with strong percussion and was followed by a section tracing the ancient origins of Kalaripayattu, the martial art form from Kerala.It transformed into a primordial story incorporating the essence of animal moves derived from Kalaripayattu.

Kalarippayattu is considered to be the predecessor of several Asian martial arts such as Kung Fu, Wu Shu and Karate. The distilled essence of primordial animal movements is combined with intricate notions of space found in traditional Indian iconography and architecture. This section was accompanied by the strong rhythms of traditional percussion instruments – mizhavu, djembe, mridangam, chenda, edakka and the shankha played live by well known, highly respected musicians.

The piece then integrated inspirations from various disciplines such as Bharatanatyam, Contemporary Dance, Kathak and even the Brazilan martial dance, capoeira, encompassing 30-45 mns of sheer physical prowess and fine technique, to end with a vigorous Kalaripayattu sequence with the long sticks, and throbbing percussion.

Duration : 30-45 mns
Performed by : Dil Sagar, Rakesh MP, Hemabharathy, Santosh,Sumesh,Denny, Ajeesh, Diya Naidu, Jyotsna, Ramya KN, Rohini Rau, CP Prasad, CV Sukumaran.
Technicals : TransMedia Technologies /Wilson/Bir Bahadur
Light Design : Pritham Kumar
Sound: Shymon Chelad
Percussion : Sri N Sankarnarayan,Hariharan, V Ashok, SV Balakrishna
Programme Manager:Aliyeh Rizvi


THE DAILY STAR REVIEW
Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Thursday, October 30, 2008 02:10 PM GMT+06:00


Print Friendly Version
Published On: 2008-10-28
Arts & Entertainment
Food and fun in Delhi
Kavita Charanji, New Delhi

Brazilian musicians perform at the programme.
Culture and cuisine came together in a delightful mélange just the other day. Regaling a captivated audience were chefs from South Africa, Brazil and India Just a sample: Kalaripayattu (Kerala) dancers who fused martial dance, strikes, kicks, grapples. In one piece two dancers, armed with swords and shields took centre stage in a mock combat. The venue was the foyer of the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi and the organiser was the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The scene soon shifted to the Durbar restaurant. Here a group of Brazilian musicians with instruments such as drums, saxophones and trombones delighted people who were attending the select dinner...

After the music, followed some superb food from the three countries, designed to tickle the taste buds. As part of the wonderful Indian, Brazil and South African (IBSA) festival, chefs of the latter two nations were flown in to the menu. The trio comprised, award winning Brazilian chef Mara Alcamim, Owen Jullies, director of the South African Chefs' Association and MS Gupta, corporate chef of the Indian Tourist Development Corporation (ITDC).... And on to the next day when Brazil and South African dancers showed off their fascinating dances, Brazil also featured an orchestra. The first Frevo dance and orchestra performance from Brazil was eye opening. Frevo describes a range of musical styles originating from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil which are traditionally associated with the Brazilian carnival.

After this followed a Frevo dance which requires much rehearsals, strength, endurance and flexibility. Says a note at the programme, “The fight between the groups moved from the physical to the aesthetical.”

Now to South Africa: well known for their grace, enthralling, uninhibited dance. The troupe captured indigenous cultures and modern contemporary genres.

The last show was equally amazing. The Indian core repertory from the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bangalore (South India) was adroit in martial arts, yoga, body conditioning, classical and contemporary dance techniques, coupled with creative dance, choreography and dance. What was interesting was the background of the dancers: Bharatnatyam, Kuchupidi, ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, Kathak and Kalaripayattu.

Explaining the genesis of the concert, was Ajit Gupte, the deputy director general of the ICCR. As he said, “Currently we are having the third IBSA summit where the heads of state from India, Brazil and South Africa are coming together. On the eve of the summit, we have a celebratory and festive occasion. The summit strives to encourage cooperation between the three nations as they are among the largest developing countries…Dance, music, food are an integral part of culture and we seek to expose the people of India to different kinds of foreign cultures.”

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, Jayachandran Palazhy

Jayachandran Palazhy is the Artistic Director, ATTAKKALARI CENTRE FOR MOVEMENT ARTS, Bangalore, and The Attakkalari India Biennial.

A phenomenal dancer himself he has trained in India in the dance forms of Bharathanatyam, Kathakali, Indian Folk dance and Kalarippayattu ( the martial art form from Kerala) and in Contemporary Dance at the London Contemporary Dance School ( UK).He has also studied Ballet, Taichi, Capoeira and African Dance.

He has been working extensively as a freelance choreographer, teacher and consultant in different parts of the world and is at the forefront of the contemporary South Asian Dance Scene.

His work often involves digital and interactive technology and he has collaborated with some of the most celebrated artists of the genre on Attakkalari's multi-media works Purushartha, and Chronotopia.

His latest work CHRONOTOPIA, had its world premiere at The Attakkalari India Biennial 2009 and is now ready for touring.

Jayachandran’s multi media dance production PURUSHARTHA toured the European Festival Circuit to rave reviews. PURUSHARTHA is a pan Asian collaborative project choreographed by Jayachandran Palazhy, with music composition and interactive technology by Kunihiko Matsuo from Japan in a unique blend of Indian Movement idioms and Japanese digital & Sonic Arts.

Jayachandran has also created a Research Project on Indian Physical Expressions - Nagarika:

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘a civilizational dimension’, Attakkalari’s exhaustive research project ‘Nagarika’ is an Integrated Information System on Indian Physical Expressions through technology. The project compiles and categorizes movement sequences of two specific Indian movement traditions – the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and the Keralan martial art - Kalarippayattu.

As the Artistic Director of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Jayachandran has created a brilliant team of dancers, inspired and led by his innovative and cutting edge choreography.His work tours widely in India and all over the world.

ATTAKKALARI INDIA BIENNIAL 2009 , Opening

On the 6th of February, as the sun set over Bangalore, Chowdiah Memorial Hall came alive with a spectacular display of colour, energy, artistry, physicality and technology as all these combined to create the Inaugural ceremony of the Attakkalari India Biennial 2009.

The city, its inhabitants, locations, day-to-day happenings and its constant transformation was the theme of this site-specific event. Marking the opening of the Attakkalari India Biennial 2009, contemporary urban life and its distant traces were brought to life, animating the entire architecture of the Chowdiah Memorial Hall.

Dancers, choreographers, composers, musicians, digital artists, light designers, architects, carnival artists and costume designers from different parts of the world - Japan, Netherlands,the UK, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, France and India - stretched the boundaries of performance in this trans-disciplinary work. Alongside international artistes, local folk artistes added vibrant Khamsale and Dollu Kunitha performances to the event in the spirit of the moment.

On the pathway, as a part of a promenade performance, dancers and physical performers in colourful, large carnival costumes entered along with a decorated auto-rickshaw which became the connecting theme of the event and acted as a mascot. A drum orchestra from Portugal and India in costume, martial artists with colourful sticks and flags, illuminated constructions on push-carts invoking images of a city that is constantly being rebuilt followed. The enveloping sound and huge projection created the context for an electrifying performance animating the outside space at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall.

It was truly a collaborative effort of artists from different parts of the world, drawing from their individual journeys as well as historical ones such as spice trades of yester years, On the Move portrayed urban life, its little joys as well as trials and tribulations.

Alison Pretty lead a team of seven designers from London (UK), working with 20 young designers of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to create the costume and visual feel of the site-specific grand multimedia promenade performance to mark the opening of Attakkalari India Biennial 2009 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Ali and her team of designers from Kinetika have created costumes at the Atlanta Olympics and many big outdoor events throughout the world. (www.kinetika.co.uk )

The event also involved Brouhaha, the UK-based organization who develop quality arts and cultural projects and programmes including carnivals that meet the aspirations of diverse communities at a local, national and international level. They presented Spice– a four nation (Portugal, Spain, UK and Attakkalari, India) collaborative work funded by the European Union as part of the inaugural performance at the festival.
( www.brouhaha.uk.com)

Cutting edge interactive design, an installation, music and a performance from Japanese artists Kunihiko Matsuo, Naoki Hamanaka, Mitsuaki Matsumoto and JOU altered the perception of the audience while large outer walls of the building were used for projections and lighting to create a new perception of a city in transformation. German digital artist Christian Ziegler and his team worked on the 4 glass panels on each side of the entrance to project a video installation of Bangalore, giving a panoramic view of the city while moving through it. Thomas Dotzler, Light Designer ( Sweden), Imre Dsebrik, and TransMedia Technologies ( India) also provided expert technical support for Light design and execution.

The audience watched alongside the promenade and also witnessed stand alone performances in the foyer. Inside the auditorium they were further treated to a finale performance on stage by Attakkalari, Brouhaha, Jou and Paris based musician and composer Mathias Duplessy on the Mongolian Morin Khuur/ Acoustic Guitar with celebrated percussionist Hariharan on the Mizhavu .

The idea was to bring the spirit of the city to the premises of Chowdiah and celeberate the vibrancy of a "City On The Move -Connecting People ".

CHRONOTOPIA - Press

YUVA Performances

1. ASHWA

Inspired by the spiritual and martial aspect of Indian culture and set to evocative music, this piece is rooted in the ancient martial art form of Kalarippayattu from the state of Kerala, which is situated at the southern tip of India. Kalarippayattu is considered to be the predecessor of several Asian martial arts such as Kung Fu, Wu Shu and Karate and is believed to have been taken to China and Japan by Buddhist monks. Here, earthy sinuous movements are interspersed with sudden leaps and jumps. The distilled essence of primordial animal movements is combined with intricate notions of space found in traditional Indian iconography and architecture. Starting with a highly stylized salutation of the cosmos , the piece demontrates the intense physicality of the performers and the breathtaking dynamism of their movements which are done with absolute concentration of mind, body and spirit.




Duration - 5 minutes/ 15 mns extension possible
Number of performers : 6-7


2.REFLECTIONS

A brief encapsulation of selected elements from the cultural milieu of India. Geometrical lines of Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance which originated in the temples) and postures reminiscent of Indian temple sculptures are brought to life in this thoroughly contemporary delineation of sophisticated physical movements. Images of daily life, pedestrian gestures and memories fuel the choreography. Small and precise movements of the hands and eyes are mixed with large, athletic and expansive movements of the whole body creating transient patterns and images. Beautifully designed costumes and a captivating sound score support this dynamic yet sensuous dance which is interspersed with rare moments of contemplative stillness.

Duration - 9 minutes
Number of performers: 5

3.VIVA

A Brazilian martial art disguised as a dance form, Capoeira was developed by Africans who were brought to South America against their will. When they were banned from using weaponry or even their hands to fight, they developed an inspired technique using only their legs as instruments of combat. Using this concept as a platform, Viva is an energetic dance which celebrates diversity where cultures share their heritage, respect differences and rejoice in the sheer joy of being together. African folk and Brazilian urban street moves meet Indian acrobatics and popular dance in this exuberant display of sheer physicality and camaraderie. This high-energy piece with its colourful costumes will lift spirits and effectively encapsulates the festive mood of the occasion.




Duration - 6 minutes
Number of dancers : 6-7

4.RENDEZVOUS IN JALLANDHAR

Images of everyday life in Jallandhar city (in the state of Punjab, at the north west corner of India), and its moments of joy as well as trials and tribulations were the starting point for singer/songwriter Tjinder Singh of British Asian band Corner Shop who composed the music for this piece. Set against the diffused amber light of dawn and dusk, these snippets of life are transformed into elegant movement sequences with spectacular yet effortless lifts, fluent slides and rolls creating a tapestry of pulsating motifs. The catchy music and beautifully structured interweaving patterns of movement makes this dance a visual treat for the senses.

Duration - 6 minutes
Number of performers : 7

5. KATHAK

A very short piece, it is usually set between larger pieces, like the intricate jewelled inlay work so distinctive of the Mughal period. This fluid, ethereal piece is full bodied with a richness and grace associated with the royal courts of a bygone era. It is based on the movement vocabulary of Kathak, and is performed to soulful musical accompaniment.




Duration : 2 mns
Number of performers : 4


6.BODY BEAT

An exhilarating, energetic piece marrying and synchronizing rhythm and body movement. In Body Beat dancers celebrate the human form, a sound body and the sheer joy of being physically alive. It stretches imagination and physical endurance, extending human capabilities and testing limits, every minute, just when one begins to believe there can be no going further.




Duration: 5 minutes
Number of performers : 7


7. INTERSECTIONS


In this piece, Attakkalari offers a fresh approach to dance that is both visual and physical, combining elements of theatre, martial arts, classical Indian dance and acrobatics with contemporary dance. This piece is a glimpse into the multiple identities of individuals, in different physical and mental manifestations.




Duration: 5 minutes
Number of performers : 4


8. SOUL PSALM

A reflective attempt to converse with one’s self, as well as a voyage of discovery with one’s partner. Moving in perfect unison to haunting music by Nitin Sawhney, a couple glides through space creating visual poetry in this duet. This piece is sensuous and fluid, as the dancers create a new language between them which goes beyond the parameters of conventional expression. It seeks to affirm that meaningful communication does not always depend upon the inadequacies of spoken language.




Duration: 7 minutes
Number of performers : 2

9. SWA ATMAN

From the birth of inner consciousness to a discovery of the self, Swa Atman is a journey of the soul. Dressed in symbolic mystic colours, the dancers explore the rise of our latent consciousness developing into thoughtful awareness and a final discovery of our place in this world.



Duration : 6 mns
Number of performers : 4

10. PUSHPANJALI

This is a traditional Bharatnatyam piece – the dancers present an offering of flowers and salutation to the deities, the audience, and mother earth. The choreography is by Savithri Jagannath, music by Sai Shankar and vocals by Mysore Shrinath.

Duration : 4 mns

Number of performers : 2-4

11

11. Cinemascope

Contemporary dance today strives to be genderless, formless and ageless. In Cinemascope we revisit conventional spaces and paradigms to create an implosion within them. We reach inside these areas to celebrate the chaos and aesthetic shift within the popular and accepted realms of cinematic body language, classical perceptions of form and movement, and a globalization of previously isolated vocabularies. What we get is the unique interaction of a recognizable framework yet a surprising dynamism that is essentially alive, resists definition and is throbbing with the confidence, the fun and sometimes cinematic feel of young India today.

Duration : 11 Mins

No. of Performers: 8 - 12

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfsGslraj2Y

12. AAYODHANAM

This piece presents the pure vocabulary of Kalarippayattu – the Southern Indian martial art form and then develops it further. The distilled essence of primordial animal movements, reverberate with traditional aesthetic. The dancers then experiment with this five thousand year old legacy and present it using a contemporary lens.

Duration : 6 Mins

Number of performers: 5 - 8

Our Past Partners have Included:

1. IBM

2. BOSCH

3. Indian Council for Cultural Relations

4. SAP technologies

5. Overseas Women's Club

6. Hindustan Unilever Limited

7. Lavanya Nalli

.......amongst others

Kalinga Martial Dance Festival , Jan 2009

The Attakkalari Repertory is well versed in martial arts, yoga, body conditioning, classical and contemporary dance techniques as well as creative dance, choreography and dance pedagogy. The dancers train with national and internationally acclaimed choreographers and teachers and constantly upgrade and hone their skills, promoting kinaesthetic energy. Artistic Director, Jayachandran Palazhy's cutting edge and innovative choreography enhances the complex body movements creating a genre and language of it’s own.

Attakkalari also provides a platform for young choreoographers to create their own work, under the YUVA umbrella. These pieces are then part of a mixed bill that is not budget or technical intensive and can be performed at most venues across the cities and in India.

Attakkalari began 2009 with a vigorous performance celebrating peace at the Kalinga Martial Dance Festival on January 10th 2009, in Bhubaneshwar. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dhauli Stupa, the festival is all the more significant as it is performed on the spot where Emperor Ashoka set down his sword and embraced Buddhism in the aftermath of the famous bloody battle of Kalinga.

The 40 mn performance was based on movements from Kalaripayattu, incorporporating elements from Capoeira, the Brazilan martial dance form, and Attakkalari's own unique style.

Invited by the Orissa Department of Tourism, and curated by well known Odissi dancer Ileana Citaristi, the Kalinga Martial Dance Festival gave the Attakkalari Repertory an opportunity to showcase their skills in various physical traditions.