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)