Abhivyakti: Finding ways to express ourselves through Kathak Dance, led by Annu Gupta (POSTPONED)
“The mind is everything, what you think you become.” – Buddha
Question: How heavy is carrying a rock?
The answer is that the longer you hold it, the heavier it gets.
ABOUT KATHAK DANCE FORM:
Kathak Dance is one of the most ancient forms of Indian Classical Performing Art. It is said to have originated in the temples of North India. Known as the dance of storytellers, Kathak comes from the word ‘Kathakaar’- the village minstrel who used subtle gestures and movements to enhance the dramatic
element of the narrative. One of the essential features of the dance form is to balance one’s personal emotions and fully embody the characters in a manner of oneness.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
The primary objective of the 7-day long intensive workshop is to collectively create conditions for the workshop participants to be able to express their hearts. The workshop also aims to hold space for the participants to be able to acknowledge their feelings and emotions that may arise during the process. The theme for the workshop will be: ‘Staying aware while flowing in the river of life’ through this beautiful dance form. The participants shall also be introduced to the basics as well as the technical aspects of the dance form such as the footwork, hand movements, mudras, and spins — learning about all these intricacies of the dance form shall help us connect and cultivate awareness at each step. For the same purpose, a choreography will also be prepared together on the chosen theme. This shall give us an opportunity to reflect and become aware of our actions and also to recognise how our thoughts/ mental actions impact the way we look at any situation or circumstance in our lives. Please note that the workshop is not about giving any teachings or commentary on the theme.
ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE WORKSHOP:
We will be having a variety of sessions in the workshop such as:
• Guided Meditation: to center our mind and body in the present moment
• Observing Silence: to connect to our deeper self and just to be
• Light Exercises: to awaken different parts of our body
• Kathak Sessions: as a medium to explore, express, and heal mind and body
• Group Activities: to expand our horizons while learning from each other’s experiences
• Contemplation: to relate our learnings with life
• Sharing/Reflection Circles: to reflect and build empathy within while listening to others
• Choreography on the chosen theme: to receive reminders and inspiration while expanding our hearts for all beings
• Stage Performance: to share our experiences with the larger group
OUR DAILY SCHEDULE:
9.00 am – 9.15 am: Guided Meditation/Observing Silence
9.15am – 9.30am : Exercises
9.30am – 10.30am : Session 1
10.30am – 11am : Tea Break
11.00 am – 12 pm: Session 2
12 pm – 3 pm: Lunch & Break
3 pm – 4.30 pm: Session 3
4.30 pm – 5.00 pm: Tea Break
5.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Session 4
(Sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the main sessions which include Kathak Practice, Group Activities, Reflection,
Contemplation, Singing, and Preparing the choreography.)
A FEW GENERAL GUIDELINES:
• The minimum age to join is 16 years.
• All sessions are mandatory to join.
• No prior training or experience in classical dance is needed to join the workshop.
• The workshop is not gender-specific, anyone who wishes to explore the dance form is
welcome to join.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Annu Gupta is an avid Kathak Practitioner, Performer, and Facilitator based out of New Delhi who has learned and taught this art form for the last 15 years now. She began her journey of learning Kathak professionally under the guidance of her guru Smt. Monisa Nayak and have also performed at the most reputed platforms across the country, including the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
After moving away from a mainstream career in her field, she found satisfaction in working with underprivileged communities through an initiative called ‘Anubhuti’ in 2016. The aim was to inculcate essential life skills such as self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and creativity among under-served
children in remote rural/tribal communities and in urban slums use Kathak Dance as a medium.
While her heart was yearning to find more to life, she met Buddhist Teachings in 2019 and since then she has been deeply involved in understanding and practicing these profound teachings. Presently, she spends her time blending Buddhist Teachings with this performing art. She also continues to teach Kathak in its traditional form through online/offline sessions and travels to conduct Anubhut and Abhivyakti workshops as and when her heart calls for it.
Please note- “attendance in all sessions is mandatory.”
For queries, registration & accommodation, please email: info@deerpark.in
More about Annu’s work
https://www.annukathak.in | Instagram: @annu.kathak