Kerala - Kochi   

Attakkalari looks for young talent

IN STEP: Students at Attakkalari, Bangalore.

KOCHI: Attakkalari is back. As always, the hunt is for those with music in their heart and rhythm in their body.

Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, based in Bangalore, is one of the leading contemporary dance groups.

With a solid footing in classical arts, the centre seeks to promote the art and help those who have the aptitude to pursue a demanding but satisfying career.

“We are informed and influenced, but not limited by classical art,” says Jayachandran Palazhi, artistic director of Attakkalari.

An accomplished dancer, Jayachandran had his training in Bharatanatyam under masters like Kalamandalam Kshemavathy and the Dhananjayans.

After mastering the nuances of dance with these stalwarts, he moved on to Kalaripayattu and folk dances from different parts of India, in a bid to widen his knowledge of the art.

He also studied at the London Contemporary Dance School. Currently, he is leading a project on research and documentation of Indian classical dances using digital technology.

He, and Attakkalari, have been searching for talents who want to make a career of dancing, and who are willing to put in the dedication and practice that are necessary for success.

He has been promoting local talents since Attakkalari started Diploma in Movement Arts and Mixed Media, claimed to be the only programme of its kind in India.

During auditions held in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, 10 students were selected.

This time, however, Attakkalari is conducting audition in Kochi alone.

For someone with solid background in classical dance and for a group doing exhaustive research into it, the audition is surprisingly open to all who believe can dance.

The only criterion is that they be aged above 16 and have a minimum educational qualification of Plus Two.

“We are looking for people having flexibility in the body, a sense of musicality and rhythm and most importantly, ability to imagine and be creative,” says Jayachandran. Selection will be made on the basis of interviews and aptitude tests.

Those interested were asked to appear for audition at Chavara Cultural Centre on Sunday, with their resumes and loose clothing, preferably track suites and t-shirts.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Rising temperature to hit agriculture production: study
National strike
Two workers killed in accident
Third front necessary in State, says Ajit Singh
Ukraine calling
Two workers killed as earth caves in
Farewell
Vigilance probe sought into bridge toll
Public cooperation sought for projects
Funds shortage hits bridges projects
Attakkalari looks for young talent
Kochi today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu