The Performing Arts (Dance) curriculum offers a practice-based and theoretically informed engagement with diverse dance traditions from India and the world. Students study Western ballroom and Latin American dances alongside Indian folk and classical forms such as Bharatanatyam and Odissi, developing technical proficiency, musicality, and choreographic skills. The programme also explores creative and modern expressions through Uday Shankar’s narrative dance, situating movement within historical, cultural, social, and spiritual contexts. Emphasizing performance, choreography, and critical appreciation, the courses integrate embodied practice with academic inquiry, enabling students to understand dance as a dynamic medium of expression, identity, and cultural continuity.
Ballroom and Latin American Dances introduces students to the history, technique, and performance of major Western dance forms. The course covers classical ballroom styles such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Slow-fox, along with Latin American dances including Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha-Cha, and Jive. Emphasis is placed on understanding musicality, posture, balance, footwork, and partner coordination. As a performance-based course, students gain hands-on training in eight dance forms and apply their learning through choreography. Through practical sessions and interactive learning, the course develops technical skill, creativity, and expressive movement.
A Glimpse into Folk Dance Forms of India introduces students to the rich diversity of Indian folk dances as expressions of regional culture, community life, and social traditions. The course explores the role of folk dance in Indian society and familiarizes students with major regional forms, focusing on Bihu, Maria, and Garba. Emphasis is placed on identifying the cultural and geographical contexts of each dance. As a performance-based course, students receive practical training in selected folk dances, combining theory with practice to develop cultural awareness, rhythm, coordination, and appreciation of India’s living dance traditions.
Kathak introduces students to one of India’s major classical dance traditions, tracing its evolution from storytelling by nomadic bards to its refinement in royal courts. The course combines theoretical understanding with intensive practical training, focusing on rhythmic footwork, hand movements, spins, and expressive interpretation. Students learn the fundamentals of Kathak repertoire, musicality, and instruments, along with costume and performance conventions. Emphasis is placed on Tritaal, basic compositions, and abhinaya. Through interactive discussions and hands-on practice, the course develops technical skill, aesthetic sensitivity, and an appreciation of Kathak as both a narrative and rhythmic art form.
Bharatanatyam introduces the history, technique, and expressive language of this ancient Indian classical dance. The course focuses on basic movements, rhythm, abhinaya, and understanding the traditional margam, combining theory with practical training. Students also develop skills in performance appreciation, musicality, and simple choreography, fostering cultural awareness and artistic discipline.
Odissi introduces the history, spirituality, and aesthetics of this ancient Indian classical dance form. The course focuses on basic postures, tribhangi and chowk positions, hand gestures, and expressive techniques using mudras and navarasas. Through theory and practice, students learn to interpret music and lyrics, understand the traditional repertoire, and develop performance skills while appreciating Odissi’s cultural and historical significance.
This course introduces students to creative dance as a narrative, focusing on Uday Shankar’s revolutionary style. It explores classical and folk dance forms of India, examining how Shankar broke traditional dualities to create a modern, expressive dance language. Students learn the fundamentals of his choreography, body preparation, and movement techniques, while understanding how his works reflect India’s cultural and historical transformations from the 1930s to the 1970s. Through interactive discussions, multimedia modules, demonstrations, and guest lectures, students develop analytical and communication skills, gain appreciation for Shankar’s legacy, and explore dance as a medium to narrate society, culture, and modernity.