Our dance school had the honour of traveling to Doha, Qatar, for a special performance tour hosted by Global Arts Academy. Our young dancers presented both group pieces and a duet, showcasing their artistry with grace, emotion, and dedication. Their heartfelt performances received tremendous applause and appreciation from the audience.
During our time in Doha, we connected with Indian and local Qatari artists, building new artistic networks and gaining valuable cultural exchanges. We also had the unique opportunity to film in the desert—an unforgettable experience that added a magical dimension to our journey.
Bharatanatyam Workshop in London (2020)In 2020, Kavitha Laxmi hosted a 4-day Bharatanatyam workshop in London, offering a unique opportunity for participants of all age groups to immerse themselves in the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. This enriching workshop was designed for dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and provided a deep dive into the technical, expressive, and cultural elements of this ancient art form.
Over the course of the 4 days, participants engaged in a comprehensive training experience, learning both the foundational aspects of Bharatanatyam and its rich history. The workshop was structured to be both informative and fun, with each day focusing on key components that contribute to mastering this graceful and expressive dance form.
The dance item drew inspiration from the poignant lines of "Velappanniakar Oppaari", a significant piece of Tamil literature, and used it as a lens to examine the colonial oppression of the Tamils. The "Oppaari" is a traditional Tamil lament, often used to mourn the loss of lives, culture, and land during times of suffering and tragedy. In this context, it provides a powerful commentary on the historical struggle of the Eelam Tamils under foreign domination.
We contrasted the "Velappanniakar Oppaari" with the historical account found in the "Memoir of Hendrick Zwaardecroon, Commandeur of Jaffnapatnam (1697)", a detailed record from the colonial period that offers insight into the colonial rulers' interactions with the local Tamil population. Both sources were used to illustrate the ongoing struggles faced by the Tamils during the colonial period and how those struggles echo in the present-day situation of the Tamil community.
Dance tour to Paris - Silambu festival
KalaSaadhana is proud to announce that Sapthana, a talented group of young dancers from KalaSaadhana (ages 10-15), emerged as the winner of the prestigious Navarasa Natyam 2016 international competition. The final round of the competition was held on the main stage at the Broadway Theatre in London, where participants from Australia, Canada, and Europe competed.
KalaSaadhana at the 1000-Year Festival at , Gangaikondacholapuram
On Thursday, 2nd February 2017, thousands of devotees gathered at the majestic Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikondacholapuram to witness the Kudamuzhukku ceremony, a significant ritual that forms part of the 1000-year festival celebrating the temple’s rich history and architectural grandeur.One of the largest and most magnificent temples in India, Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple is a stellar example of Dravidian architecture and was built by the great Chola dynasty, specifically by Rajendra Chola.
The temple, known for its awe-inspiring design and intricate carvings, stands as a symbol of Tamil heritage and the artistic brilliance of the Chola period.As part of the momentous 1000-year celebration, KalaSaadhana had the privilege of being a part of this historic event, contributing to the cultural festivities with a performance that echoed the temple's legacy.
The event was a powerful blend of devotion, culture, and tradition, and KalaSaadhana’s participation in this auspicious occasion added to the grandeur of the celebrations, highlighting the spiritual and artistic significance of the moment.
