Akademi presents Elemental: Forces of Nature

Three different dance forms, three performances and three participatory experiences, curated by Akademi.

Artist 1/3
Shreya Vadnerkar performs Breakin Boundaries, showcasing her British Indian experience showcased through Bharatanatyam and Breakin’ (breakdance) followed by an interactive dance workshop in Bharatanatyam and Breaking suited for all levels.

Shreya Vadnerkar performs her dance solo ‘Breakin’ Boundaries’. A British Indian experience showcased through Bharatanatyam and Breakin’ (Breakdance).“So like, where you from?” – How many times have you heard that one? Have you ever felt stereotyped, boxed-in or labelled? Never Indian enough, nor western enough. But what happens when we remove these labels?This dance piece embraces the journey of finding and accepting one’s’ true self, a journey filled with excitement, self-doubt & resolution.Choreography & Dance Artist: Shreya VadnerkarProject Emerge curated by: Nupur Arts Youth Association & Artistic Director Smita Vadnerkar Music credit: Riz Ahmed- Where you from (live from The Big Narstie show) & Ólafur Arnalds- Til Enda. This will be followed by an interactive multi-style workshop in the style of Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) and Breaking (Breakdance). A 45 minute workshop delving into the intricacy of South Indian classical dance known for its expressions, hand gestures and architectural shapes, and rounding it up with some Breaking fundamentals. This is open to ages 4+ and to all abilities, focusing on beginner level!

Artist 2/3
Using bharatanatyam gesture, spoken word and contemporary dance, choreographer/dancer Kamala Devam will perform “Less of Me”, a solo about the possibility of life’s choices following a surgery, and will lead a story-telling and movement workshop for the audience afterwards based on the piece’s themes.

Piece Title: Less of Me. In this contemporary dance piece, choreographer/dancer Kamala Devam uses bharatanatyam gesture and spoken text to reflect on the space she has inside her body following a surgery, and the uncertainty of her life choices in lieu of this new space of possibility. Kamala will lead a story-telling and movement workshop for the audience after her performance based on the piece’s themes.

Artist 3/3
Experience the energy, theatrics and captivating moves of Bollywood & Bhangra performed by Epika Dance Troupe. Learn the iconic moves yourself in an interactive fun workshop. Whether you are a novice or an experienced dancer, you will be dancing all the way back home!!

​A high energy performance presenting a fusion of traditional to modern Bhangra & Bollywood dance. Followed by a workshop. Learn foundation steps in Bollywpod and Bhangra that you can take onto any dance floor! No matter what age, background and dancing experience, there is something for everyone!​

This event is part of our COMMONS dance festival. To see the full programme, visit this event page.

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