On the 23rd, 24th and 25th
of November, people from an organization called Gati came in for a workshop. We
were put through an orientation session before the actual workshop. This
session gave us a brief introduction to the whole idea of dance appreciation.
The women who came for this short session were Shomita and Durba.
The workshop lasted for three days. The activities ranged
from actual dance to watching movies. We learnt a variety of skills such as
movement qualities, breaking time and awareness of space. Each of these skills
was taught with the help of an activity. We were taught movement qualities
through a series of videos, breaking time by clapping our hands and stomping
our feet to a certain rhythm and awareness of space using a rope. These
activities helped us understand these concepts better.
On the third day we watched a movie called ‘Billy Elliot’.
This movie was about a young boy of about 11 who originally took up boxing but
later found his passion in ballet. The movie was set in a time period in which
dancing was considered an activity for only girls. The boy’s father takes time
to understand but gives up after seeing his son’s dance routine. The movie was
quite a sweet and somber take on the stereotypes placed on male dancers,
particularly male ballet dancers.
Overall, the whole workshop taught us quite a bit and also
kept us interested till the very end. It was a good way to get some more people
interested in dance. Although the process was long, I think a lot of people
enjoyed the experience.
- Ayona Sengupta
8B
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