Kerala - Kochi
Diploma in Movement Arts

Attakkalari, a cultural organisation that works towards developing a contemporary idiom in movement arts, has been involved in research and documentation in the subject for the past couple of years. The organisation, which worked from Kochi during the initial period, later shifted its activities to Bangalore. But, Attakkalari regularly conducts audition for dancers from Kerala.

From this September onwards, the organisation is planning to commence a three-year diploma programme in Movement Arts, according to Jayachandran Palazhi, artistic director of Attakkalari. The course will be conducted in Bangalore. An innovative idea, the diploma programme is aimed at creating professional dancers who will be technically adept, innovative, aware and thinking practitioners.

The diploma programme is supported by the Dutch organisation, Hivos. The International Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries Middlesex University (U.K.), Springdance (Netherlands), Working Dance Festival (U.K.) and Greenwich Dance Agency (U.K.) are partners of the programme. Agencies, including India Foundation for the Arts, Daniel Langlois Foundation, the British Council, Max Mueller Bhavan, Alliance Francaise, French Embassy in India, and Indian Council for Cultural Research too are supporting the project.

Students who have completed their Class XII or equivalent are eligible to apply. Basic English language skills are necessary. Reputed dancers and choreographers form part of the faculty, working with students.
RENU RAMANATH
(The Hindu - May 23, 2006)