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Kala School of Indian Classical
Dance was founded in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, by Sujata
Nair-Mulloth. The main objective of the school is to train students in
the art and discipline of Bharata Natyam and to popularize Indian
Culture. Many of the students who train here will go on to be
professional dancers and teachers. It is important that both, those
who pursue careers in dance and those who leave dance, possess sound
education, in the fundamentals of the art form, that will serve them
in the future. It is with this in mind that Kala School offers a
comprehensive three tiered curriculum based on the rigorous training
program followed in India. It aims to achieve a disciplined technique
focused on flexibility, co-ordination, grace, poise, and strength.
The course ensures that all students
have a strong basis of the dance style and of Indian Culture. At the
completion of the course, the students are encouraged to perform their
"Arangetram" -debut performance.
Classes run from August through June.
Each year all students participate in an annual recital. The recitals
present items from the traditional repertoire, and include dances
choreographed by Sujata Nair-Mulloth. This gives students exposure to
aspects of choreography and production and also teaches them to use
the traditional movement vocabulary in new and innovative ways. |
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Students are taught the following aspects
of
Indian Classical Dance:
Nritta: pure dance, technique include basic
"adavus" (foot work)
and movement exercises
Abhinaya: Facial expression
Nritya: Rhythm and expression
Shiro Bheda: Movements of the head
Hastas: (mudras) Hand gestures
Drishti Bheda: Movements of the eyes
Beginning with the basic "adavus" or steps,
each student is expected to complete the "Margam" (course) which comprises
the following dances:
Allarippu
Jatiswaram
Sabdam
Varnam
Padam (3)
Tillana
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