Nrityagram: The “dance village”

Nrityagram, or the “dance village”, is the ultimate destination for the student of dance. Founded in 1990 by the late danseuse Protima Gauri Bedi on a vast expanse of arid land, this place realises her inspiration to build a community of dancers living in harmony with nature, forsaking all negative energies, and supporting each other towards their path to excellence.

The way of life at Nrityagram is inspired by the gurukul tradition, wherein, other than imbibing the knowledge, the disciples also look after their teacher and perform activities like farming and helping in the maintenance of the school. This strengthens the bond between the student, the teacher and the school. Nrityagram believes that dance is a way of life, and faith and belief shared between the teachers and the students motivate learning.

Through the course of their stay the students are exposed to a holistic curriculum. In addition to the usual dance forms like Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Manipuri the students also learn Indian literature, mythology, poetry, Sanskrit, music, aesthetics, history of dance, philosophy, spiritual thought and dance theory. Regular workshops are conducted in martial arts, yoga, mime, meditation and sculpture. Students from all over the country and the world come here in the hope of pursuing their dreams.

Situated about 30 Kms from Bangalore in Hesaraghatta, the best time to visit this unique temple of dance is during the annual art festival called Vasantahabba (celebration of spring). Celebrated in the month of February, this Woodstock of dance and music has become a cultural event and exponents of different art forms from India as well as abroad come and perform here.

Nrityagram also has a Dance Ensemble that is more than a dance company. An inspired group that shares the philosophy, skill and inspiration of the school, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has gained national and international acclaim for their compelling, vivid and dynamic performances. Nrityagram also organises lecture demonstrations and dance performances on advance booking.

Nrityagram is in the expansion mode and a building called “Whole Body Centre” is being built. This will accommodate two dance studios with wooden flooring, one of which would be an auditorium with a seating capacity for 250 people. Other facilities include a gymnasium, a room for yoga, a massage centre, a steam room and a Jacuzzi. Nrityagram also plans to establish a resource centre called “Centre for Nrityagyan” that aims to conduct research in music, dance and traditional art forms.