Folk and Contemporary Classes

URUVAM – Rooted Motion 

A Folk & Contemporary Movement Practice.

URUVAM (உருவம்) means form or body shape. The practice is rooted in the idea that the body is shaped by rhythm, labour, culture, environment, and lived memory. URUVAM is a structured movement training that bridges traditional Tamil folk vocabularies with contemporary dance techniques. It explores how grounded folk rhythm and percussive footwork can coexist and evolve within contemporary flow, floor work, and mobility-based practices. Rather than treating folk and contemporary as separate forms, URUVAM approaches them as interconnected physical languages. The sessions are rhythm-driven and physically engaging, combining cultural understanding with technical training through exploration of Tamil folk rhythms and musical structures, traditional footwork patterns and grounded stance work, understanding the cultural and historical contexts of folk songs, study of how everyday labour and community practices shape physicality, and development of rhythmic precision and endurance. The practice integrates contemporary elements including floor work and movement sequencing, flow-based transitions and spatial awareness, mobility and flexibility training, strength and conditioning through movement phrases, and improvisation rooted in rhythmic structures. URUVAM emphasizes rhythmic awareness, ground connection and weight distribution, stamina and coordination, fluidity in transitions, integration of percussive and flowing movement qualities, and cultural sensitivity within contemporary exploration. The practice supports participants in developing both physical technique and embodied awareness of tradition

Weekend Sessions - Saturday and Sunday Mornings

Junafar Juno

Performer | Choreographer | Movement Artist

Junafar Juno is a movement artist rooted in Tamil folk traditions and contemporary performance practice. A graduate in Tamil Literature, his artistic inquiry draws from lived cultural memory, community narratives, and the embodied knowledge of labour and rhythm.He holds a Diploma in Movement Arts and Pedagogy from Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bangalore, where he trained in contemporary movement techniques, improvisation, body conditioning, and performance-making methodologies.

With over two years of experience in theatre and movement, Junafar’s work bridges traditional Tamil folk vocabularies with contemporary physical language. His choreographic practice explores how rhythm, footwork, and grounded movement can evolve into contemporary expression while preserving cultural integrity.

He is the director of Alaikkadal, a folk-contemporary exploration rooted in the Karaivalai fishing community of Tamil Nadu, reflecting his commitment to representing lived histories through movement.Through his practice and teaching, Junafar creates spaces where tradition and contemporary form coexist, encouraging dancers to engage with rhythm, body awareness, and cultural depth.

Currently based in Bangalore, he continues to choreograph, perform, and develop movement-based practices grounded in identity, research, and physical exploration

Specific Instructions

• Open to beginners and intermediate dancers

• No prior dance experience required.

• The practice is designed as a beginner-friendly and exploratory space for those interested in learning and experiencing folk and contemporary movement forms.

• Sessions are playful, engaging, and physically active.

• Comfortable clothing that allows free movement and stretching.

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