Unplanned with Yashoda Thakore

2 days of learning observing and delving into the life works and histories lived by the Kalavantulu dancer the Devdasi.

A 2 day immersive workshop followed by a performance that aims to understand the dancer and her story through her language of dance through her repertoire. 

The Devdasi Act of 1947 caused irreparable damage to the traditional practicing communities and thus to the lineage of Kalavantulus. A sudden social detachment from the tradition created an abysmal loss of identity for the art form and its honest practitioners. The audience lost a chance to connect with the priceless presentation of ‘Manodharmam’.

The Kalavantulu women were not just traditional artists but also capsules of history that carried within their bodies deeply layered knowledge of choreography and cultural context. 

Through this workshop we become aware of and sensitive to these histories and the ethics while exploring the repertoire of the Kalavantulu dancers. Participants of the workshop will be taught a very special piece from the traditional repertoire. 

Let's look beyond glamour and esotericism to appreciate its significance in social history and educate ourselves through an informed practice.

We welcome you to a workshop that brings a ‘concept’ into an experiential space.

Host or Publisher Samarchana School of Dance