An
interview with director Madhu Natraj Kiran on what the institute offers in its 18-month
programme.
One
can see poetry in motion as one reaches building number 37 at Malleshwaram in
Bengaluru. Ghungroos can be heard, bodies moving in harmony and one can see the
precise movements of hands. Welcome to the Kathak session at the Natya
Institute of Kathak and Choreography. The institute offers 18 month diploma
programme in choreography. We speak to the director of the institute Madhu
Natraj Kiran.
NIKC
was established by Padma Vibhushan Kamala Chattopadhyay in the year 1964 under
the aegis of Bharatiya Natya Sangh, the Indian Centre of International Theaters
Institutions Trust, and UNESCO. The idea behind establishing the institute was
to promote the art of choreography. Excerpts from the interview...
What kind of response has NIKC got since its
inception?
NIKC
is a 52 year old institute which came into being because of choreographer and
Guru Dr Maya Rao and the illustrious leader Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay. One can
find our alumni and graduates from our institute across the globe. Many have
become renowned choreographers, performers, writers and educators.
Why a sudden
need to introduce a diploma in the field of choreography?
We introduced diploma to have creative freedom
and global access. The decision was not sudden at all. It was very much
planned.
Have you redesigned
the course?
The course in the
instituted was bought in by Dr. Maya Rao in mid 60’s with a vision to create
systematic training. The course needs to be continuously updated in keeping
with the changing movements and needs of time. The new course is in lines of
the international liberal arts programmes. The new course will revolve around seminars,
filed works, interaction with experts, research and documentation along with
classroom productions.
How the course
is different from others?
Our main focus is on choreography.
While most of the other institutes focus on dance or movement-based arts. We
provide to our students: quintessential tools of choreography — from concept,
movement creation, music, stage, costume design to the final production. The
students are also taught history of Dance in India.
What are the pre
qualifications for applying for the course?
The one applying for the
course must be trained in any classical or contemporary dance for at least 6
years. The age limit is from 18 to 55 years. Aptitude test is conducted post
the screening of the students.
Tags: Eduction
Dance
Diploma
Choreography
