A group of participants of the Odissi residential workshop during a practice session at Oneness Living, Chulanur, in Palakkad district.
A four-day residential Odissi workshop was held this week at Chulanur, near Peringottukurissi, in the district. Bengaluru-based Nrityantar Academy of Performing Arts organised the workshop by combining various elements including yoga and forest walks at Oneness Living, an ancestral home-turned art and culture hub located beside the Chulanur Peacock Sanctuary.
Dance enthusiasts from Kerala and Bengaluru attended the workshop. Addressing a gathering that witnessed the conclusion of the workshop, Odissi guru Madhulita Mohapatra said that classical dance need not be confined to auditoriums. “It can thrive and find new life in the heart of nature,” she said.
Vrinda Menon, who hosted the workshop at her eco-friendly property, expressed her enthusiasm for future residential programmes focused on preserving tradition, nature and community. “Indian classical arts need support, nurturing and space to flourish – not commercialisation,” she said.
The workshop featured a range of sessions, including Odissi theory discussions, yoga, forest walks, and nritta and abhinaya practice. A visit to Kerala Kalamandalam provided a unique opportunity to contextualise their learning within India’s rich classical heritage.
Brunda Ganesh, a participant from Mysuru, said: “My visit to Kalamandalam showed me that dance is more than just movement – it is a living legacy. The workshop provided a holistic experience.”
Participants raved about the workshop, describing it as a unique fusion of nature, art and spirituality. “I came to hone my skills, but found something more profound: a sense of connection to a timeless tradition, the space around me and moments of inner peace. Experiences like this are hard to come by,” said Seemanthini Desai from Bengaluru, echoing the sentiments of others.
Published – October 31, 2025 06:53 pm IST
