Dr. Prasad will lead participants through excerpts from two or three different compositions, as tools to explore abhinaya – not merely as a means for observable storytelling but as a way to feel and embody various emotional textures and subtleties. Going beyond enacting or performing a character, this class will help dancers develop their own methods for cultivating presence and a deeper investigation of emotion through their dancing body that is genuine, authentic and reflective of their own lived experiences.
Cost:
$160 general admission
$80 for students/WIC/EBT cardholders limited seats
REGISTER HEREWhat is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching?
Abhinaya is the art of emoting in classical Indian dance forms. This workshop is open to advanced dancers ALL styles of classical Indian dance. 6+ years of training in any genre of classical Indian Dance is required.
What background, training, and or relationship do you have with this style/technique/class subject?
Dr. Neena Prasad is regarded as the leading figure among contemporary performers of Mohiniyattam, classical dance from the Southwestern state of Kerala in India. Possessing a unique combination of the refined artistic sensibility of a performer and a strong academic background in dance theory, Dr. Prasad is both a masterful performer and an adept choreographer. She has performed extensively across India and internationally, showcasing solo repertoire alongside ensemble and thematic productions. Her contributions to Mohiniyattam have significantly enhanced its existing movement vocabulary, resulting in the development of a distinct style or tradition within its broader context. In 2021, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy dedicated to the performing arts, honored her with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for her contributions to the art of Mohiniyattam. Among her numerous accolades, she also received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 2007, as well as the prestigious Nritya Choodamani Award from the Madras Music Academy in 2024.
Dr. Prasad’s foundational training includes Mohiniyattam under Guru Dr. Kalamandalam Sugandhi and Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, Bharatanatyam under Guru Adayar K Lakshman, Kuchipudi under Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam, and Kathakali under Guru Vembayam Appukuttan Pillai. Dr. Prasad’s extensive body of choreographic work and her prowess in abhinaya draws from her exhaustive training in all these forms.
Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…
…answered above!
How can students learn more about this offering?
Instagram:@samvadboston
Contact Information
Contact:
samvadboston@gmail.com
