Classes and Tutorials

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2023-24 Training Opportunities

This year we will continue to offer intensive bi-monthly workshops, to give you the opportunity to focus more seriously on your practice and to delve deep into the intricacies and philosophical nuances of the Odissi vocabulary. We will condition the whole body with skill-focused exercises, maintaining the connection with our breath and the flow of energy in the body. We will then study a selection of basic steps, followed by more advanced movements, including movements in space, carving out beautiful patterns in and with our bodies. We will cover elements of dance theories, such as feet and hand movements and explore how they are applied in dance, with reference to both narrative and abstract vocabulary. In the second part of the class, we will study a piece from the traditional repertoire (TBC). There will be opportunities to understand and practice musical skills, including both raga and tala principles, as relevant to dance.

What is NEW at Bhumi:

In addition, our goal for this year is to set up Bhumi Dance Company (BDC) to work towards developing choreographic skills and sharing performance opportunities. Dancers will be selected and invited to join the company to create work for the public.

There will be regular open door sessions, where family, friends and people interested in the work we do will be invited to observe the class. The aim is to share what we do in the studio, as well as to build confidence when dancing in the presence of other people.

We also plan to have an annual showcase in June 2024. More details to COME SOON!!!

We are very excited to keep growing and spreading the beauty and healing power of dance.

Summer 2024 :

BACK to BASICS (Weekend Workshop)

06 -07 July 11.30-1.30

The Place, Flaxmann Terrace, London Euston

After a successful Annual Showcase RUPAM, we close this year of learning and development with a Weekend Workshop. This is an opportunity to consolidate, refine and expand your Odissi technique, including exploring basic composition exercises that are the first step to choreography and creative improvisation in the Odissi style.

What will you learn:

  • Body Conditioning with a focus on style-specific exercises

  • A selection of Natyasastra Charis (Bhu and Akash)

  • A selection of movement units, paying attention to functional alignment, clarity and nuances

  • Padabhedas and lyrical phrase using feet positions.

  • Create and practice your own arasa (dance phrase)

Fees:

Single in Studio Workshop (2 hours): £32

Weekend (4 hours): £62

BOOKING:

  1. Make your transfer using the information below:

    Object: your name/last name + odissi

    CATALANO ELENA

    Account number: 81327234

    Sort code: 60-09-50

    IBAN: GB56NWBK60095081327234

  2. Send us an email (elenaodissi@gmail.com) to let us know that you have paid.

Please register early to avoid disappointment. Booking is not transferable and we cannot reimburse the fee once paid. Payment should be done before the session/start of the term. When booking 4 workshops, these are intended as consecutive.

Please contact us if you have any question or special circumstances.

THANK YOU!!

2. REPERTOIRE (ARABI PALLAVI)

Level: Intermediate-Upper Intermediate

When: Learn at your own pace, wherever your are

Where:

  • Online: 6 Pre-recorded Sessions

Teacher: Dr Elena Catalano (contact: elenaodissi@gmail.com)

Fee: £90

Upon registration you will receive link to learning resources accessible through a password on this website.

3. LEARNING ARCHIVE

Access to Past Courses Recordings

If you would like to study another item at your own time, we can offer access to recordings and learning resources of previous courses delivered online. You can then book tutorials to receive personal feedback if you wish

Items available are:

  • Hari Riha/Chandana Charchita Abhinaya from Geetagovinda

  • Saveri Pallavi

  • Namo Devi Mangalacharan

  • Pashyati Dishi Dishi Abhinaya from Geetagovinda

  • Vakratunda Mahakayam

Fee: £90 (access to all videos + learning resources (music notation, music for practice, dance memo videos, information on the item)

Music: £35

Items Archive Access

Music:

(Please drop us a message at elenaodissi@gmail.com to specify which item from the archive would you want the music for, before completing the purchase. Please notice we only sell music to people who have learned the item with us or purchased the archived resources. Music shall be used for individual practice only. For public performances, please book a tutorial to check you know item to a reasonable standard.

All the above classes are aimed at the serious student who wants to delve into the spiritual depth and beauty of this art form. The beginner sessions are open to those who are new to Odissi and would like to try. Please be mindful that it takes a few months for an initiated body to start savouring the aesthetic fulfilment that this dance brings within. Give it time!

Individual Tutorials

These are individual sessions you can arrange with the teacher at a time that is suitable for you. You will generally set your personal goals in advance and after discussion with the teacher, depending on your level of training and motivations for learning. You can book a one-off session or you can book several regular tutorials if you want to advance your skills in a more consistent way or you want to learn a piece of repertoire.

What will you get:

  • focused attention of the teacher exclusively on you

  • the teacher will be able to check whether you are doing the movements correctly and will provide personalised feedback and guidance on what to improve and how

  • possibility for you to work on more movement details and subtleties

  • you can negotiate and set the content of your learning in advance with the teacher, depending on your level, background skills and personal goals

  • you book the tutorial when it is convenient for you, depending on teacher’s availability

Tutorials can take place ONLINE or FACE-TO-FACE (I am currently based in Sutton, London)

TUtorials Details:

Find below an example of content that can be covered during the sessions. We will tailor the tutorials to your personal needs. Part of this content will be covered in Group Classes as well. Please contact us to discuss details (elenaodissi@gmail.com)

Classes are of 1h each.

Technique:

  • Bhumi Pranam or Salutation to Mother Earth

  • Variety of steps in cauka, tribhanga, abhanga and sama in Ektali (4 beat cycle)

  • Arm drills

  • Torso isolations

  • Hasta Mudras or single hand gestures with unique movements in Odissi style

  • Padabedas or feet position

  • Bhangis or stances inspired by temple sculptures

  • Odissi walks

Original choreography:

  • Angikam Bhuvanam: prayer to the divine in the Universe

  • Sringara: the adorned body

Traditional Repertoire*:

Beginners and Improvers:

  • Mangalacharan to Ganesh (choreography by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra)

  • Vakratunda Mahakayam (choreography by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra)

  • Pallavi: Vasant (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra), Megh (Guru Ratikan Mohapatra)

  • Batu (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra)

Intermediate:

  • Pallavi: Saveri, Arabi, Bilahari, Shankaravaranam(Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra)

  • Abhinayas: Hari Riha, Leela Nidi He, Srita Kamala

*4-8 tutorials depending on starting level and item agreed.

INDIVIDUAL TUTORIALS (Dance Technique and Repertoire):

If you are interested in individual tutorials, please get in touch with us before registering so we can agree timeline and content in advance. Your tutorial is tailored to your needs and can include Technique, Repertoire or anything that you would find useful. Please notice that I am expecting a baby and I am birthing soon and hence I may not able to demonstrate physically demanding technique, but I can provide detailed verbal feedback and guidance on how to correct and improve.

Fee: Single £35, Four £133

Individual Tutorials July-August 2021

PS: If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to attend the classes but are genuinely unable to afford the cost, please get in touch with me to discuss options. Please, firstly assess whether you just want to try something new or you feel a strong calling towards this dance. <3 Thank you!