Synopsis:

** This event is cancelled. **

Learn the basic steps, movements and patterns of chau dance in this workshop led by leading chau artist Biren Kalindi and the first female purulia chau dancer Mousumi Choudhury.

Chau is a percussion-based dance connected to the ritual and religious celebrations in the eastern part of India, originating as a martial art that involves vigorous movements, skilful acrobatic feats and great leaps. It is based mostly on the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat and on various Hindu gods or goddesses, with typical dances for specific characters including animals. There are three recognised styles of chau: seraikella from the state of Jharakhand, mayurbhanj from Orissa and purulia from West Bengal.

Purulia chau dance features gorgeous costumes and elaborate masks that illustrate characters through colours and designs, which sets it apart from the other two forms. Purulia chau presentations are based on stories from mythology and epics. Chau dance was inducted into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Recommended for ages 10 - 45.
Please note that there will be a lot of movements during this workshop.
Do come in comfortable and appropriate attire and footwear.