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Indian classical dance
in Newcastle
North-East of England
Classes
Classes will be offered in both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam styles. They are open to those of all levels, from absolute beginners to those with experience. For those with no experience, the classes will be a fun, energetic introduction to the artforms, with an emphasis an exposure to as many of the different facets as possible. For those with experience, a more structured, progressive class can be arranged.
Requirements
Loose, comfortable clothing which will allow you to stretch and breathe; bare feet.
Class styles
Bharatanatyam originates in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and is considered one of the greatest of the classical dance traditions of India. It is a complete dance language, combining body movements, hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions in combination with rich musical accompaniment, to communicate with the spectator or rasika. It is a very strong, percussive dance form, which revels in the creation of geometric forms.
Mohiniyattam is the classical dance form from the state of Kerala in India. While it employs the same basic trinity of expression through hand, body and facial movements, it is starkly contrasted in its graceful, flowing movements, said to capitulate the swaying of the ocean and palm trees native to Kerala.
About the teacher
Neelima Thampy, whose family hails originally from Kerala in south India, was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. She had the good fortune to be introduced to Indian classical dance while in Glasgow by taking part in workshops held by visiting artists from India. She began her regular training in Bharatanatyam 12 years ago, initially with Geeta Sridhar who had settled in Glasgow. Neelima has since spent time in India undergoing intensive residential training under esteemed masters of the dance form. While in India she was also introduced to Mohiniyattam, the dance form of her native Kerala. She completed her first full-length stage debut (arangetram) in Kerala in 1995. She proceeded to further professional training in Edinburgh from Priya Shrikumar. She has given numerous solo and group performances as part of Priya's ensemble DanceIhayami (previously DanceIndia Scotland) and privately. Neelima has also been an enthusiastic teacher, running Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam lessons for organisations such as DanceBase, Edinburgh, The Indian Music and Dance Collective, Edinburgh, and DanceHouse, Glasgow. She is currently working as a doctor in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
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