Beyond the Mudra: Dismantling the Classical in Indian Dance | Fort Kochi [Feb 7-8]

Why We Dance (and Who Tells Us How)

Think of a dancer. You likely see a figure of perfect symmetry, performing "classical" movements honed over centuries. But what if those movements—and the labels we give them—are actually walls? What if the distinction between "folk" and "classical" isn't just about style, but about power?

The Vision: A More Democratic Stage

Facilitated by Amith K, a scholar-dancer with a PhD from Sree Sankaracharya University, this two-day workshop is a deep dive into the "undemocratic" structures of Indian dance. It’s a space to question the rigid frameworks of rasa, bhava, anga, and upangam that have long defined the art form.

The workshop proposes a radical shift: dance can only be truly democratic if we dismantle the Brahminical ideologies and classicism that sustain it. Through a blend of movement, shared readings, and collective reflection, participants will explore how:

• Caste and Class dictate accessibility in the arts.
• Gender and Beauty Standards limit expressive freedom.
• Disability and Institutional Power shape current pedagogy.
  

Meet Your Facilitator: Amith K

Amith K isn't just a theorist; he is a practitioner who challenges the status quo from within the art world.

• Scholarship: Currently pursuing post-doctoral research at the Kerala Council for Historical Research, focusing on Mohiniyattam history.
• Practice: Blends performance with rigorous academic study to challenge hierarchies.
• Focus: Intersections of caste, culture, and history in modern Kerala.

Event Details

• Dates: February 7th – 8th, 2026.
• Event Name: Dismantling the Classical and Imagining Democratic Futures
• Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
• Venue: ABC Art Room, Bastion Bungalow, Fort Kochi, Kerala.

How to Join

This workshop is open to anyone above 18 years of age. You don't need to be a professional—in fact, prior experience in dance is not mandatory.

• Registration: You can sign up by filling out the official Google Form
• Important Note: Food and accommodation are not provided; please make your own arrangements.