MoveMent: A Contemporary Dance Workshop
On the occasion of World Dance Day, a contemporary dance workshop was conducted under the guidance of renowned dance instructor Mr. Prasanna Saikia on 29th April 2025, by the Western Cultural Society. The event took place in the Concert Hall from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and saw the enthusiastic participation of around 30 dancers from various backgrounds.
Mr. Saikia, who is an accomplished jazz and contemporary dance artiste, had his training in western classical ballet, jazz and contemporary dance under the mentorship of Ronnie Shambik Ghose. He has had further training in France under Gianin Loringet and Martine Kaiserlian in a fulltime scholarship and exchange program where he played one of the lead characters in CARMEN and has performed with Bejart Ballet of Switzerland.
The first hour of the session focused on warm-ups and body loosening exercises. He obliged us with his time and encouraged participants to treat their body like a "feather" - strong, supportive, and free - and to allow it the liberty of unrestricted movement. This approach set the tone for the fluidity and expressive nature of contemporary dance. He also provided insightful context about the origin of contemporary dance, explaining that it emerged as a rebellion against the rigid structure of western classical forms, emphasizing freedom, emotion, and personal expression.
Assisting Mr. Saikia throughout the session was his student Shubham, who played a key role in guiding individual participants and helping them refine their movements. His support added to the interactive and inclusive learning environment.
The second half of the workshop transitioned into a short choreography session where participants applied the techniques they had learned. The energy in the hall remained high, with everyone deeply engaged and eager to absorb more.
Overall, the workshop was a vibrant and enriching experience. It not only enhanced the participants' understanding of contemporary dance but also sparked a greater interest in exploring the form further. The event successfully celebrated the spirit of World Dance Day by promoting creativity, movement, and connection through dance.
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