Abhinaya workshop in San Jose, California
By Savitha Sastry / San Jose

An Abhinaya workshop was conducted by Chennai based dancer Indira Kadambi, from June 23 to 27, 2005 in San Jose, California.

The workshop was based on senior guru Kalanidhi Narayanan's style of abhinaya. It was attended by both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi students from Bay Area dance schools and for some it was a continuation of their learning experience with Indira from last year's workshop.

Students were taught a number of abhinaya pieces ranging from Kshetrayya's 'Emani Telupudu' to 'Vagaladi Bodanamu' based on the abilities and age of the students.

Says a student who participated in the workshop, "This workshop was a great way for me to understand how far I can go with just Abhinaya if I push myself!" Says another, "I learnt not to over emote, and how to make a transition from one emotion to another without losing the overall mood of the piece".

For more information on Indira Kadambi's workshop and to sign up for next year's workshop, contact Savitha Sastry at savithas@sbcglobal.net