The Department of Dance at University of Hyderabad (UoH) organized a 3-day Chhau intensive workshop from 3 – 5 October 2024, conducted by Padma Shri Guru Shashadhar Acharya, an eminent exponent and choreographer of Chhau dance of Sareikela style.
Guru Shashadhar Acharya is also a renowned scholar and revered teacher, credited for the expansion of Sareikela Chhau’s methodology. In the workshop, he taught the students various body conditioning techniques and important warm up practices. In the second half of day one (1), the students learnt a small piece of choreography involving the various basic movements of Chhau. On day two (2), the student delved into the various intricacies of Chhau by learning two different pieces of choreography. The third day of the workshop saw vibrant workshop presentations by the students.
The students expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Maestro for his keen insights and teachings. Many of them said the workshop enabled them to apply classroom theoretical knowledge into practical applications and said they have now developed a deeper appreciation for Chhau’s movement vocabulary. Apart from the immense knowledge about the dance form, students also gained insight into the vast wisdom and knowledge of the Maestro. The students expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Head of department of Dance, Prof Aruna Bhikshu for organising the workshop and providing new dimensions to their learning experience.
– By Pragati, Sema, MPA Dance