At a time when many individuals and organisations are trying to retain the diversity of India’s rich culture, here are two women who are attempting the same and more. Lalita Ubhykar of Smriti Nandan Cultural Centre and Usha Venkateswaran of Natyalakshana have decided to join hands in a venture that will not just work towards promotion of classical dance forms but enable the audience to learn to appreciate the creative arts. This they are planning on achieving through Dance Appreciation Workshops (DAW).

“We observed that many people enjoyed classical dance or music but failed to be able to discuss it or deliberate upon it. Through the appreciation workshop series, we will assist them to understand the process of looking at dance from a different perspective and heighten the experience for them,” shares Lalita Ubhykar.

Adding to that Usha Venkateswaran says that the aim is to inform the audience and evoke an interest among the general public about classical arts.

These workshops will bring eminent gurus from across the country representing their classical dance to the Bangalore audience. And along with a dance performance, those who register for the workshop will be entitled to a lecture demonstration on classical dance by the experts. The fee for this workshop is Rs 500 and is open to students of dance, dance schools and anyone interested in classical dance.

To kickstart the appreciation series, their first of the six major events is a dance recital (Bharatanatyam) by Chennai-based eminent Guru Adyar Lakshman’s pupil Susheela Mehta on March 22, 6 pm at Smriti Nandan. The other classical performances (Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Manipuri) will follow through the year as and when possible. There is no entry fee and the event is open to all. For details call: Lalita Ubhykar — 22258091 or Usha Venkateswaran — 26682394.