Silambam Houston

Classes, workshops and lecture demonstrations by renowned masters in Indian arts

Odissi is an ancient Indian classical dance form originating from the temples of Odisha, revived in the 1950s and now widely practiced globally. It is characterized by unique postures like tribhangi and chouka, graceful movements, and is performed to traditional Orissi raagas.

Loki Dharmi, Natya Dharmi, Dharuvu – Bhamakalapam, Thyagaraja Keerthana, Dashavataram

Bhava, Nayika Lakshana – part 2, Life history of Kuchipudi Trio, Keerthana, Pada varnam, Padam, Ashtapadi

Navarasa; Greeva, Bru bedhas; Nayaka Lakshana; Life histories of Kshetraya, Narayanateertha, Jayadeva, Siddendrayogi, Ramadasa, Thyagaraja; Tharangam (dance on brass plate)

History of Kuchipudi and Bhamakalapam, Kouthvam, Shabdham, Jathiswaram, Shlokhabhinayam

Introduction to new dance forms, Introduction to abhinaya, Shlokha recitation, Adavus set 2, Jathis, Shiro, Drishthi bedhas

Introduction to Kuchipudi Dance, Basic warm up exercises, Learning guru Vandana, Adavus set 1, Natyothpathi, Shlokhas, Asamyutha hasthas, padha bedhas

This class will delve deeper into the art form. Students in this class will be challenged to create their own choreography, teach repertoire pieces to their peers, handle beginner and intermediate-level classes, research and present dance-related works, expand repertoire, and accompany dancers on the nattuvangam.

This pre/post-arangetram class will focus on expanding repertoire, as well as choreography and nattuvangam skills. Students in this class will work towards arangetram and beyond, in group and private lessons.

This arangetram-track class will focus on a complete repertoire, building stamina and strength and polishing technique. Students will become proficient on the tattukazhi and will also be introduced to the nattuvangam.

This class will introduce elements of abhinaya in theory and technique, expand the student’s repertoire, polish technique, improve strength and stamina, and allow opportunities for students to practice choreography skills. Voice modulation skills and teacher training on the tattukazhi will also be imparted. Students will perform their salangai pujai towards the end of this year.

Students will begin learning a Bharatanatyam repertoire, develop core strength, balance, and stability, and learn to enunciate and deliver jathis and korvais vocally, a precursor to nattuvangam training.

Students at this level will complete adavu training and graduate to Alarippu. In addition, they will continue theory lessons, discuss the evolution of Bharatanatyam and nritta/nritya/natya, learn techniques for breath control and stamina/endurance exercises, proceed to simple Carnatic music songs, refine sollukattu enunciation and delivery, and experiment with choreography.

Advanced level adavus, theory, Carnatic music lessons, sollukattu recitation, musical notation, body alignment, and an overview of hereditary dance tradition, the Tanjore quartet, and the Maargam will be covered in this level.

In addition to increasing complexity in technique, theory, and musical training, students in this level will cover hand-eye coordination, the importance of good posture, and an overview of Bharatanatyam texts, early Bharatanatyam (Sadir), and styles (Bani).

Adavus (steps) of increasing complexity, increased detail in theory, exercises for focus and warm-up/cool-down, glimpses into various Indian classical dance styles and temple sculptures, Carnatic music, and an introduction to dance syllables (sollukattu) make up this class.

Basic Bharatanatyam stance, adavu technique, hand gestures, and the mythology of dance are taught in this beginner class. Basic Carnatic music concepts and rhythm/tala fundamentals, as well as flexibility, strength, and balance exercises, are also introduced.

An introductory class in which young students are exposed to the concepts of gestures, storytelling, rhythm, and music in a fun and interactive manner. Students are also taught exercises to build muscle strength and flexibility, as well as the basics of Bharatanatyam stance and technique.

Focuses on Jhaap Taal (10 beats), building upon the skills learned in Intermediate 3.

Continues from Intermediate 2 by putting together a Vilambit+Madhya Lay repertoire and learning of a Ghazal.

Expands on Intermediate 1 by introducing Gat Nikas, Gat Bhav, Ginti, and concepts of Bhaav (Thumri versus Ghazal), with learning of a Tarana and Thumri.

Adds to Beginner 2 by introducing Salaami, Thaath, Aamad, Kavitt, and Ladi with learning of a Vandana, and working on more complex movements and Tukdas.

Builds upon Beginner 1 with Tatkaar variations of increasing complexity and speed, movements of increasing complexity, creating small combinations of movements, and introduction to small Tukdas/Todas with Padhant.

Introduction to Kathak, covering basic stance, general theory, Teen Taal (16 beats) theory, Padhant, basic footwork (Tatkaar practice and variation with Tihaai), introduction to spins (chakkar), introduction to movements, and learning of Guru Vandana.

Kathak is one of the major genres of Indian classical dance originating from ancient Sanskrit texts. It is the art of storytelling, where dancers communicate stories from folklore, epics, and mythology using dance and music.

Intermediate 1 Private Carnatic Vocal classes at HCMA (Heights) on Fridays.

Intermediate 1H Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Intermediate 2/3H Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Intermediate 2 Private Carnatic Vocal classes at HCMA (Heights) on Fridays.

Beginner 3 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Carnatic Violin classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Fridays.

Intermediate 1 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Fridays.

Intermediate 1 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 3 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Fridays.

Beginner 3 Kuchipudi classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Fridays.

Advanced 2 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 1 Kuchipudi classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Fridays.

Beginner 3H Adult Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Beginner 3 Private Carnatic Vocal classes at HCMA (Heights) on Mondays.

Advanced 2H Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Beginner Tabla classes at HCMA (Heights) on Saturday mornings.

Prenatyam/Beginner 1H Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Beginner 2H Bharatanatyam classes at the Heights location.

Beginner 3 Private Carnatic Vocal classes at HCMA (Heights) on Saturdays.

Private Carnatic Vocal classes offered on Saturdays and Sundays at SHCAC (Pearland).

Advanced 3a Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Carnatic Violin classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Saturdays.

Arangetram Track Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner Mohiniattam classes at SHCAC on Sundays.

Advanced 3b Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Intermediate Mohiniattam classes at SHCAC on Sundays.

Post-Arangetram Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 2 Tabla classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Beginner 1 Kathak classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Beginner 1 Tabla classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Beginner 2 Kathak classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Intermediate/Advanced Tabla classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Intermediate 1 Kathak classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Advanced Kathak classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Thursdays.

Beginner Odissi classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Tuesdays.

Intermediate Odissi classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Tuesdays.

Adult Junior Odissi classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Tuesdays.

Prenatyam/Beginner 1 Kathak classes at HCMA (Heights) on Wednesdays.

Beginner 2 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 1 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Wednesdays.

Adult Beginner 1 Kathak classes at HCMA (Heights) on Wednesdays.

Advanced 1 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 1 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Beginner 2 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Wednesdays.

Beginner 2 Kathak classes at HCMA (Heights) on Wednesdays.

Advanced 1 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Wednesdays.

Intermediate 1 Kathak classes at HCMA (Heights) on Wednesdays.

Intermediate 2 Bharatanatyam classes at SHCAC in Pearland.

Intermediate 2 Carnatic Vocal classes at SHCAC (Pearland) on Wednesdays.

In the residency format, students will be able to explore in more detail the various aspects outlined above. Our residency programs can be tailored to grades 3–12, (we recommend grades 6–12) and can be most effectively targeted if participants are from 1 or 2 consecutive grade levels. A typical 8-week residency will focus on one or more of the four dance styles we offer, with part of each session devoted to exploring cultural history and learning vocabulary, and the rest of the session focused towards creating choreography and learning a repertoire piece for an end-of-residency showcase.

This workshop will allow students to explore the vocabulary of movements, gestures, and facial expressions that form the basis of Indian classical dance (focusing on one of the three dance styles we offer), and use this vocabulary to create their own piece of artistic expression. Our workshops can be modified to fit into one class period (45 minutes) or can be extended up to 2 hours. Over the course of the workshop, students will learn about the history and origins of Indian classical dance. They will see photographs of historic temple sculptures showing dance poses, view videos and images of Indian classical dance through the centuries. Students will try out basic technique and gestural vocabulary, progressing from simple to intermediate. They will use expressive facial and gestural movements to interpret a favorite poem, passage, or rhyme and learn a simple choreography sequence. This portion of the workshop can be modified to integrate a STEAM activity – our instructors will guide students to explore, express, and visualize grade-level-appropriate STEM concepts through the choreography sequence. Our workshops can be tailored to grades K–12, and can be most effectively targeted to participants from 2 to 3 consecutive grade levels.