Rasa & Raga - Workshop on Alankara Shastra

Indian Aesthetics for music and dance students (12-19 years)

Hindu Parenting presents “Rasa & Raga” - Elements of Indian Aesthetics for Music and Dance Students - a weekend workshop for teenagers. Turn them into lovers of classical arts, the true rasikas!

If your children are learning classical music or dance, this workshop based on Alankara Shastra (Indian Aesthetics) will help them understand, appreciate and enjoy the performing arts better.

NOTE: This course does not teach music and dance, but it will help build cultural literacy in children and make them better performers.

The workshop introduces children to the most important elements of aesthetics applicable to the classical performing arts. The classical art forms of India have a deep connection with the philosophy of sanatana dharma. Through an exploration of rasa, raga, sahitya (the magic of words), children will get a unique perspective on performing arts and Bharatiya culture. The examples used in this course will be mostly taken from Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, though the principles can be applied globally.

The workshop will be held on Friday 22nd November, 6 pm IST; Saturday 23rd November, 10 am IST and Sunday 24th November, 10 am IST (Indian Standard Time). There will be 3 sessions of 90 minutes each. The timings have been carefully chosen to make it possible for children to attend without missing school.

Price will be 1000/- INR per participant, applicable only to residents of India. Sessions will be interactive. Live participation is encouraged for each session, though a recording will be available. Since the aim is a deep understanding of concepts, extra time will be allotted to any child who wishes to share or ask questions.

Interested participants may register with the correct Whatsapp number and email address. We will reach out to you.

Objectives

• To develop an appreciation for classical music and dance.

• To build cultural literacy in children.

• To understand the goals of Bharatiya art and see all the art forms as part of Sanatana dharma

• To understand the application of Indian Aesthetics to classical art forms.

• Sensitise children to Indian languages and commonly used words (concepts) in Hindu philosophy.

Expected Outcomes

• Understand the role played by emotion in art through an exploration of rasa

• Appreciate the magic of words (sahitya) in music

• Children will gain familiarity with Bharatiya ways of thinking and learn key concepts from Alankaara shaastra or Indian aesthetics. 

• Children will be able to apply their learnings from Alankaara shaastra to appreciate dance and music.

• Children will become better performers as they understand the goal of Bharatiya performing arts.

• Learn how to look for clues to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind classical arts

Beneficiaries (Suggested age: 12-19)

• Children learning classical music or dance who wish to take their understanding to the next level.

• Children who wish to enjoy the classical performing arts by getting an introduction to Indian aesthetics or Alankaara shaastra.

• Children who would like to learn about the concepts of Sanatana dharma through music and dance.

  The Teacher

  This workshop will be taught by Rekha Achyutuni. A writer and artist with a Master’s degree in business (communications) and a Master’s Certificate in Vedic Sciences, Rekha has taught the Alankara Shastra course to many happy children worldwide.