by Maya Haridas, Aradhana Kiran & Siddhie Pillai, as seen in En Avant July-August Feature photo by Soozana Pvan Rukmini Vijayakumar is a very well reputed dancer, choreographer and actor in regional films. She is the founder of the Raadha Kalpa Dance Company and the originator of the Raadha Kalpa Method, a system of training for classical Indian dance. She ...
Boys in Ballet
When we hear the word ballet, most of us think of girls in pink tutus and women dancing on their toes. Let's put a stop to that misconception now, and highlight one of the most important parts of classical ballet as an art - the male dancer. What would a pas de deux (partner dance, or 'step of two') be ...
Methods of Ballet
By Maya Haridas, Siddhie Pillai & Aradhana Kiran - En Avant Magazine Mar-Apr 2022 With a history that spans centuries and across multiple countries, ballet has had years and years of experimentation and artistic inspiration to arrive at the methods that dancers are taught today. Each method has its own specific nuances that add different layers to its technical and artistic features. The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet is ...
Yana Lewis on Being a Student of Dance
By Maya Haridas and Siddhie Pillai We all know Yana Lewis as a teacher, as an Artistic Director, as a person and maybe even as a good friend. But do we know Miss Yana as a student? In this exclusive interview, get to know Yana Lewis AISTD DIP and Artistic Director of TLFCB in a different avatar. How old were ...
Back to the Studio – in Photos
Many of our students are returning to the studio as restrictions have gradually been lifted across Bangalore. We want to share the inspiration and energy it brings us to see them back in offline classes. Enjoy! You can also take a look at the photos on our Instagram page. Do you have images with our students excited to return to studio ...
The Importance of a Constructive Learning Environment
As teachers, it is our responsibility to provide a positive learning environment for our students. A positive learning environment includes feeling a sense of belonging and trust in others. It is also about feeling encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and a place without distractions. In dance especially, it also includes a clear, undisturbed space for the students to move, ...
Classical Dance – Can I Learn More Than One Style?
When new students join us at the foundation, a question that often arises is whether learning another classical dance form, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak or Odissi, will be helpful or a hindrance to learning classical ballet. Our answer is always that it can be helpful under the right circumstances. Let’s take a look at why with the help of professionals ...
The Mashup Musical Medley
This year our summer program took place online for the first time. The Mashup Musical Medley, which combined jazz, tap, character dance, hip hop and musical theatre turned into a big success. The 80 students who joined the program showed their passion, creativity and dedication to dance throughout the two weeks, culminating in a costumed showcase. Everything is possible, even ...
Starting Ballet as an Adult – Insight
In conversation with Ramya Manikam about starting ballet as an adult. Ramya takes ballet wherever she goes What made you start taking ballet lessons? My first introduction to ballet was as a child, going through my grandmother's books on health and medicine that featured several chapters on ballet. I was instinctively drawn towards what I read and saw and believed ...
Ballet Movies To Watch
Looking for inspiration in the world of movies? There are plenty of great films out there. Here's our list of favourites from the ballet world. For the Kids Billy Elliot (2000) Set in England in 1984, the movie follows 11-year old Billy as he enrols in a ballet class to follow his real passion despite family and social pressure to ...