Intensive DANCE Training
Annual Intensive Dance Training Programs: January through May
2023 Dance Season
SESSION 1
ODISSI TRAINING
Level 1: Complete Beginners & Level 7/8: Mohana Pallavi.
January 25-29, 2023
(25 hours+)
SESSION 2
ODISSI TRAINING
All Levels
(Beginners welcome)
February 1 – 25, 2023
(100 hours+)
SESSION 3
ODISSI TRAINING
All Levels 3+
(Continuing students)
March 1 – 23, 2023
(100 hours+)
SESSION 4
IFF LEVEL 1
Indian Fusion Formation: Certified Training Program
March 27 – 31, 2023
(35 hours +)
About the ODissi program
Shakti School of Dance welcomes you home…
Our Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs are designed for serious students who want to fully immerse into the rigorous lifestyle of a classical dancer.
This cultural immersion guides students towards technical mastery, and to a well rounded understanding of the cultural context related to Odissi dance. The vocabulary of our dance lineage has its origins in Sanskrit texts dating back millennia. Students study these texts which also cover topics such as music theory, aesthetics and stagecraft.
New students are welcome to join from Session 1 or 2 to establish basic techniques and begin their journey into Odissi dance. While a certain degree of fitness is required for the training, it is not required to have previous experience in Odissi. Students who are self-motivated, disciplined, love attention to detail and enjoy intricate arts will enjoy this program.
Returning students come back every year to advance their skills, polish techniques and study further into the theories which make Odissi rich and complex. The sincere community of artists who come together in our school from all across the world have formed a precious bond and a family of support that keeps us motivated on this path of dance.
Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs include: daily yoga and meditation, technique classes, choreography, repertoire rehearsal, theory lectures, study groups, structured self practice labs, cultural experiences and seva (spirited service).
SESSION 1 - Odissi Training
LEVEL: Level 1: Complete Beginners & Level 7+: Mohana Pallavi
DATES: January 25-29, 2023 (5 days / 25 hours +)
Session 1 is a short intensive designed for beginners and level 7+ Odissi students. The curriculum for beginners will focus on a careful breakdown and practice of basic techniques and stances – Chowka/Tribhangi Stepping, as well as basic movement vocabulary such as bhramari (turns) and chāri (walks). Level 7 + students will break down Mohana Pallavi choreography in 5 days – ideally as a review to polish this masterpiece choreography. *Students wishing to learn Mohana for the first time, please email for confirmation.
COURSE INCLUDES:
- LEVEL 1 – With your tuition payment, you will receive 1 month access to our online ‘Odissi Fundamentals Course’. You are required to practice with this course material so you arrive with some relationship to the movements. You are not expected in any way to master the steps, just develop some basic understanding.
- LEVEL 7+ – With your tuition payment, you will receive 1 month access to our online ‘Mohana Pallavi’ course. You are expected to practice with this course material so you arrive with some relationship to the movements.
PRICE BREAKDOWN:
- LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 7+ : (5 days/25 hours +) Includes 1 month access to Online Preparation Course: $550
*10% Discount given when registering for more than 1 session
*Scholarships available – based on genuine need – for Indian Nationals who are currently residing and working in India. Please inquire by email at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
SESSION 2 - Odissi Training
LEVEL: All Levels (Beginners welcome)
*New* DATES: February 1 – 25, 2023 (100 hours+)
Holidays: Feb 9,10,11 (Sacred Music Festival, Jodhpur)
Session 2 is a full month-long training designed for Level 1 beginners and continuing Odissi students of all levels. The curriculum for Level 1 beginners will focus on a careful breakdown and practice of Chowka/Tribhangi Stepping as well as basic movement vocabulary such as bhramari (turns) and chāri (walks). Level 3 + students will be broken into groups based on what level they are in to focus on repertoire review, learning compositions or possibly learn a new choreography. Curriculum is designed to build skill necessary to progress into Session 3. Serious students are encouraged to register for both sessions 2 & 3.
COURSE INCLUDES:
- LEVEL 1 – (includes 1 month access to Online Preparation Course). With your tuition payment, you will receive 1 month access to our online ‘Odissi Fundamentals Course’. You are required to practice with this course material so you arrive with some relationship to the movements. You are not expected in any way to master the steps, just develop some basic understanding.
PRICE BREAKDOWN: *New Price!
- LEVEL 1 (100 hours+) Includes 1 month access to Online Preparation Course: $1,500
- CONTINUING STUDENTS (100 hours+): $1,500
*10% Discount given when registering for more than 1 session
SESSION 3 - Odissi Training
LEVEL: Level 3 + Continuing students only
*New* DATES: March 1 – 23, 2023 (100 hours +)
Holidays: March 8 – Holi
Session 3 is a full month-long training designed for Level 3 and above – continuing Odissi students of all levels who have a basic proficiency in our Stepping practice. This unique curriculum is designed to build from the previous session and will focus on repertoire review, learning compositions and a new choreography. Theory classes will work with more mature themes and abhinaya techniques. Serious students are encouraged to register for both sessions 2 & 3.
PRICE BREAKDOWN: *New Price!
- CONTINUING STUDENTS (100 hours+): $1,500
*10% Discount given when registering for more than 1 session
SESSION 4 - Indian Fusion Formation
For the first time ever… Colleena’s unique Indian Fusion Formation: A Certified Training Program will happen live at our home school in Pushkar, Rajasthan!
DATES: March 27 – 31, 2023 (35 hours+)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
- 1st Zoom Preparation Class: March 5, 2023
- 2nd Zoom Preparation Class: March 12, 2023
- Orientation & Introductions: March 26, 2023 (6)pm
- *Full Class Days: Wednesday, March 27 to Sunday, March 31 (6 hours per day)
- Optional Add on day:
- Testing (9am-1pm)
- Kalbeliya Dance Workshop and Live Concert / Dance Party with Rajasthani Musicians Monday, April 1 (6 – 10 pm)
WHAT IS INDIAN FUSION DANCE?
Stylistically speaking, Indian Fusion movement vocabulary is inspired by cultural dances of India and the Middle East (including its modern evolutions). This dance bridges modern and folkloric Bellydance/Raqs Sharqi vocabulary with extensive postures and spins of North Indian classical and folk dance, intricacies of eyes, hands and facial expression from Eastern Indian classical dance and draws in elements of Central Asian dances as well. Woven seamlessly together, Indian Fusion Dance is both Ancient & Modern – expressing timeless qualities and values. Learn more about IFF *HERE*
WHAT IS INDIAN FUSION FORMATION: An Accredited Training Program?
Designed for the serious fusion dance student, Indian Fusion Formation is a structured dance training program designed to progressively impart the techniques, training methods and theories behind this beautiful dance form – Indian Fusion Dance as developed by Colleena Shakti.
Indian Fusion Formation is not just a dance program, it is also a cultural immersion. Intellectual inquiry, aesthetic reflection and creative explorations are nurtured through the structured coursework and exercises defined in the program syllabus.
This program differs from other programs or workshop, the program’s holistic curriculum empowers the student to grow within a shared movement vocabulary which aims at professional level mastery. By progressing through the IFF levels, students will gain access to teaching techniques and tools in the last level (L4). Upon successful completion of the program students will have the tools to present this dance with confidence and receive the blessings to teach this material.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Level 1 vocabulary focuses on derivations of commonly known Fusion Bellydance movements with distinct movement principles from Indian dances. Indian Fusion Formation is not just a dance workshop, this training covers the following topics:
Practical
- Yoga: techniques and theory
- Warm-ups, strengthening, anga shuddhi, and supplemental exercises
- Gestures, isolation patterns and detailed micro-movements
- Level 1 Vocabulary of Indian Fusion Formation: foot positions, mudra, arm patterns, 18+ Moves, key movement principles, traveling steps, spins, transitions and 13+ phrases!
Theory
- Indian Aesthetic Theory, Brief Bellydance History & Cultural Context
- The art of being a Student / Teacher (Advanced dance skills for teaching)
- The Mind, Body & Spirit – a Holistic Vision: anatomy, kinesiology, Ayurveda self-care, and holistic yogic health.
- Vision, Mission, Values – creating your community and sharing your message
- Ethics (Fusion or Confusion, Cultural Appropriation, Orientalism, etc)
REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least 2 years of Bellydance training and ideally some experience or interaction with an Indian dance form. Level 1 requires students to layer Bellydance movements with control and precision and have some knowledge of common ‘Tribal Fusion Bellydance’ vocabulary such as: ATS basic movements, 3/4 and 4/4 shimmy, Maya/Taxim, etc. Students should have ability to combine traveling steps, direction changes, layered isolations, etc. This dance training also requires a certain degree of fitness – to dance for 5+ hours per day. Students should have basic level of the English language, as class will be conducted in English.
WHAT IF I AM NOT CONFIDENT IN MY BELLYDANCE LEVEL, BUT I STILL WANT TO JOIN?
We have prepared a special course just for you! *IFF PRELIMINARY COURSE is available at our online school to help you feel confident and prepared for Level 1. This course includes: Full gesture/isolation vocabulary, basic ATS, Tribal Fusion, Raqs Sharqi and folkloric Egyptian dance steps used in this dance style as well as drills and a fun choreography to help you practice these steps. Even if you have studied Bellydance, we highly encourage Level 1 students to do this preparatory course as you may have learned movements with different names or in a slightly different way than how Colleena teaches them.
PRICE BREAKDOWN:
Included in the price of $740 is:
- 1 Month access to online ‘Level 1 Preparation Course’ which includes: practice drills, warm ups and basic vocabulary as well as lectures
- 2 Live Zoom ‘Level 1 Preparation Workshops’ and access to recordings of our 2 preparation classes
- 35 hours of dance/theory training live in Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Beautifully designed IFF Textbook with detailed breakdown of movement vocabulary, photographic references, reading articles, etc.
- Testing, should you chose to test and possibly receive your Level 1 Certificate
*10% Discount given when registering for more than 1 session
*Scholarships Available – based on genuine need – for Indian Nationals who are currently residing and working in India. Please inquire by email at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com Mar
Odissi Intensive Daily Schedule
Weekly class schedule will be announced at the beginning of each training week. Schedule is subject to change and placement in class is determined by teacher. Your general daily schedule looks like 4+ hours of instruction, plus 1-3 hours of self practice. We have a half day Saturday and no class Sunday. Local holidays are observed.
Drop-in classes are also offered in our school. Visit here for more information.
Monday – Saturday
- 9 – 10 am: Morning Yoga, Exercise and Therapeutics.
- 10 – 11 am: Odissi Stepping technique Class / Odissi Vocabulary.
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm: Repertoire Class #1. Placement depending on skill level.
- 1:30 – 2:30 pm: Repertoire Class # 2. Placement depending on skill level.
- 6 – 7 pm: Group Study Lab or Theory Lecture in: mudra, music theory, history, culture, philosophy, Natya Shastra, etc.
CLICK HERE for drop-in class schedule (Kalbeliya, Yoga & Stepping, Guest teachers, and more).
Teachers
Your teachers for the intensive are: Colleena Shakti, Sudhansu Ranjan Pohana and senior students of SSD. Intensive programs also include group study labs, exams, and require self practice.
Colleena Shakti
Sudhansu Puhan
Lisa Beck
Application
Through an application process students are carefully selected to assure the program is the right fit. Students are selected based on the information provided in their application. Application Period: Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2022.
Currently Accepting Late Applications ~ APPLY TODAY!
Application Steps
- Registration opens (Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2023)
- Application period closes (Nov 15, 2023) – Late applications considered, but not guaranteed.
- Receive Notice of ‘Accepted’ or ‘Waitlist’ – You will be informed if you have been accepted into the program, and receive additional information via You will then have one week (7 days) to complete payment, and sign our mandatory waiver form. You will be added to our SSD Student & Alumni Facebook Group, and may ask questions to our helpful dance community.
- Payment Completes Registration – All payment and registration must be completed. Otherwise, we will offer your spot to a waitlisted student. We encourage you to share with us your reasons for not being able to attend, and apply next year!
- Final Payment Deadline Complete and 2nd Entry – If you have been waitlisted we will inform you if a space has Waitlisted students will have just 7 days, one week, to complete payment for their position.
Official Cancellation & Refund Policy
The Shakti School of Dance Odissi Intensive cancellation and refund policy is in place to guarantee the fair allocation of slots in the program to students who have been accepted and are ready to commit. Your registration payment to SSD is non refundable, returnable or transferable to a future workshop or to another person. No exceptions. Even in the case of medical or family emergencies. Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into.
Payment (via Paypal), as well as the ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
*By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions.
Important Information
You MUST arrive in Pushkar at least 2 days before the course begins. You will not be permitted to join the course if you arrive the same day the school starts. Experience leads us to believe that students need sufficient rest after long travel or international flights before they begin intensive training.
Beginning Odissi dancers are welcome for Session 1 or 2
They may also apply for the full season.
Returning students are welcome all sessions.
If you are an Indian citizen (with an Indian passport, ID or Ration Card) and currently live and work in India – we offer a scholarship rate based on financial need. You will still be required to complete the standard application form for consideration. Please email us at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
Students who commit to 2 or more Sessions will receive a 10% discount off their total tuition. Students are encouraged to come for the entire season. While we welcome students for one session only, the curriculum and schedule are designed to support the serious Odissi student who wishes to complete the entire season of training.
Between each session there are holidays scheduled for rest and to recuperate your energy in this physically demanding training program.
We offer training certificates at the completion of each Odissi intensive session which note the hours you have trained. After completion of each intensive session, practical and written exams are given.
Shakti School of Dance is a family friendly environment, we love having your family involved in our school. Family members are welcome to observe classes and join ‘Shakti Saturday’ and any performance events. We can help to arrange child care for mothers during your class hours. Please email for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since we are in an active temple, all Odissi Intensive students must dress appropriately to enter our school or they may be asked to leave. For your Odissi classes, traditional dance sari or salwar kameez are required. More details will be sent to you in your welcome packet after registration is complete.
Shakti School of Dance cannot offer any support in visa matters. For this reason, we suggest you enter on a Tourist Visa, for the purpose of “sightseeing”.
There are many small guest houses in Pushkar within a 1-15 minute walk. Prices range from $10-$45 US Dollars a night. Guest houses are simple and safe. We suggest you look in a guidebook or travel forum online. It is very easy to find accommodations in Pushkar even without advance reservations. SSD does not offer help with booking accommodation, however please visit our school Facebook group page to communicate with other dancers who have come to SSD before.
We suggest you do not commit to a long term booking online until you arrive and have a look around to make sure you find a comfortable accomodation located close to the school.
Those interested in training in the Odissi Intensive programs MUST fill out the application. Students interested in attending drop-in classes in any subject are NOT required to submit an application.
Applications must be submitted on time and completed in full to be considered for admission to our training programs. Payment (via Paypal) must be completed upon admission in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Odissi intensive sessions. Please review our strict no-refund policy before tuition payment is completed so there is no confusion.
It is not necessary to have a background in Classical Indian dance. However, we often welcome students who have experience training in a physical, artistic or spiritual discipline, such as yoga, sports, martial arts, meditation, classical music study, etc. We look for students who have experience in sustained discipline and self-motivation within a practice context. Our training schedule is intense and requires immense self-discipline and focus. It is not merely the applicant’s training profile that we look at; it is a willingness to truly participate. Not only in the rigorous dance training, but as well in the entire context from which it arises. Odissi is a very ancient dance form born out of Vedic culture, with deep philosophical roots, and steeped in spiritual intent. Many cultural and religious traditions surround the dance, the Guru and the daily temple life. Students who understand the sensitivity of cross cultural study and are committed to respecting the traditions of our temple are encouraged to apply.
Odissi classical Indian dance training as traditionally taught, music for items completed inside the course of study and some supplementary hand outs. Airfare, travel and hotel are not included in tuition fees.
New students or returning students who have not attended the Odissi Intensive program since 2013 must apply for Session # 1 or 2. Any student applying for Session 1 may also apply to continue for the other Sessions.
No. We only offer Intensive training classes as part of a structured session. We do not offer discounts or any prorated rates. If you cannot commit at this time to the intensive, we welcome you to join us as a drop in student. Please note the *Arrival Requirements*
No. At this time, there are no scholarships or work trades available except to Indian Nationals currently living and working in India. Please write us to inquire more about these rates for Indian Nationals at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
We highly encouraged students to maintain a daily yoga practice to familiarize themselves with having a daily discipline and to develop strength, flexibility and concentration. We have recently launched SSD Online, and you can start training right now in a variety of classes.
At the beginning of the season will be cold until mid February. By the end of March it will be *hot* in Rajasthan!
OFFICIAL CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:
The Shakti School of Dance Odissi Intensive cancellation and refund policy is in place to guarantee the fair allocation of slots in the program to students who have been accepted and are ready to commit.
Your registration payment to SSD is not refundable, returnable or transferable to a future workshop or to another person. No exceptions. Even in the case of medical or family emergencies. Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into.
Payment (via Paypal), as well as the ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
*By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions already.
Odissi Diploma Program
Dedicated students wishing to travel a well defined path and establish a strong professional foundation in Odissi dance… finally have the chance! Email of you are interested!
A Loving Note to Students
Please note that we do not guarantee start and end times for classes. Please be prepared to dedicate yourself full time to the study of Odissi dance during the respective sessions. We strive to provide the best possible education experience, therefore encourage students to use any free time to observe advanced students’ classes, or practice with fellow students before and after class. Additionally, the student must be prepared to relax into our very unique village-life inside a bustling marketplace and pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Our schedule may vary from day to day. Each Monday the week’s schedule will be announced.
PREPARE WITH OUR ONLINE COURSES!
We have launched a new online school to support you in your dance journey!
Please make sure you are on our mailing list to receive news about current courses and registration.
