Odissi SUMMER Training
Aug 14-21
Shaushthava: Shastriya Nritya & Nava Rasa
(7 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS)
Optional Week 2 Choreography intensive for continuing students, please inquire about semi-private lessons from Aug 23-29 via email.
APPLICATIONS OPEN!
Curriculum
Move like Water… Dive into the rich world of Indian dance and yoga with Colleena’s unique and holistic approach to Odissi dance. Enjoy immersing in dance, art and yoga with like-minded artists in an inspiring natural landscape of the island of Crete!
This classical Indian dance and yoga training will empower the sincere Odissi student with new techniques and insights as well as strengthen their dance foundation.
The Immersive TRAINING Experience
Through daily yoga, deep immersion in the vision of Odissi, relaxing time in nature and discussions in dance theory and aesthetics dancers will feel inspired and gently pushed to greater heights by the holistic curriculum and schedule.
Each day begins with Vinyasa Krama yoga – a graceful flowing breath-based practice, followed by morning studio dance sessions. The dance sessions will include extensive dance conditioning to build strength and stamina, as well as traditional and new technique training practice to further expand our Odissi Dance vocabulary. Afternoon/evenings will alternate between studio sessions followed by theory class, or day trips to local epic beach locations in Western Crete.
COURSE CURRICULUM
ODISSI Dance
August 14-21
Saushtava: Shastriya Nritya & Nava Rasa
“Those performing dance should take care of the sauṣṭhava, for the limbs without it create no beauty (lit. do not shine) in drama or dance.” ~Natya Shastra. Explore various shastra (texts) through the study of dance techniques & theory. *Beginners welcome!
7 nights, 6 days – 30 hours of training
Reignite your dance or take your first steps in Odissi by exploring movements and theories presented in the wide range of texts which Odissi draws from. We will focus on the Nritta aspect of our dance with new ‘stepping’ practices, as well as an array of movements with their viniyoga (uses). Through these training exercises, arasa and creative phrases dancers will explore new limits within this classical dance style.
The idea of an energized center line, inner vibrancy and attention, concurrent alignment on various levels of the self – from subtle to gross is the theme of this training. This concept is mentioned as central to all movement of Nritya in the ancient dance treatise Natya Shastra:
“Those performing exercises (aṅgahāras) should take care of the sauṣṭhava, for the limbs without it (sauṣṭhava) create no beauty (lit. do not shine) in drama or dance.” – Natya Shastra
“The words “Saushtava” and “Anga suddham” often used in connection with dance is nothing but the execution of the movements of the various angas or limbs of the body in a symmetrically beautiful way. Such movements or postures in dance are also described as being sculpturesque. It is because of the fact that both these arts depend on the law of symmetry guided by lines of body” – Dr Padma Subramaniam
LEVEL - REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRAININGS
Students of all levels are welcome to apply within two categories: “Beginners” or “Continuing”
Dancers new to Odissi can apply as a “Beginner” and receive a preparatory training package of Online instructional content to get you ready for the live classes. This will be in exchange for one of the live classes during the summer school training, making the training more suited for your capacity. While continuing dancers who have learned at least Mangalacharan can apply for the full program.
A NOTE FOR NEW STUDENTS
We welcome you to our school and to Odissi classical dance! While we welcome every body and your unique capacity, please note that Odissi is a classical dance form rooted in cultural/religious tradition and does require a certain degree of fitness and stamina due to the strong Chowka (plié) position in which the dance is performed, as well as the footwork. Classical Indian dance is a vast subject which extends into music theory, yoga, spirituality, ancient literature, philosophy, etc. which enriches us on so many levels. We suggest you do some preliminary study first in our online courses to have some familiarity with the basic postures. Please inquire for more details, we are happy to help!
Sample daily schedule:
- 9-10 am - Morning Yoga
- 10-11 am - Breakfast
- 11-12 pm - Odissi Dance Conditioning, Techniques
- 12-1 pm - Natya Shastra Techniques / Abhinaya Class
- 1-2 pm - Composition/Choreography Class
- 2 pm - Lunch
- 3-6 pm - Rest
- 6-7 pm - Repertoire Review (only for ‘Continuing’ Level)
- 7-8 pm - Theory Class
- 8 pm - Dinner
- *OR 3-8 pm ~ Enjoy Crete! Day Trip to Epic Beaches & Local Taverna Dinner!
SHAKTI SUMMER SCHOOL TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Please read our updated Terms & Conditions Page before you apply, which includes: *School Cancellation Policy, *School & Villa Shakti Policies, *Health & Safety and *Assumption of Risk.
AccommodationS & Prices
(2 per room, shared bathroom, includes meals and transport)
The rooms at Villa Shakti includes bath towel set, Greek beach towel, bedding and blankets, table fan, WIFI, access to apartment kitchen, spacious living room and dining area, cable TV. Places are limited. The house is strictly vegetarian.
Includes (per week):
- 30 hours Training
- Double Share Room at Villa Shakti
- 17 Healthy Vegetarian meals per week
- Transportation (see transportation section for more details)
(up to 4 per room, shared bathroom, includes meals and transport)
These traditional restored apartments are a 10 minute walk from Villa Shakti on peaceful a country road. The apartments are in a rustic traditional village with a plentiful organic garden, traditional orthodox church, goats, a fresh spring fountain and many flowers!
Includes (per week):
- 30 hours Training
- Double Share Room or Large Studio Dorm at Village Apartments
- 17 Healthy Vegetarian meals per week
- Transportation (see transportation section for more details)
(Includes 8 meals. Does not include any transport.)
If you are looking for more privacy, you will find many other villas and rentals nearby our village of Aikirgiannis (Topolia). We suggest you have a look at Airbnb or booking.com. We recommend looking in the Topolia area and no farther than Kissamos so travel time to classes are not an issue. You can use the FB event page to post if you are looking for others to share a villa with you. You will need your own rental car for this option. Greece is a very popular summer destination so book soon!
Includes:
- 30 hours Training
- 8 Healthy Vegetarian meals
MEALS
Our in-house catering team include a passionate Greek and Italian who love cooking healthy vibrant food! We enjoy offering a healthy Vegetarian take on local Cretan recipes. Cretan and Greek cuisine is full of roasted vegetables, rice dishes, cucumber salads and of course, a decadent selection of homemade local cheeses! Occasionally we change up the menu by preparing mild Ayurvedic Indian food or Italian pasta, etc. All meals are served buffet style – all you can eat! Special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten free, and allergies can be catered to with prior notice.
*Our villa is strictly Vegetarian in celebration of life! Yet we can offer you local goat, sheep and cow cheese and a range of farm to table dairy products.
TYPICAL MENU:
Breakfast: Coffee/tea, fruit, toast and spreads, yogurt, granola, porridge, smoothie.
Lunch: Main dish, 2 salads, bakery breads, spreads, vegetable side dishes, local olive oil/olives, ice teas infusions.
Dinner: Main dish, salads, bakery breads, spreads, bean dish, vegetable side dishes, local olive oil / olives, and desert!
WEEKLY MEAL PLAN:
Sunday Arrival (Check IN Day) – Welcome dinner feast served at sunset on the veranda!
Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Served on the veranda
Tuesday & Saturday – Breakfast & Lunch served on the veranda (dinner out)
Sunday Departure (Check OUT Day) – Farewell Breakfast
Transportation
Guests will want to arrive to the closest airport: Chania (CHQ). Airport it is a 1 hour drive to the villa. Heraklion is 3-4 hours drive. *Students MUST arrive in time for orientation meeting on arrival day.
Most visitors on Crete rent a car to enjoy exploring the wild nature and beaches. This is what we always recommend to guests since there are many secret beaches and isolated trails to discover on the Western side of the island within an hours drive.
The cost of transportation is now included in your tuition. Villa Shakti is in a rural location, so please be aware buses are not an option and taxis will need to be booked in advance.
Scheduled Shuttle Transportation Includes:
(Times are fixed, no exceptions.)
ARRIVAL DAY Aug 14:
- Chania Airport or Port Pick up: 5pm
DEPARTURE DAY Aug 21:
- Chania Airport or Port Drop off: 11 am
TRANSPORT DURING SUMMER SCHOOL:
- Day Trip 1: Local Beach and Taverna – 3:30 – 9pm
- Day Trips 2&3: Elafounissi, Phalasarna or Paleochora Beach and Taverna – 3:30– 10 pm
Please meet our driver at the scheduled times, the driver can not wait for late passengers. If your flight arrives or departs at another time than the scheduled shuttle pick up/drop of times, you can easily get a local taxi to/from Airport to Chania Port to enjoy some time there and then meet at the scheduled time and location to catch your ride to Villa Shakti.
If you wish to have your own car, we recommend booking online. Prices are approximately €25-45 per day / per vehicle. Non EU licensed drivers will need and International Driving License to drive in Greece.
- Taxi booked directly from Airport to Villa Shakti: Approx. €100
- Local Taxis to Kissamos or Local beaches: Local rates apply. Please book directly.
Application Process
Program fills up on a fist come, first serve basis
Read and agree to our terms and conditions page before you fill out an application. You will digitally sign the waiver form on your application which indicates that you have read this page all the way through. READ HERE
Fill in Application completely – Partially filled out applications will not be considered. You should receive an email within a few days that we have received your application. Please make sure to list your first and second choice of accommodation options. APPLY NOW
You will receive an email with a reply to your application within a week. Either: “ACCEPTED” to program, or “WAITLISTED” for this program. We are filling the program on a first come first serve basis, so please don’t wait to apply!
(COMPLETE PAYMENT IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR SPOT)
You will receive an email with payment link once you have been accepted into the program. Please indicate your first choice of accommodation unless we instruct you otherwise. If your first choice is full, we will try our best to provide your second choice of accommodation.
~ Pack your bags for Greece!!!
Upon completion of your payment you are fully registered for Shakti Summer School at Villa Shakti Crete!!!! You will receive an informational email with a PDF about how to prepare for the program and for Shakti Summer School ~ Greece. Another email will be sent to participants before the program starts with more information about arrival and updates.
APPLY NOW!
Music Video from 2022 Training
Official Cancelation Policy
The Shakti School of Dance /Shakti Summer School 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/SSS 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, etc. Because there is an application and selection process, students can not ‘sell their spot’ in the program to another person.
Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into. Payment (via Paypal), as well as this ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
Health/Safety: Student agrees to inform SSD/SSS Administration of any health conditions or important medications they are taking. Student assumes full responsibility for her/his safety and all risks of participating in this training and while enrolled at SSD/SSS. We hold no responsibility for any such illness or injury that a student sustains while enrolled in the program.
Students who cancel will not be eligible for refunds as per our official cancellation policy. *By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions already.
We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Shakti Crete!
For questions not already answered on this website, please contact us.
