Applications open

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Applications open |

stretch wide. dive deep.

Buniyaad is a first-of-its-kind seminar course on Ananya Dance Theatre’s rich aesthetic and pedagogical foundations. The seminar invites participants to encounter Yorchhā technique via its articulation through two methodologies: Jugaad, where the Yorchhā aesthetic becomes a live-wire connection to joy, and Shawngrām, the social-justice mode of crafting abstract story-telling.

A cohort of passionate and dedicated practitioners will dive into the confluence of grounded specificity, emotive storytelling, and transnational feminist praxis that are embedded in the form. The seminar will take place February–June 2026 in a hybrid modality, and culminate in a six-day intensive and showcase at the Shawngrām Institute. The seminar curriculum will include:

  • Movement modules exploring Yorchhā exercises and ADT repertoire (virtual)

  • Access to 13 sessions of Yorchhā Elements, ADT's regular Friday-evening technique offering (virtual)

  • Cross-strengthening instruction in Yorchhā's foundational disciplines of Odissi, Chhau, and Vinyasa Yoga (virtual)

  • Lectures and discussions exploring the histories and pedagogies of Yorchhā and Shawngrām (virtual)

  • Participation in ADT's annual Summer Intensive (in-person)

  • One week of immersion in the rehearsal process with the ADT ensemble as they develop this season's work (in-person)

  • A public showcase at the Shawngrām Institute (in-person)

  • This seminar is designed for dance practitioners seeking to deepen their Yorchhā practice technically, intellectually, emotionally, and creatively. It is recommended that participants have experience in Yorchhā equivalent to:

    • at least 1 semester of Yorchhā technique at a university, OR

    • participation in the ADT Summer Intensive at least once, OR

    • at least 1 year of consistent Yorchhā class participation at the Shawngrām Institute.

  • Pricing is pay-what-you-can, with a recommended contribution of $1,000 (the estimated per-student cost of producing the Bunyaad program is $1,200). There is a non-refundable application fee of $50, which will be counted toward your full tuition. No one will be turned away for lack of funds; if the application fee poses a barrier to you, please reach out to us at admin@ananyadancetheatre.org.

  • ADT is able to offer a reduced-cost housing option to out-of-town-participants through a local partner. If you are interested in receiving information about housing support for the in-person portion of the seminar program, be sure to note this interest on your application.

    The deadline for housing confirmation is April 15, 2026.

  • Virtual Lectures + Technique Seminars

    • Friday, 2/13, 5–7pm

    • Saturday, 2/14, 4–7pm

    • Sunday, 2/15, 4–7pm

    • Friday, 3/20, 5–8pm

    • Friday, 4/17, 5–7pm

    • Saturday, 4/18, 4–7pm

    • Sunday, 4/19, 4–7pm

    • Friday, 5/22, 5–8pm

    Open Yorchhā Elements Sessions — please attend at least 6!

    • Weekly Fridays, 5–6:30pm, 2/20–6/19

    In-Person Intensives + Showcase

    • Monday, 6/22–Saturday, 6/27, 10am–2pm — Yorchhā Jugaad immersion with Summer Intensive students

    • Monday, 6/22–Friday, 6/26, 4:30pm–8:30pm — Shawngrām immersion with ADT ensemble

    • Saturday, 6/27, TBD — Public showing at the Shawngrām Institute

application deadline

February 2, 2026

Housing confirmation deadline

april 15, 2026

Apply for the seminar