Brief Introduction Workshop Luz no Corpo (Light on the Body): Symbolism and Ritual in the Jewellery of South Indian classical dance, Bharata Natyam style Led by Companhia Tarikavalli DATE | Saturday | 7 November HOURS | 15.00 to 17.00 PARTICIPANTS | Min. 10 Max. 25 PRICE | €25 This workshop explores the jewellery of Bharata Natyam as part of aharya abhinaya, the visual dimension of stage performance described in the Natya Sastra, the classical treatise on the performing arts of the Indian tradition. In aharya abhinaya, jewellery, costume and makeup contribute to the composition of the symbolic and narrative universe of stage performance. The workshop is dedicated to the jewellery worn in the female costume of Bharata Natyam, an integral part of its visual composition on stage. Usually referred to as Temple Jewellery, this jewellery of South Indian temple tradition has a strong historical and symbolic connection to the performing traditions of this region. The main elements worn on the head, ears, neck, arms, waist and ankles will be covered, exploring the scenic, symbolic and expressive function of each piece. Although this dance is practised by performers of different genders, with variations in costume and ornaments, this workshop focuses on female ornamentation. This focus allows a clearer observation of the relationship between jewellery, gesture, facial expression, movement and stage presence. Throughout the workshop, a performer will be dressed and adorned with the traditional jewellery, allowing participants to follow, step by step, the visual construction of the figure on stage. Luz no Corpo invites participants to look at jewellery beyond its ornamental function, discovering its historical, symbolic, ritual and performative value. By reflecting light, the jewellery accompanies movement, intensifies the performer's presence and reveals the visual richness of myth, ritual and dance in Bharata Natyam. Support | Companhia Tarikavalli, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Portuguese Catholic University), Instituto de Estudos Asiáticos (Institute of Asian Studies), Embassy of India, Municipality of Oeiras, Centro Dança Oeiras, Casa de Goa and JAYA
Tarikavalli, pioneer in Portugal of Indian classical dance in the Bharata Natyam style, was at the origin of the establishment and dissemination of this art in the country. Heir to the tradition of the Pa??anallur School, she was a direct disciple of the legendary masters U.S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhaga Devi, inescapable figures of the renaissance of Bharata Natyam in the 20th century, whose artistic legacy lives on through her artistic, pedagogical and choreographic work, preserving its ancestral roots while continuously renewing itself through the new generations. With a career of several decades as a solo dancer, she has performed at numerous international festivals and stages in Europe and India. Currently, she continues to perform as an interpreter, combining choreographic creation and the artistic direction of the Tarikavalli Dance Company, whose first outstanding shows premiered at the Auditorium of the Museu do Oriente, in Lisbon. Internationally recognised as a performer, choreographer and pedagogue, she teaches regularly at the Centro de Dança de Oeiras (Algés), at the Jaya Aerial Lab, in Lisbon, and at the Paris Marais Dance School, in Paris. In parallel, she leads workshops for children and adults, intensive courses, conferences and intercultural projects in various European countries, contributing to the transmission and renewal of Bharata Natyam among the new generations. In case of withdrawal: A full refund of the registration fee will be given when the withdrawal is communicated up to 8 working days before the activity. After that date, the refund can only be considered if the place is filled or in situations of illness, accident, or other unforeseeable circumstances of force majeure, duly proven. If the activity does not take place due to lack of participants, or for any other reason, the registration fee will be refunded in full. For mai