Purnendra Meshram originally from Chhattisgarh, India works internationally as a teacher, performer and choreographer. Although his love for dance began as a child, his professional career started in 2013, when he joined Attakkalari Movement Arts and Mix Media.

He has trained in various techniques of Contemporary dance specializing in floorwork and improvisation as well as Hip-hop and Kalaripayattu and has trained under some of the finest mentors of the world.

He has worked as a performer with many renowned choreographers in India and abroad such as Sudesh Adhana, Robert Moses Kin, Sonia Rodriguez Hernandez, Farhan Akhtar and Aditi Rao Hydari.

His choreography “2 Men” has received numerous awards, including first place in the Festival 10 Sentidos Choreographic Competition in Valencia, Spain, in 2019 and second place in the PECDA in Chennai, India, in 2018. He was awarded the Serendipity Arts Residency 2024, Pina Bausch Fellowship 2023 and Artlink 100 Artist Grant 2022 for his unwavering commitment
to his artistry.

Purnendra is an artist who constantly pushes his boundaries and explores new artistic possibilities. He is a true inspiration to aspiring dancers and artists everywhere because he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

CLASS  

Purnendra’s training and practice come from various methodologies. In this physical movement class, you will delve into the concept of “active flow” in dance. “Active flow” refers to the continuous movement and energy in a dancer, achieved through engaging muscles, having a clear sense of direction and intention, and being mindful of the space. The class aims to share how to embody fluidity, momentum, and energy in your movements, resulting in a seamless and effortless flow. The class will focus on developing a strong sense of space and body awareness, technical skills, and improvisation. Whether you are an experienced dancer or new to movements, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the power of active flow in dance

WORKSHOP 

The afternoon class aims to create a safe, playful environment where dancers can explore movement without the pressure of finding immediate answers. Instead, they will be encouraged to ask questions through their bodies to discover new possibilities. By engaging in these exercises, dancers can expect to develop a richer understanding of their own bodies and movement potential, as well as build confidence in their ability to improvise and compose instantly.

Objectives throughout the workshop:

1. Exploration without Pressure
2. Body as a Medium of Inquiry
3. Play and Discovery

Key Concepts:

1. Improvisation:

Emphasizing the importance of spontaneous movement and decision-making in the moment and reacting to internal impulses and external stimuli, allowing the body to lead the exploration.

2. Instant Composition:

Developing the ability to create structured and meaningful compositions instantly. As well as using movement to tell a story or convey an idea in real-time.

We will also explore themes and techniques such as 

1. Body as Mind:

Exploring how thoughts and emotions can manifest physically and delving into the symbiotic relationship between mental states and physical expressions.

2. Body as Space:

Understanding and utilizing the space around you and experimenting with different ways of filling, expanding, and interacting with space.

3. Body as Object:

Treating the body as an object to be manipulated, moved, and observed. As well as exploring mechanical and functional aspects of the body’s movement.

4. Body as Time:

Playing with the timing and rhythm of movements and experimenting with different speeds and how they affect the quality of movement.

5. Body as Body or Body as Nobody:

Focusing on the natural, uninhibited movement of the body. Exploring movements that transcend personal identity, allowing the body to move freely without the constraints of self-consciousness.