Creative Vision

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 classical Indian dance foundation. 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.

Curriculum

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.

Shaushthava: Shastriya Nritya 

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

Students of all levels are welcome to apply within two categories:  

As “Beginners” or  “Continuing” (please indicate in your registration form).  During the retreat, the group will be divided into 2 tracks,

“Beginners” Level - Refers to anyone who has not trained at least 2-3 years of Odissi classical dance.  Beginners are required to attend online classes which will be scheduled in our Summer online class series (Odissi for Beginners).  Students will receive a coupon code to join the online class series.  This is included in your retreat registration.

“Continuing” Level - Refers to anyone who has trained at least 2-3 years of Odissi classical dance and completed all steppings and at least Manglacharan or one classical choreography.  “Continuing” students will have 1 extra class for repertoire review and learning new composition in the retreat schedule.

A note for new students

While we welcome everyone to try our classes, please note that Odissi is a classical dance form and requires a certain degree of fitness and stamina due to the strong Chowka (plié) basic position.  

Beginners are *required to first join the Summer Online Class series to have some familiarity with the basic postures before the training begins.

Villa Shakti Crete

Villa Shakti Crete is a beautiful sanctuary of art and yoga on the Greek island of Crete where Shakti Summer School Greece takes place – hosting a variety of different Dance, Yoga, Ayurveda and Embodiment Teachings with teachers from around the world.  Colleena Shakti and the Villa Shakti team welcomes you home to the vibrant nature, rugged mountains and sparkling beaches of the ‘sunset side’ of the island.  This home of intentional art offers you a chance to rejuvenate, re-center and create art without distraction.  Healthy home cooked meals and Greek village hospitality awaits!

Cost

Please have a look at accommodation options, prices are based on your chosen accommodation.  This program fills first come first served, so to secure a place in this intimate professional immersion, please fill out your application soon!