Hyd varsity to offer PG course in performing arts

The Department of Dance, Sarojini Naidu School of Performing Arts, Fine Arts and Communication, University of Hyderabad (UoH), is introducing a new Masters in Performing Arts (MPA) course in contemporary dance from this academic year.

"Sixteen formal courses will be offered over four semesters in the span of two years with a 60:40 ratio of practical and theoretical inputs.

In credit-based evaluation process, courses will be conducted in an environment that is conducive for creative work," Bharat Sharma, reader, Department of Dance, UoH, told Business Standard.

The courses will cover areas such as practice in several Indian and international dance techniques including modern dance, yoga, Mayurbhanj Chhau of Orissa, a repertoire that has several dance numbers based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Purana, physical-theatre and martial arts, besides introduction to tools of improvisation, composition and choreography, he said, adding that the university expected intake of 12 students for the programme during the current academic year.

Other features of the course will be workshops, scholarships, hostel facility, besides opportunities for performances in student productions choreographed by faculty and visiting guests. The last day of submitting applications is May 3, 2008.