Input
- What went in
- Brought students from different batches and age groups together Organised a shared dance gathering with all four teachers present Celebrated students who were ready to wear chilanka Teachers tied the bells for the students, who then danced wearing them
- Time
- 2 hours
Activity
Today, students from across our batches came together for Dance Together Day. Students of different ages and levels met, danced and celebrated as one community. Students aged 40 and above danced alongside children as young as three years old, making it special to see generations sharing the same dance space. All four teachers were present, and many students came dressed for the occasion. Some students were unable to attend, but those who came brought plenty of joy and energy to the day.
We also celebrated a special milestone for students who were ready to progress to the next level: wearing the chilanka (dance bells) for the first time. Teachers tied the bells for the students, and they danced wearing them. This step reflects the students’ growing confidence and their ability to maintain the talam (rhythm) without losing the beat.
The day felt like a joyful meetup as students from different batches and age groups shared the dance space. Events like this encourage students to keep learning, give them a chance to connect with one another, and create a happy place to come together through dance
Outcome
Students celebrated a meaningful step in their dance journey and danced together across batches and age groups. The happiness and energy of the gathering, along with students’ confidence wearing chilanka and keeping the talam, showed their progress and the value of sharing dance as a community.
(Participants told us)
Learnings
Students experienced dance as both a personal learning journey and a shared community practice. Celebrating milestones together can encourage continued learning, build connection across age groups and make the dance space a source of joy and belonging.
Run this activity yourself. You are free to copy, change and share this write-up, as long as you credit aikyam space. Photos are not included. (Creative Commons licence CC BY 4.0)
