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Thudippu Dance Foundation

Thudippu Dance Foundation

The foundation is committed to creating a nonjudgmental, inclusive space that nurtures creativity and encourages cultural exchange. Driven by a sense of social responsibility, Thudippu actively works to platform talented artists from marginalized communities and underrepresented art forms—those often left unsupported by mainstream art institutions.

What Thudippu Dance Foundation did here

Show all 71 sessions
  • A group of five women are standing in a room with tiled floors, arranged in a loose line facing toward the left side of the frame. The woman closest to the camera wears a dark blue outfit with her hair in a braid and stands with her hands on her hips. Behind her, another woman in a patterned top and green skirt smiles while holding her hands up near her chest. Further back, three more women stand in similar poses, wearing a blue top with light pants, a purple top with black pants, and a light-colored top with brown pants respectively. To the left, a small table holds a bag, and a potted plant sits on the floor beside it. A doorway and a staircase are visible in the background.

    Growing Independence Through Adavu Practice

    18 October · Dance Club

    Today was the second class for our students with hearing difficulties. Three new children joined the student who attended the first class. The first student’s mother had watched the class, shared information about it with other families and brought the new students along. During practice, the children tended to look at the teacher and follow the Adavus by watching. We wanted to help them perform the movements independently, without relying on imitation. The teacher worked with each child individually and guided them through repeated practice while looking straight ahead. Although this was challenging at first, the children kept trying. The teacher then moved behind the students and asked them to perform the third Nattadavu in three speeds.before that we did Hand clapping helped them feel and remember the rhythm. By the end of the practice, all the children were performing the Adavu while looking straight ahead.

  • A group of women stand in a circle inside a room with a tiled floor, facing inward toward a woman standing near a window who appears to be leading them. The women have their hands on their hips and are barefoot. One woman in the foreground wears a pink patterned outfit with a long braid and a light scarf draped over her shoulder. Others wear various patterned tops and pants. A mirror hangs on the wall to the right, and a colorful mural is visible on the left wall. A small rug lies on the floor near the center.

    A New Dance Batch for Women 30+

    17 October · Dance Club

    As interest in our regular batch grew and new admissions continued, we started a new batch so we could welcome more students. The batch brings together women aged 30 and above, each arriving with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to learning dance. Teaching them has been a rewarding experience for the faculty, who value the interest and hard work the students bring to every class. For many of these women, the class is more than a place to learn dance. It is also a joyful space to explore a long-held dream. The enthusiasm across the batch reflects how meaningful it can be to begin or return to dance at any age.

  • image from the session

    Exploring Self-Expression Through Movement, Music, and Art

    11 October · Dance Club

    The session began with a name-and-movement activity, where participants introduced themselves through simple movements. This helped create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging everyone to participate. The group then engaged in a mood-sharing activity, allowing participants to express how they were feeling at that moment. The next activity focused on movement exploration, providing participants with the freedom to explore different movements, connect with their bodies, and express themselves through movement. Participants then worked together to create music as a group. They explored sounds and rhythms, shared ideas, listened to one another, and presented their collective creation to the group. Following this, participants engaged in an individual art reflection, using art to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the session. This offered them an opportunity for personal reflection and creative expression. The session concluded with a closing activity, bringing the shared experience to a meaningful end. Overall, participants responded positively and showed interest and engagement throughout the session. The combination of movement, music, and art offered different ways to communicate, explore feelings, express creativity, and connect with others in a supportive group environment.

  • A group of men are seated on a carpeted floor inside a room with white walls and a wooden ceiling, performing music together. Several men play hand drums, while others sit in the background, some standing and some seated, observing or participating in the performance. One man on the right holds a drum close to his face, and another on the left plays a drum while looking down at it. A few individuals wear traditional caps and vests over long shirts. The room has a window with wooden frames on the left and a dark doorway or alcove on the right.

    Friends of Thudippu – Fifth Edition: Discovering the Living Traditions of Daffmuttu and Arabanamuttu

    11 October

    The fifth edition of Friends of Thudippu featured a rhythmic powerful performance of Daffmuttu and Arabanamuttu by Koya Kappad and his team at Mattancherry. The event brought audiences closer to the rich folklore and cultural heritage of Kerala, creating an experience that went beyond a conventional performance. Koya Kappad, a seventh-generation practitioner from a family associated with these art forms, presented the traditions with remarkable energy and depth. The art forms were popularised in the Malabar region by the Allasammveetil family, a Yemeni family that arrived in the Kappad region of Kozhikode in the fifteenth century. The family has continued to pass these traditions down through generations, with the guru tradition inherited patrilineally. Koya Kappad represents the latest generation of this lineage. One of the most meaningful aspects of the programme was the way Koya Kappad shared the history and context of the art forms alongside the performance. He introduced the audience to the rhythms and talam used in the traditions, demonstrated how they worked, and encouraged audience members to try them together. This interactive approach transformed the event into an engaging learning experience, allowing the audience to understand and participate in the art forms rather than simply watch them. The performance created a strong impression on the audience, many of whom were experiencing these art forms for the first time. The audience response was enthusiastic, and the programme highlighted how live performance, storytelling, and interaction can help people connect with cultural traditions that may otherwise remain unfamiliar to them. Organising this edition involved several months of research into Kerala's folklore traditions, identifying the art form and artist, coordinating the venue and performance requirements, preparing promotional materials, and reaching out to potential audiences. The team also managed event-day arrangements, artist hospitality, documentation, and technical coordination. The event also brought important organisational learnings, particularly around sound and lighting. Despite challenges with the microphone, sound support, and the lighting provided at the venue, the team worked to ensure that the programme could continue. These experiences helped us recognise the importance of confirming technical requirements in advance and choosing venues with reliable basic sound and lighting facilities. Friends of Thudippu was created to provide a platform for Kerala's rich art forms and the communities and practitioners who sustain them. This edition reaffirmed our belief that preserving cultural heritage requires more than documentation; it also requires creating opportunities for artists to perform, share their knowledge, and connect with new audiences. We see this as an important responsibility towards sustaining the living cultural heritage of our state.

  • Two children in white tops and dark pants stand facing each other, barefoot on a polished floor, with their arms extended forward in a mirrored pose. Behind them, a woman in a patterned top and light-colored pants stands with her hands raised in a similar gesture. To the right, another woman sits cross-legged on a mat, holding a small drum and a stick, watching the children. A large window with a decorative metal grille is visible behind them, and a colorful mural covers part of the wall on the left.

    Experiencing Rhythm Beyond Sound

    10 October · Dance Club

    We began a new batch for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. This initiative has been in preparation for the past few months, shaped by our years of experience as dancers and teachers in the field of Indian dance. We believe that Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam can offer meaningful opportunities for those children to explore rhythm, movement, coordination and expression when taught through accessible methods. Two teachers facilitated the session. While one of us demonstrated the steps, the other gently guided the child's hand to clap along with the rhythm. We were delighted to see how well she understood the rhythm, recognised the gaps between beats, and responded to changes in speed. Gradually, she began copying the movements and soon started performing the steps independently. By the end of the session, she had learnt five Nattadavu sequences, the basic movement units of Bharatanatyam. Throughout the session, we focused on visual demonstrations, clear movement cues, repetition, patience, individual attention and encouragement, allowing the child to learn at her own pace. This was our first session with the children. One child attended the class, and three more children have registered for the upcoming sessions. This beginning has strengthened our belief that, with appropriate teaching methods and support, classical dance can become an accessible and enriching space for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children to explore movement, rhythm and self-expression.

  • Three women are smiling at the camera in front of a white building with teal trim and a black sign mounted above them. The woman in the center is closest to the lens, flanked by two others standing slightly behind her. All three have dark hair and bindis on their foreheads, and they are wearing patterned tops with scarves. Behind them, a low white wall topped with spikes runs across the width of the building, which has windows with dark shutters and a sloped roof section visible on the right.

    Opening Doors: Our First School Outreach Together

    8 October

    Our recent team meetings highlighted a shared challenge: reaching children and young people who could benefit from the programmes at aikyam. We agreed to combine our networks and prepare a shared introduction to the offerings. Putting this into action, we prepared a shared brochure introducing the programmes available at aikyam. Each team contributed programme descriptions, which were brought together in a brochure for the visits. We then made our first school visits together as the aikyam, Olimalar and Thudippu team, visiting two schools suggested by Shabana, drawing on her knowledge of the local community. We spoke with headteacher about opportunities for children to participate. One school already knew Olimalar through LifSkool. At the other, youth festival preparations opened a conversation about possible dance support from Thudippu. We collected their contact numbers and shared printed and digital copies of the brochure. When we returned to aikyam, we discussed the visits and how we could reach more children. Alongside welcoming families to aikyam, we explored finding spaces in schools and communities and training facilitators to run activities closer to where children live.

  • A woman in a yellow outfit sits cross-legged on a mat facing a group of children who are seated on a tiled floor in a circle around her. The children are wearing various colored dresses and traditional clothing. In the background, there is a low table covered with a red cloth holding a framed item and a small plant, and another table draped with a red cloth stands against the wall. A window with a decorative grille is visible above the woman.

    From Play to Learning: Creating Space for Children to Grow

    4 October · Dance Club

    The children arrived for Sunday’s dance class in a playful mood, so we began by giving them some time to play before moving into the structured session. They participated enthusiastically in the muscle-strengthening exercises before we started practicing Adavus. The children remained engaged throughout the practice and made consistent efforts to understand and perform the movements. Learning Adavus requires repeated practice, coordination, concentration, and patience. As children gradually become familiar with the movements, they learn to coordinate different parts of their bodies and develop greater awareness of their own movements.

  • A group of women stand in a line inside a room with tiled floors and painted walls, facing each other as if following a leader in the center who is demonstrating a movement. One woman in the middle holds a phone, appearing to record the activity. The room has a large window with a metal grille, a ceiling fan, and a small rug on the floor. A colorful mural is visible on one wall, and a mirror hangs on another.

    Finding Connection through movement

    3 October · Dance Club

    Today’s session at was a very different and meaningful experience for me. There were seven participants, and Anjali and Aparna, who are also dance facilitators at Thudippu, joined the session as well. The overall energy of the group was quite active and engaging. At the same time, I noticed that a few participants needed a little more attention and support during the session. I tried to create a space where everyone could participate in their own way, without putting too much pressure on anyone. As the session progressed, I could notice different emotions and experiences slowly coming up through movement. Some participants were more expressive, while some needed more time to connect with the process. I tried to stay present with the group and respond to what was happening in the moment. Since this was our first session, I consciously did not go deeper into the emotional layers that were emerging. Instead, I stayed more on the surface and focused on helping everyone feel comfortable, engaged, and connected with the movement and with each other. Even at that peripheral level, I could sense that there were many different emotions and personal experiences present in the group. It was interesting for me to observe how movement can bring these things out without directly asking people to talk about them. Overall, the session gave me a lot to observe and reflect on as a facilitator. It was a new experience for me to work with this particular group and in this setting, and I feel that today's session has given me a better understanding of the participants and what they may need in the sessions ahead.

  • Two women stand barefoot in a room, facing each other with their arms raised in a dance-like pose. Behind them, two other women sit cross-legged on a mat on the floor, one holding an open book. A large window with a decorative grid pattern is set into the wall behind them. To the left, a painted wall features a mural with figures and flowers, next to an ornate wooden chair. The floor is polished and reflective.

    Preparing Together for Our Next Sessions

    29 September · Dance Club

    Today was a day of practising, refreshing and preparing ourselves for the sessions ahead. As we prepare for our upcoming sessions with children, we are taking time to rethink how traditional art forms can be introduced in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for them. We are currently drafting and refining the syllabus, revisiting the way the art forms are structured and taught. Along the way, we are exploring new activities, exercises, teaching methods, and ways of presenting movements and concepts so that children can learn through curiosity, play, creativity, and participation. The process is not just about putting together a syllabus. It is about asking ourselves how we can create a learning experience where children can understand the art form, connect with it in their own way, and gradually build confidence through movement and expression. We are trying out new approaches, making changes, and learning from the process as we build a syllabus that works for our students and their pace of learning.

  • A group of people, mostly women and girls, stand in a room with their hands on their hips, looking forward. They wear colorful traditional clothing, including dresses and salwar kameez in shades of pink, maroon, yellow, and white. Behind them, a woman in a yellow outfit stands near a window with stained glass panels, while another woman in black stands near a whiteboard. A young girl in a grey dress stands near the center. The room has tiled floors, ceiling fans, and a large blue wall mural with abstract shapes and a painted face. A television on a stand and wall-mounted speakers are visible against the back wall.

    Building Rhythm and Coordination Through Revision

    27 September · Dance Club

    On Sunday, most students were absent, so I used the class to revise Adavus and Mudras and introduced basic Chollu and Thalam. This helped me realise the importance of adapting my teaching to the students’ needs and giving them enough time to develop rhythm and coordination. I learned that even a small class can be a valuable opportunity to observe and support each student.

  • Five people sit cross-legged on a polished floor inside a room, arranged in a loose circle. On the left, an adult in a yellow top and white pants sits with hands raised near the chest. Next to them, a child in a white top and light blue pants mirrors the pose. In the center, another child in a light green top and patterned pants sits with hands raised. To their right, an adult in a black patterned top and grey pants sits with hands raised and holds a small yellow object. On the far right, a child in a pink sleeveless top and grey skirt sits with hands raised. Behind them, large windows with decorative grilles let in daylight, and a wall features a colorful painted mural. A black stand with equipment stands near the back wall.

    Breaking Down Nattadavu: Building Coordination Step by Step

    27 September

    I taught the students Nattadavu, but they found the adavu difficult to understand. Therefore, I first taught them the leg movements separately. After they became familiar with the steps, I introduced the hand movements. I noticed that they had difficulty coordinating both movements at the second and third speeds. Therefore, I focused more on the leg movements to help them understand the adavu clearly. This taught me that breaking down difficult movements into simple parts helps children learn more effectively.

  • Three people sit around a wooden table in a room, focused on papers and notebooks. One person writes with a pen, another looks on with a hand resting near their face, and a third leans forward over the table. A tall metal bottle stands on the table among stacks of books and documents. Behind them, a patterned window screen lets in daylight, and colorful paper shapes hang from it. On the wall to the left, several sheets with charts and grids are pinned up, along with a small decorative item near the top.

    Community programme leads shared progress and worked through challenges together

    21 September

    Shabana, who leads the Stitching Club, met with Anjali of Thudippu Dance Foundation and Aarthi of Olimalar Foundation for their weekly check-in at aikyam space. They shared updates on their work so far, spoke about the challenges they faced, helped one another think through possible solutions, and reflected on what they had learned over the past week.

  • A group of people are gathered in a spacious room with polished floors, performing synchronized movements in a dance or exercise class. The walls are decorated with large, colorful murals featuring stylized faces and abstract patterns. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a doorway leads to another area where more people are visible. Some participants wear traditional attire, while others are in casual clothing, and they are arranged in rows facing toward the back of the room.

    Senior faculty's session on Kuthithu Mettu Adavu

    19 September · Dance Club

    Saturday’s class turned into something really special, quite unexpectedly. We had been wanting our senior faculty, Ponnu Sanjeev, to take a session with the students for a while, and this time it just happened naturally. It wasn’t planned, but the students really enjoyed having a different teacher and a different way of learning. They worked on Kuthithu Mettu Adavu, focusing not only on getting the steps right but also on understanding what happens within the body while doing them. Ponnu introduced them to new techniques and helped them work on balance, control and core strength through the adavu itself. It was lovely to see the students listen, try, make mistakes, try again, and slowly find their balance. More than just learning a new adavu, the session gave them a chance to experience the movement differently. Sometimes, the best classes are the ones that happen without much planning a little change in the room, a new perspective, and a lot of learning.

  • A group of women are gathered in a brightly lit room with tiled floors and white walls, practicing coordinated hand movements. Several women stand in a line facing a wall with a large mural, while others stand near windows with patterned glass and curtains. A ceiling fan and a chandelier hang from the ceiling, and a whiteboard is mounted on one wall. A potted plant sits in the corner near a doorway.

    Applying spatial awareness to Bharatanatyam

    15 September · Dance Club

    On Sunday, the class focused on directions and spatial awareness, an important part of learning dance. While practising the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" adavu, the third set of steps in Bharatanatyam, the students faced an interesting challenge. When I demonstrated the movements facing them, many students naturally tried to mirror my actions. However, in this exercise, they often needed to move in the opposite direction. This caused some confusion, and there were a few mix-ups with right and left turns. Instead of seeing these mistakes as a problem, we used them as a learning opportunity. We discussed what was happening, tried different approaches, and practised repeatedly. Sometimes I turned around and demonstrated the movements with my back facing the students, while at other times they consciously tried the opposite side to understand the directions better. Slowly, the students began to figure it out. By the end of the session, they were moving with much more confidence and awareness. The class showed that learning dance is not just about memorising steps it is also about understanding space, directions, and learning through trial and error.

  • A group of people sit in a circle on a polished floor inside a room, facing inward with their arms extended toward one another. One person in a yellow top sits with their back to the camera at the front of the circle, while the others, mostly in blue and green outfits, are arranged around them. A mirror on the left wall reflects part of the group, and windows with curtains are visible in the background.

    Aparna's introduction of Mudras and Sanskrit

    14 September · Dance Club

    On this Saturday (12.09.2026), Aparna focused on the fundamentals. She taught the students Thattadavu and Nattadavu, while also explaining why these basic steps are so important in building a strong foundation in dance. After working through the adavus, it was time for the students to explore the Mudras. While the movements themselves were interesting for the students, remembering and pronouncing the Sanskrit names proved to be a little difficult. Some students hesitated, especially when the unfamiliar words did not come easily. But Aparna had a simple solution: repetition. She kept encouraging them with the same words, again and again “Guys, repeat, repeat and repeat. You will remember.” Rather than expecting them to get everything right immediately, she gave them the space to practise, make mistakes and try again. she know's that Slowly, the unfamiliar Sanskrit words began to sound more familiar, and the students became more confident in remembering and pronouncing them. It was a small challenge, but it became an important learning moment. The session showed how patience, repetition and encouragement can make even something that initially feels difficult much easier to learn.

  • A group of people, mostly children and women, stand in a room with their backs to the camera, facing an adult woman who stands near a window with yellow curtains. The floor is shiny and reflective. One child wears a red top and light-colored pants, another wears a patterned dress, and a third wears a blue and green outfit. The women wear long dresses or tunics in various colors and patterns. A small child stands near the woman in the center. A chair with a red cloth is visible in the background.

    Dance students move into adavu and mudra practice

    5 September · Dance Club

    The community dance classes are moving into a more technical stage, with students practising adavus and mudras. These are some of the more demanding parts of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, so the sessions are focusing on posture, hand movements, coordination and getting the basics right through repeated practice.

  • A group of women and children are gathered in a room with tiled floors and light-colored walls. Several women are wearing green tops and blue skirts, with some bending forward in a coordinated pose while others stand or sit nearby. One woman stands holding a long stick, and another sits cross-legged on the floor. A child sits on the floor near the left side. In the background, a doorway opens to another area where more people are seated, and a colorful painted wall is visible.

    Community dance classes move into abhinaya practice

    29 August · Dance Club

    The Thudippu team ran the community dance classes, splitting them into children’s and adults’ sessions. Aparna now teaches both groups more technical dance, including abhinaya, expression and communicating emotions through movement.

  • A group of people, including adults and children, stand in a circle indoors with their backs mostly to the camera, raising their arms above their heads as if dancing or exercising together. They are barefoot on a polished marble floor. Behind them are windows with yellow curtains and a wall decorated with a colorful mural.

    Community students practice for an upcoming program

    18 August · Dance Club

    Community students came together for dance practice ahead of an upcoming program at aikyam space. The sessions also created more time for the group to learn together, support one another, and build stronger connections through regular practice.

  • Two women sit at a table with laptops and other items. The woman on the left holds a phone to her ear with both hands, looking toward the other woman. The woman on the right rests her head on one hand while looking down at her laptop. On the table are an open laptop with a glowing keyboard, a closed laptop with stickers, a notebook with a palm tree design, a black mug, a metal tumbler, a power adapter with a cable, and a smartphone. Behind them are wooden chairs, a built-in wooden shelf with boxes and other objects, a wall-mounted panel, and a window with decorative glass panes and curtains.

    Thudippu team meets to plan community activities

    15 August · Dance Club

    The Thudippu Dance Foundation team held an internal meeting at aikyam space to discuss their ongoing work with the community. We focused on planning upcoming activities and coordinating how we can continue supporting the community through dance and related programmes.

  • Two women sit at a table facing each other during what appears to be a conversation or interview. The woman on the left, wearing a yellow sleeveless top, sits behind an open black laptop with a sticker on its lid and gestures with her hand as she speaks. The woman on the right, wearing a pink patterned top, holds a pen and looks toward the other woman while speaking. An open notebook lies on the table in front of her. A clear bottle with a pink liquid sits beside the laptop. Both women are seated in ornate dark wooden chairs with patterned upholstery. Behind them, light-colored curtains hang over a window, and a wooden table is visible in the background. A towel hangs on a rack on the wall to the right.

    Olimalar and Thudippu discuss how to support children better

    12 August · Curiosity Club

    Aarthi from Olimalar Foundation and Anjali Krishnadas from Thudippu Dance Foundation met at aikyam space to discuss how we could work together to help the children from the community. We talked about understanding the children better and finding ways to support their learning, confidence, creativity, and participation through future activities.

  • A group of performers in matching traditional costumes stands on a stage arranged in two rows, with some seated in front and others standing behind. They wear yellow and maroon outfits with decorative belts and jewelry, and their hands are raised in expressive gestures. Behind them, vertical garlands hang against a dark curtain, and stage lights shine from above. A soft haze drifts across the left side of the stage, and scattered petals cover the floor.

    The dance group met after their first stage performance

    2 August · Dance Club

    After our first stage performance, we gathered at aikyam space to share our experiences and feedback. The discussion gave everyone an opportunity to celebrate what went well, reflect on areas for improvement, and learn from the experience together as we prepare for future performances.

  • A group of children and adults stand in a circle inside a room, clapping their hands around a small table with a cake on it. One adult stands near the doorway holding a phone, while another adult stands near a window. A framed picture hangs on the wall, and a window with a grille lets in daylight.

    The monthly birthday celebration brought the community together

    26 July

    Our monthly birthday celebration brought the community together to celebrate members born this month. It was a joyful gathering that strengthened friendships and created shared memories.

  • A group of women stand in a line on a tiled floor under a covered outdoor area, facing forward with their hands pressed together in a greeting gesture. They wear traditional clothing in various colors including blue, green, black, and white. The space has a reddish-brown floor and walls, with a light-colored roof overhead and open sides showing greenery outside.

    Dance class carried on with regular practice

    12 July · Dance Club

    The community dance class continued with regular practice as participants prepared together and strengthened their confidence through every session.

  • A group of people are dancing indoors on a tiled floor. In the foreground, a child in a dark blue t-shirt with a colorful graphic dances with arms raised. Behind them, several women and girls wear matching blue and green sarees or salwar kameez, moving in a circle with arms extended. One woman in a cream-colored patterned top and yellow pants dances in the center. Another woman in a teal top stands at the right edge, holding a small object. In the background, more people watch from a doorway and near a window with green curtains. A standing fan is visible on the left, and framed pictures hang on the wall.

    Rehearsals began for a performance in August

    11 July · Dance Club

    Community members practised with dedication for their upcoming performance in August. We improved our confidence, coordination, and stage presence through regular rehearsals while preparing together for this important event.

  • A group of women and girls stand in a room wearing matching blue and green outfits, with one woman in a patterned pink top facing them and holding a book.

    Thudippu students practised for their first stage show

    8 July · Dance Club

    Thudippu Dance Foundation spent the day practicing with students for their first official stage performance. We focused on improving coordination, confidence, and stage readiness. It was exciting to see the students preparing together for this important milestone.

  • A group of girls and women in matching blue and green sarees stand barefoot in a room, facing a woman in a patterned top who holds a book and appears to be instructing them. One girl in the foreground wears a green top instead of a saree. The room has tiled floors, framed pictures on the wall, and a window with blue curtains.

    The community dance class practised together again

    4 July · Dance Club

    The community dance class continued. Participants practised together and built confidence through regular learning and teamwork.

  • A group of women stand in a line inside a covered hall with a tiled floor and draped fabric ceiling, performing synchronized hand movements while wearing traditional Indian clothing in various colors and patterns.

    Students grew steadier with every dance practice

    28 June · Dance Club

    Students continued their regular dance practice, improving their confidence, coordination, and expressions with each session.

  • Four young people sit side by side at a long wooden table, focused on making jewelry with small beads and string. Each person works with their own materials, including small plastic bags of beads and loose pieces scattered on the table. A potted plant sits in the background against a wooden wall panel.

    Another craft session for the children

    28 June · Curiosity Club

    The children had another craft session. They explored their creativity while learning through hands-on activities.

  • A group of people are dancing indoors in a room with light-colored tiled floors and white walls. Most are wearing blue and green sarees, while one person wears a patterned white tunic and another wears a pink patterned top with black pants. They are barefoot and have their arms raised in various poses. Framed pictures hang on the wall, and a doorway is visible in the background. A window with yellow curtains and decorative grilles lets in light, and a small red bench sits near the window.

    The community dance class met to practise together

    28 June · Dance Club

    The community dance class brought participants together to practice, learn, and build confidence through dance.

  • A woman stands barefoot on a wooden floor holding a phone, facing three young girls who are also barefoot and appear to be dancing or playing together indoors near an open doorway that leads to a garden area with potted plants and hanging decorations.

    Thudippu ran a semi-classical dance workshop for all levels

    28 June · Dance Club

    Thudippu ran a semi-classical dance workshop. People of all experience levels attended. We made space for them to explore movement, music and self-expression while learning together.

  • A group of children and adults stand barefoot in a room with tiled floors, facing a large mirror and copying movements with their hands raised. Yellow and cream curtains hang over windows behind them, and a woman in a dark patterned dress stands to the right observing.

    The kids' dance class worked on new steps

    27 June · Dance Club

    The regular kids’ dance class continued on Tuesday, 14 November 2023. Students practised new steps, expressions, and coordination. Regular practice helped them become more confident while learning in a fun and encouraging environment.

  • A group of children and adults sit around a white table, each holding yarn and crochet hooks as they work on small projects. A woman in a patterned top and white scarf smiles while crocheting, and others focus on their pieces, including an orange circular item on the table. A tissue box, scissors, a small plant in a vase, and a dark bottle are placed in the center. The room has patterned chairs and a tiled floor, with natural light coming from a glass door in the background.

    A craft session for children ran again

    27 June · Curiosity Club

    On 14 March 2024, we ran a craft session for children. The children made things with their hands. It encouraged creativity, patience, and learning.

  • A group of young girls perform a dance indoors on a tiled floor, wearing blue and green outfits and one in a yellow dress, with their arms raised in coordinated poses. Other people stand and sit around the edges of the room watching, some clapping. The space has a draped fabric ceiling and hanging lights, with an open doorway letting in daylight.

    The dance club practised movement and teamwork

    27 June · Dance Club

    The dance club continued with regular practice. Participants built confidence, coordination, and teamwork through movement.

  • A group of women and one young boy stand together indoors around a wooden table. Most of the women wear sarees in blue and green, while others wear patterned tops and dresses. One woman in the center wears a light-colored patterned top and jeans, and she stands behind the table with her hands raised. A small cake sits on the table in front of her. The boy, wearing a green shirt and dark pants, stands beside the table looking toward the group. The room has a wooden floor, white walls, and hanging decorative elements from the ceiling. A potted plant is visible on the left side of the frame.

    Community members gathered for the monthly birthdays

    27 June

    We held a Space Moment on 12 July 2024, where community members celebrated their monthly birthdays. People talked and enjoyed themselves. It reminded us that small celebrations help build a stronger community.

  • A group of women are arranged in a line indoors, performing a synchronized movement with their arms extended forward and hands open. The woman at the front wears a white tunic with a patterned panel on the chest and a blue patterned skirt, smiling as she looks toward the viewer. Behind her, other women wear green tops with blue or green sarees, while one woman to the left wears a black patterned tunic with light-colored pants. Several potted plants are visible on the floor, and the setting appears to be a room with wooden flooring and a doorway leading outside.

    Steps, rhythm and expressions practised again

    21 June · Dance Club

    The regular dance class continued with students practising steps, rhythm, and expressions. Consistent participation helped them become more confident and comfortable with each session.

  • A group of children and one adult are gathered around a large table covered with sheets of newspaper, each person holding a paintbrush and appearing to paint. One child in the foreground wears a white shirt with text on the back and a dark cap. Another child wears a black shirt with a graphic print. An adult stands behind the table observing. The room has wooden paneling on the lower walls, glass-paneled doors, a wall-mounted fan, and potted plants.

    Children made things from simple materials

    21 June · Curiosity Club

    On 14 March 2024, we ran a craft session for children. They used basic materials to explore new ideas. We encouraged creativity, patience, and learning through making things.

  • A group of people are gathered in a large indoor hall with a polished orange floor and draped fabric on the ceiling. In the foreground, several individuals are standing in a line, performing coordinated hand gestures and poses as if dancing or rehearsing a routine. One person in a patterned tunic and white trousers stands slightly apart, facing the group with hands on hips. Behind them, more people stand in a loose cluster near a white paneled wall, some watching and others participating. The lighting comes from overhead fixtures, casting long shadows across the floor. A bright yellow panel hangs on the left wall, and a small blue object rests on the floor near the right wall.

    Dancers learned from each other in the group class

    21 June · Dance Club

    The community dance class brought people together to learn, practice and enjoy dance as a group. Regular sessions helped participants build confidence while learning from and supporting one another.

  • Four women stand in a room with tiled floors and white walls, performing synchronized hand gestures and body movements. One woman wears a black top and green trousers, another wears a white tunic over patterned trousers, a third wears a peach-colored outfit with green accents, and the fourth wears a white top with green and orange star patterns. The walls feature framed photographs, decorative wall hangings, and circular wall art. A doorway in the background leads to another room with furniture visible through it.

    The dance class worked on new movements and expressions

    20 June · Dance Club

    The regular dance class continued. Participants practised new movements, expressions, and coordination skills. With each session, they grew more confident and comfortable, showing steady progress in their learning journey.

  • A woman stands beside a long wooden table, leaning over to assist a boy who is drawing on paper. Another girl sits at the same table, also drawing with a pencil. Several other children are seated further down the table, some looking at books or papers. A box of colored pencils and other art supplies are spread across the table. Behind them, a large window with decorative oval glass panes and wooden frames lets in light, and potted plants sit on the windowsill.

    Children drew and made things in the craft session

    20 June · Curiosity Club

    We ran a craft session for children on 14 July 2024. They drew, made things, and explored ideas. The activity let them be creative and express themselves through art.

  • A group of people are dancing indoors on a polished floor, most wearing blue and green sarees or matching outfits with their arms raised. One person in a patterned dress stands to the right, also with arms raised. Framed pictures hang on the wall, and a doorway and window with yellow curtains are visible in the background.

    Dancers from different backgrounds practised together

    20 June · Dance Club

    The community dance class took place on 14 March 2024. Participants from different backgrounds learned and practised dance together. As confidence grew, many participants became more comfortable with movements, expressions, and group coordination.

  • A woman stands beside a long wooden table where several children are seated and drawing on paper. One child in the foreground writes on a sheet with a blue pen, while another child to the right draws with a green pen. Open books and loose papers are spread across the table. Behind them, a woman with long dark hair sits at the same table, looking toward the standing woman. To the left, potted plants sit on a wooden bench beneath a window with a decorative grid pattern. Another person is partially visible in the background on the right.

    The children keep building skill and discipline

    14 June · Dance Club

    The children continued to grow their skills and discipline through regular practice.

  • A girl in a pink sleeveless top with a flower in her hair sits at a long wooden table, drawing on a white sheet of paper with a blue pencil. She wears a beaded necklace and a bracelet. Other children sit along the table, also drawing, while an adult in a blue sleeveless top leans over to assist one of them. Art supplies, including paint pots, brushes, and paper plates with paint, are spread across the table. Potted plants stand beside the table, and another adult sits at a separate table in the background.

    Another day of craft with new ideas and materials

    14 June · Curiosity Club

    The children did craft activities. They tried new ideas, materials and designs.

  • A group of women in blue and green sarees perform synchronized hand gestures in a room with wooden flooring, while a woman in a white top and patterned skirt mirrors their movements in the foreground. Other women stand in the background observing, and a few people are seated at tables along the left wall. A potted plant stands near the center, and ceiling fans and hanging lamps are visible above.

    New steps learned at the community dance class

    14 June · Dance Club

    The community dance class continued with enthusiasm as participants learned new steps and practised together.

  • A woman in a blue top stands with her arms extended, guiding a group of children in a room with tiled floors. Several children are dressed in traditional-style outfits, including a girl in a white dress with red patterns and another in a brown and green outfit sitting on the floor. One child stands with arms outstretched, while another sits in the foreground watching. A large mirror on the wall reflects the scene, showing additional children and a doorway leading to another room. A standing fan is positioned near the wall, which is decorated with multiple framed pictures. A doorway with purple curtains is visible in the background.

    The children dance with more confidence than when they started

    13 June · Dance Club

    The children continued to make good progress in their dance classes. Compared to when they started, they were now more confident, coordinated, and comfortable performing different steps. Regular practice helped them grow in both skill and confidence.

  • A group of people are dancing indoors on a tiled floor, with several women and girls wearing blue and green sarees and one girl in the foreground wearing a dark blue t-shirt with a graphic print. A woman in a light-colored patterned top and yellow pants dances in the center, while others move with raised arms around her. A standing fan is visible on the left side of the room, and framed pictures hang on the wall behind the dancers. A doorway on the right leads to another area where more people are standing and watching.

    The adult batch started coming in dance uniforms

    13 June · Dance Club

    The adult dance batch started attending classes in their dance uniforms on 14 March 2024. We moved them to the next level of training. This shows their dedication.

  • A group of women are gathered indoors on a wooden floor, performing a synchronized movement with their arms extended outward. In the foreground, a woman in a white top smiles at the camera with her arms spread wide. Behind her, several women wear matching green tops and blue sarees, arranged in a line with their arms also extended. To the left, another woman wears a dark patterned tunic with light-colored pants. Potted plants are visible near the wall, and more people stand in the background near a doorway and windows that look out onto greenery.

    Another dance session spent on movement and expression

    7 June · Dance Club

    Students gathered for another dance session on 14 March 2024. We spent time refining movements, rhythm and expressions. Through regular practice and shared enthusiasm, we became more confident performers while enjoying the connection and teamwork that dance brings.

  • A group of people are gathered indoors on a wooden floor, sitting or kneeling with their hands pressed together in front of them. One person stands at the front wearing a bright yellow patterned top, facing the group. Others are dressed in various traditional-style garments in green, white, black and white, brown, and blue patterns. The room has potted plants, hanging decorative bells, a wall-mounted fan, and glass-paneled doors and windows in the background.

    Dancers built on steps learned in earlier sessions

    7 June · Dance Club

    Students returned to dance practice on 14 March 2024. They worked on new steps and revised old ones. We saw them improve in coordination, rhythm and confidence. They seemed to enjoy it.

  • A woman in a dark blue outfit stands at the front of a room with her arms extended horizontally, leading a group of children who are mirroring her pose. The children, dressed in patterned and solid-colored clothing, stand in a line facing her. The room has a tiled floor, a large mirror along one wall, and framed pictures hanging on the wall behind the instructor. In the background, another adult stands near a doorway with stained glass panels and curtains.

    The young dancers worked on coordination and rhythm

    6 June · Dance Club

    The young dancers continued to develop their coordination, rhythm, and expression through regular practice and gentle guidance. The sessions helped them build confidence and enjoy moving and learning together.

  • A group of people are gathered indoors around a low wooden table holding a round cake. Several women stand clapping, while others sit with their backs to the camera. A young boy stands near the table, and another child sits beside it. A woman in a long maroon dress stands to the right, gesturing with her hands. Through an open doorway behind them, an outdoor area is visible with hanging decorative items, a parked white car, and greenery.

    May's birthdays were celebrated together with cake

    30 May

    We held a gathering for everyone born in May. There was cake, smiles and conversations. We wished all our May birthday stars a wonderful year ahead.

  • A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered indoors in a room with tiled floors and light-colored walls, performing synchronized movements with their arms raised and legs positioned as if dancing or exercising together. One person in the foreground wears a patterned dress and a face covering, while others wear casual clothing such as kurtas, t-shirts, and trousers. A doorway is visible in the background, along with wall decorations, a window with yellow curtains, and framed pictures on the walls.

    Discipline and storytelling taught alongside the steps

    30 May · Dance Club

    The children learned the discipline and storytelling at the heart of Bharatanatyam. We practised steps, expressions and coordination regularly, which made their movements more confident.

  • A group of children and one adult sit around a white table, drawing on paper and using a laptop, with a potted plant, a water bottle, and other small items on the table.

    Children experimented in another hands-on craft session

    24 May · Curiosity Club

    The children spent time making things, trying things out, and learning through simple crafts. They used their imaginations, concentrated, and got their hands dirty.

  • A group of children and adults are gathered in a room with tiled floors and framed pictures on the walls, standing in various poses with hands on hips or arms bent, some looking toward the camera while others look away, with windows covered by curtains visible in the background.

    Another day of Bharatanatyam practice for the children

    24 May · Dance Club

    We ran another Bharatanatyam class at the space. The children continued learning movements and coordination together while building confidence and discipline through dance.

  • Three children and an adult sit at a wooden table, each drawing on white paper with colored pencils. The adult leans over to assist one child, while another child watches. A fourth child is partially visible behind them. A potted plant sits on a shelf in the background.

    Thudippu started craft-making sessions for children

    23 May · Curiosity Club

    Thudippu started craft-making sessions for children at the space, led by Shilpa VS. We gave the children simple hands-on activities so they could explore creativity, learn new skills, and enjoy making things together in a fun and welcoming environment.

  • A group of children perform a dance in a line on a tiled floor, with one child in the center balancing on one leg while others strike poses around them. Several children sit on the floor in the foreground watching the performance. The setting appears to be an open-sided hall with white walls, a window, and a red railing along one side.

    The summer camp closed with an art display and performances

    15 May

    On 28 July, the children exhibited the artworks they made during the summer camp. They showed them to everyone. Later, they performed dances and theatre in the theatre space. It was a joyful celebration.

  • A group of children and adults are gathered in a room with a polished marble floor. Several children stand in the center and right side of the room, moving their arms as if dancing or performing. Others sit on the floor along the left wall, clapping their hands and watching. One adult sits among the seated children, while another adult stands near the center. A woman sits on a red cushion near a window with yellow curtains. A small table with a red cloth and a plant stands against the back wall, and a wooden door is visible on the left. Decorative circular items hang on the wall above the table.

    Role play taught the children to work as a group

    14 May · Curiosity Club

    The children learned to work as a group through movement, role play, and expression.

  • A group of children and adults sit around a long table covered with newspaper and large sheets of white paper, each person holding a thin brush and appearing to paint. Metal trays sit in the center of the table, and some participants wear patterned shirts while others wear solid colors. In the background, more people stand near a wall, and a red container is visible on a side table.

    Campers tried resist dyeing along with dance and games

    13 May · Dance Club

    On Day 3 of the summer camp, we ran movement, dance, and Resist Dyeing activities. We encouraged the children to move freely, think creatively, and participate with confidence through games, expression, and group sessions.

  • Two women stand with their backs to the camera, raising their hands in front of a large group of children who are sitting on the floor and also raising their hands. The room has light-colored walls and flooring, with a doorway visible in the background leading to another area. Yellow and white curtains hang over a window with a decorative grille. Several round decorative items are mounted on the wall above the group. A framed picture hangs on the wall to the left, and a decorative garland is draped nearby. The children are dressed in various casual clothes, and some wear head coverings.

    Summer campers learned storytelling and basic sign language

    12 May

    On 2 August, we ran Day 2 of the summer camp. We focused on storytelling and teaching basic sign language. The children learned new ways to communicate, listen and understand each other through stories, expressions and simple hand signs.

  • Children sit around a table covered with newspaper, engaged in an art activity using vegetables and paint. Several children hold paintbrushes and pieces of cut vegetables, pressing them onto paper plates and the newspaper surface to create colorful prints. Plates hold dollops of paint in different colors, and bowls contain sliced vegetables. One child in the foreground holds a piece of vegetable and a brush, while another child’s hands are visible working on the table. A large red circular shape with pink dots is painted on the newspaper in the lower left.

    The summer camp opened with yoga and vegetable painting

    11 May

    The summer camp started with an ice-breaking session. We then did animal flow movements, games and group activities so the children felt comfortable with each other. The day continued with yoga and finished with a vegetable painting session on cloth, where the children explored creativity through colours and patterns.

  • A group of children are practicing yoga poses inside a room with tiled floors and light-colored walls. In the foreground, one child in a pink top and yellow pants is in a lunge position with arms raised, while another child in a white floral dress mirrors the pose nearby. Other children are visible in the background, some kneeling and others standing, all with their arms extended upward. The room contains framed pictures on the wall, a mirror, and ceiling lights.

    Bharatanatyam students learned to tell stories without words

    10 May · Dance Club

    The Bharatanatyam class had energy as students practised expressions, postures and movements together. With every step and hand gesture, the children were getting to know how dance can tell stories without words.

  • A group of women and girls are dancing indoors on a tiled floor, with one person standing on a rug in the center. They are wearing colorful traditional outfits, including dresses and tunics with pants, and are barefoot. Some are smiling and looking toward the camera while others look to the side. Behind them, there are windows with grilles, curtains, a sofa, and a wall-mounted object.

    Children and adults practised Bharatanatyam side by side

    9 May · Dance Club

    The Bharatanatyam class brought children and community members together to practice steps, postures, and rhythm as a group. With every session, the space slowly grew into a place where learning, discipline, and art came together.

  • A group of women are dancing indoors on a wooden floor. Most wear blue and green sarees, while one woman in the foreground wears a white tunic with a patterned blue skirt. They have their arms raised and are smiling as they move. Hanging from the ceiling are colorful decorative bells and lamps. In the background, there are wooden tables and chairs, a standing fan, potted plants, and framed items on the wall.

    The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches

    3 May · Dance Club

    The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches. Yesterday, five new students joined, bringing fresh energy as we continued to learn steps, rhythms, and expressions together.

  • A woman in a long floral tunic and black trousers holds the hands of a young boy in a white sleeveless top and blue striped trousers. They stand barefoot on a polished tiled floor, facing each other indoors. Behind them, a table covered with a red cloth holds a small plant, and another red-covered table is visible near a window with yellow curtains and white drapes.

    Hand movements and expressions practised in dance class

    2 May · Dance Club

    In the dance class, students practiced hand movements and expressions under guidance. With each correction and repetition, they slowly understood how every gesture tells a story.

  • A group of women and girls are dancing indoors on a tiled floor, with one person standing on a rug in the background. They are wearing various colorful traditional outfits, including kurtas and salwar kameez, and are barefoot. Some have their hands on their hips while others have their arms extended, and they appear to be in mid-movement. Behind them are windows with grilles, curtains, and a sofa.

    Steps and body movements drilled in the Bharatanatyam class

    26 April · Dance Club

    In the Bharatanatyam class, we practised together, focusing on basic steps and body movements. With guidance and repetition, each movement slowly became more confident and expressive, bringing the dance to life.

  • Two women stand with their backs to the camera, raising their hands in front of a large group of children who are sitting on the floor and also raising their hands. The room has light-colored walls and flooring, with a doorway visible in the background leading to another area. Yellow and white curtains hang over a window with a decorative grille. Several round decorative items are mounted on the wall above the group. A framed picture hangs on the wall to the left, and a decorative garland is draped nearby. The children are dressed in various casual clothes, and some wear head coverings.

    Expressions and gestures began to tell a story

    19 April · Dance Club

    The question turned into a moment of learning, as expressions, gestures, and small movements began to tell a story of their own.

  • A group of girls and women stand in a line inside a room with tiled floors and framed pictures on the walls, all with their arms extended outward in a synchronized pose. They wear various casual outfits, including t-shirts, dresses, and traditional garments in colors like teal, yellow, green, red, and striped patterns. Some wear bracelets, and one person in the back holds a long object horizontally. The room has windows with patterned curtains and a whiteboard mounted on the wall.

    Community members practised basic Bharatanatyam steps

    11 April · Dance Club

    Community members attended Bharatanatyam classes on 14th March 2024. We learned basic steps and practised together with focus and consistency.

  • A woman in a floral dress hands a flat object to two young girls standing side by side, while another woman in a dark floral dress stands smiling in the background near a doorway. A television screen is mounted on the wall behind them, next to a whiteboard with a pink notice pinned to it. A wooden table with items on it sits to the left, and the floor is tiled.

    The dance faculty's birthday was celebrated after class

    11 April

    Community members attended Bharatanatyam classes on 14 March 2024. We learned basic steps with focus and consistency. We also celebrated the faculty’s birthday together.

  • Four women are standing in a room with tiled floors and light-colored walls, arranged in a loose circle and facing one another. The woman on the far left wears a black short-sleeved top and loose green pants, with her arms extended forward at waist level. Next to her, a woman in a white long tunic and patterned blue pants stands with one arm raised and bent, her hand near her face. Behind her and slightly to the right, a younger girl in a peach-colored outfit with green trim stands with both hands raised near her head. On the far right, a woman in a white tunic patterned with green and orange stars faces the others, her hands raised in front of her. On the wall behind them, multiple framed pictures are arranged in a grid, and a decorative hanging piece is mounted above. A doorway in the background leads to another room where furniture is partially visible. A circular yellow decoration hangs on the wall to the right.

    Acting and expression added to the Bharatanatyam lessons

    4 April · Dance Club

    We did acting and expression training as part of our Bharatanatyam lessons. We looked at how to show emotions and tell stories using faces and bodies.

  • A group of people sit in a circle on a wooden floor inside a room, facing one person who sits at the head of the circle. The room has a large window with decorative glass panes, a wooden door with a number plate, and a shelf mounted on the wall. Some individuals wear patterned clothing, while others wear solid colors. A small child sits among the group. A metal bin and a woven basket are visible near the wall.

    Twenty-five students finished a long Bharatanatyam session

    28 March · Dance Club

    25 students from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry came for Bharatanatyam classes, and by the end of a long, tiring yet beautiful session led by our esteemed faculty, Aparna.

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