Indian Classical Dance Workshop in Playa del Carmen

Discover the sacred beauty of India’s classical dances.

In this immersive gathering, we will explore two traditional Indian dance forms: Bharatanatyam from the South and Kathak from the North. Through movement, stories, and symbols, we will dive into an ancient tradition that unites art, devotion, and the deep expression of the soul.

We will explore the origins, philosophy, and technique of these dances—born in temples as sacred offerings and later refined in royal courts as performing arts. More than just learning dance, this is a journey into ancestral India—into its temples, its history, and the living heart of a timeless tradition.

🗓️ Saturday, August 16

🕓 From: 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

🎟️ General admission: $720 MXN | Early bird promotion: $680 MXN

📍 Sejmet – School of Egyptian Dance and Yoga

Av. Solidaridad Manzana 16 Lote 5, Bosque Real, 77714 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., México

Program

3:45 p.m. – Welcome

We recommend arriving with enough time to settle in calmly. We’ll be happy to welcome you.

4:00 p.m. – Bharatanatyam Workshop

One of the oldest classical dances of South India, Bharatanatyam originated in temples as a sacred expression of devotion. Through rhythm, posture, and emotion, it tells stories that bridge the human and the divine.

In this workshop, we will explore:

✨ Adavus – fundamental basic steps

✨ Jathis – rhythmic sequences

✨ Mudras – symbolic hand gestures used in storytelling

✨ A short devotional choreography

6:00 p.m. – Break

We’ll enjoy a relaxing moment on the terrace with snacks and refreshing drinks.

6:30 p.m. – Kathak Workshop

Kathak is the classical dance of North India, renowned for its intricate footwork, graceful spins, and expressive facial movements. It originated with temple storytellers (kathakas) and later flourished as a refined art in royal courts.

In this workshop, we will explore:

✨ Tatkar – rhythmic footwork patterns

✨ Chakkars – elegant spinning techniques

✨ Mudras & Abhinaya – hand gestures and facial expressions

✨ A short expressive choreography

No previous experience is required.

🧡 Recommendations

You are welcome to wear comfortable clothing—or if you wish, this is a beautiful opportunity to dress in traditional Indian attire, as long as you feel at ease. The most important thing is to bring an open heart and a willingness to move, connect, and awaken through the beauty of dance.

✨ Comfortable clothing that allows free movement is recommended.

✨ You are also welcome to wear traditional Indian attire, such as a kurta or tunic that falls above the knees.

✨ Please bring two scarves (approximately 2 meters each) or a dupatta (optional). These are traditionally used to gently cover the chest and are commonly worn in classical Indian dance practice.

What is Pneuma Dance?

Pneuma Dance is an international school dedicated to the research and sharing of Indian classical dance and other Eastern traditions as paths of transformation, awareness, and soul expression.

It weaves together art, tradition, and living philosophy through in-person classes in Oxford (UK), online programs, and immersive trainings in India—at the heart of its ancestral lineage.

Facilitator: Dir. ª Shamti Ruiz Nambiar

• B.A. in Dance Science and Psychology

• Disciple of Guru Gayathri Keshavan (Bharatanatyam – India)

• Disciple of Anuradha Chaturvedi (Kathak – Dhrishti Dance, Oxford, UK)

• Founder of Pneuma Dance, an international school dedicated to sharing sacred Indian dance as a path of self-discovery, spirituality, and living art

• Resides between Oxford, UK, and Mysuru, India, where she guides students from around the world in traditional dance and yoga training

Requirements or Limitations:

• No prior experience is required.

• The workshop is open to individuals aged 15 and older, regardless of age or physical condition.

• If you have any physical condition or injury, please inform us in advance so the practices can be adapted accordingly.