NEO CLASSICAL DANCE
WITH KOHAL DAS
FREE TRIAL/DEMO CLASS + MEET WITH THE INSTRUCTOR - MAR 15 @ 12PM
NEW SESSION STARTS - APRIL 5, 2025
SAT 11 AM - 12:30 PM (10+ YEARS)
SAT 1 PM - 2:30 PM (ADULTS)
Intimate learning experience in small groups appropriate for both beginners and experienced dancers of all age groups.
FEES : $140 /month | DROP-IN: $40/class
One free trial lesson
Classes run every Saturday other than major holidays
WHAT TO WEAR?
Girls/Ladies:
Kurti top with flexible tights or Salwar Kammez
Dupatta to tie around waist
Tie your hair
Boys/Men:
T-shirt & tracks
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS?
Binder with paper and a pen
Water bottle and snacks
NEO CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE : DEFINITION
A NEW stylistic approach towards Indian Classical Dance using common codes of different Indian classical dance forms and Natyashastra; and seamlessly integrating them to create an organic flow of movements through novel transitions, fluidity, unique combinatorial body movements, footwork and structure; keeping the Indian aesthetic intact.
Creative Director and Visionary: Chira Ranjan Das
Artistic Director and Founder: Kohal Das
Visual and Creative Design: Minakshi Das
Senior Dancer and Trainer: Shnaoli Saha
NEO CLASSICAL INSTRUCTOR’S GOAL
To develop a new movement vocabulary
with novel transitions, structure, fluidity, foot work and space usage
that aesthetically represents Indian grace, beauty, spirituality, and power
that has a regional flavour of the state where I was born and brought-up-West Bengal.
Hence, I termed this approach as Bengal’s Neo-Classical Dance.
To choreograph original pieces (solo/duet/group) in Neo-Classical Style and propagate Bengal’s culture and aesthetics globally through dance
To share my learnings and my father’s legacy and build a team of strong dancers of similar mindset. Name of our current team is ‘Naibedya’; located in Massachusetts, USA.
To collaborate with other professional dance companies and contribute/participate in new productions.
To organize dance events in USA
OUR INSTRUCTOR :
KOHAL DAS is a passionate and dedicated Indian Classical Dancer with over 10 years’ experience as a lead performer in various National and International Forums/Festivals. He has been learning Bharatanatyam under Shri Parshwanath Upadhye and Smt. Shruti Upadhye. He has been also learning Odissi from Smt. Rina Jana and Smt. Madhulita Mohapatra. Kohal also learnt Bijayini Sathpathy’s/Nrityagram Style of Odissi under Urmila Mallick. Kohal is fascinated by how movement vocabulary is created in various classical dances of India. Kohal is currently working with his father Shri Chira Ranjan Das on developing a ‘Neo-Classical’ vocabulary based on Bengali music, literature, culture, and history. Recently, Kohal founded his neo-classical dance group ‘Naibedya’ and dance school ‘Ranjan’s Neo-Classical School of Dance’.
DANCE TRAINING
Indian Classical Dances
Bharatanatyam from Sri. Parshwanath Upadhye at the Upadhye School of Dance,
Bengaluru, India since 2014 (current).
Ensemble Lead Performer (Bharatanatyam and Natyashastra) at Upadhye School of
Dance (2016-2018)
Odissi from Smt. Rina Jana (2002-2011), Smt. Madhulita Mohapatra (2016-current)
and Nrityagram/Bijayini Sathpathy’s style of Odissi from Urmilla Mallick (2021-2023)
Principal Dancer (Odissi) at Nrityantar, Bengaluru, India
Bengal’s Neo-Classical Dance (Srijonshil Nritya) since 2021 from Sri Chira Ranjan Das
(father)
Rabindra Nritya, Nazrul and Bengali folk since 1998 from Sri Chira Ranjan Das (father)
DANCE INSTITUTIONS
Principal Dancer and Founder (Neo-Classical) of ‘Naibedya’, Massachusetts, USA (2021-Current)
Founder of Ranjan’s Neo-Classical School of Dance, Massachusetts, USA (2023-Current)
PRESS
https://www.newindianexpress.com/bengaluru/2016/Oct/18/odissi-swag-in-his-genes-1529355.html
FAQ(s)
Who can learn?
ANYBODY can learn! All you need is a strong willingness to learn, practice and have fun
Is any prior training required?
NO. It is great if you have classical training but not mandatory. Classes will include appropriate and tailored basics and body conditioning.
Is Neo-Classical equivalent to Semi Classical or Bollywood?
NO! The style Neo-classical is a nuanced style of Indian Dance, visualized and conceptualized by Chira Ranjan Das. While the terminology can be subjective the essence of this dance style is truly Indian in aesthetics, spirituality and feel. And this is NOT Bollywood or Semi-classical!
Is there any specific age?
NO! Depends on your ability to adapt and learn.
Payment and Missed Class Policy:
Training requires consistency in order to achieve the most benefit. However, we understand that students may occasionally need to miss a class. Use the following guidelines to ensure that you get the most out of your classes at The Academy of Creative Arts.
Fees are due on or before the first class of the session, Fees can not be refunded once paid for the session
If students miss a class, they will receive extra time and attention on the following day of class.
If instructors cancel a class, make up will be provided online and additional time will be provided the following class.
Class timings and schedule are subject to change
Music fee for traditional Odissi pieces payable to Upasana Odissi
We wish you a wonderful learning experience - these policies are required so that we can be respectful of the instructor's time and commitment.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMANTORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Academy of Creative Arts / Creative Academy, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.