In 2020, Aakash Odedra Company formed Aakash Odedra 2, a programme that was split into two strands: a weekly studio based dance training programme, Aakash Odedra 2 and Aakash Odedra 2 National, an online course.
From October to December 2021 Aakash Odedra 2 provided a Leicester based training programme of ten weekly classes.
Aakash Odedra 2 National was an online bi-weekly course for University dance students across the country, offering day long intensives with the company as visiting artists.
Studio based dance training
These ten sessions of two hourly weekly classes focused on contemporary and South Asian dance styles. Participants were able to develop their creative practice through a range of techniques, learning from multiple professional artists from the field of dance. Joined by Aakash Odedra, Aditi Mangaldas, Kesha Raithatha, Melissa Ugolini and Gizem Aksu, participants were able to receive individual feedback and develop their skills and experience of the dance style most unfamiliar to them.
Aakash Odedra 2 National
Aakash Odedra 2 was a national programme that combined online and face to face workshops with Midlands and North-West regional Universities. Students and recent graduates had the opportunity to build relationships with the company and the individual artists leading the programme. The programme saw participants develop their creative practice by learning a variety of contemporary and South Asian dance techniques.
Since the creation of Aakash Odedra 2, we have provided paid work to our company members and engaged two of the dancers as company apprentices and multiple dancers for a professional music video choreographed by Aakash. Taking part in this term enabled participants to audition for Aakash Odedra 2, the pre-professional performance group.
Registered students and graduates went on to receive five 2-hour online practical workshops with Aakash Odedra and other world class artists who work closely with the company, and five online seminars delivered by industry professionals. Each participating university also received an in-person 1-day mini-intensives with Aakash during the term.
Aakash Odedra 2 is a pre-professional dance company featuring performers in the early stages of their careers.
Images: Matt Cawrey