The Junoon Arts Empowerment Program

Through this program, we hope to empower the children of the Baramulla region with creativity, empathy and the Classical Arts – specifically Classical Movement rooted in the Classical Dance forms of Ballet and Bharata Natyam.

Junoon has curated this program as part of our overall commitment to uplift the underprivileged in the most volatile border areas in the nation.

The Classical Arts serve as a means to build confidence, character and performance so the children of the region may build and harness their creativity, strength and determination.

Junoon conducts the program at The Chinar Yuva Centre – a dedicated space built by the Indian Army for the upliftment of the youth of the region, that provides exposure to and training in multiple skill sets, in order to secure their futures.

On Sunday, Sept 22nd, '24, the first ever batch of Girls on The Junoon Arts Empowerment Program in Baramulla, Kashmir performed their first ever Classical Dance recital at a Junoon show at the Thimayya Auditorium (the official Indian Army theatre) in Baramulla, to a packed audience of over 400, comprising the GOC himself (General Officer Commanding), Officers and Dignitaries of the Indian Army, their families, civilians and the families of the performing artistes.

This performance was enabled by the Indian Army, the Chinar Yuva Centre and the artistic direction of Junoon.

The performance was described to be "mesmerizing" and the audience was absolutely floored by the Girls' first foray into the Classical Arts.

They performed Three Acts and this was the flow of the show after a basic introduction to Classical Dance, delivered in a demonstrative manner by Mythili, the description of their Arts program and its components and the qualities of creativity, confidence, courage and compassion that it hopes to engender in its recipients/participants/dancers of the present and future:

THE DETAILED FLOW OF THE SHOW:

"FROM BUD TO BLOSSOM"

An Introduction to Classical Movement by and for our beautiful, emerging artistes in the Baramulla region.

As you all know, our lovely Girls have been in session with me on The Junoon Arts Empowerment Program, for a week. This is the culmination of all they have learnt from a movement, strengthening and musical point or view, as keen and absolute beginners of Classical Dance.

Our performance will display introductory Classical Movement routines rooted in the Classical Dance styles of Ballet and Bharata Natyam.

We will have three Acts that will explore three different genres of Classical music - Indian and Western - as accompaniment to the Dance sequences.

I will be accompanying the Girls, facing them in performance, to facilitate and support them.

We begin with Act One:

A preparation of the body for Classical Movement. The Girls will be gently loosening and flowing into movement that is broad, expansive and Classical so that their bodies gradually take the shape, flexibility and preparedness for Classical Dance. We will move from Floor Work into a Standing Sequence that will showcase their opening and soft development for Classical Dance.

(Always Remember Us This Way - Piano Piece plays twice unto completion of routine)

Act Two:

A smaller group within the same group we just witnessed, will showcase the theme of this performance, as they explore Indian Classical Movement that is a metaphor for the opening of a bud to blossom. Inspired by Bharata Natyam, their movements are the doorway to Indian Classical Dance and the very beginning of their practice in the same.

(Raga Tilak Kamod plays)

Act Three:

The Girls now begin to condition their bodies for Ballet - once again from Floor to Standing. You will watch them work on posture, alignment, angles, flexibility and fluidity.

This is their first foray into Classical Ballet as they practice and perform very Classical technique to begin with.

(Both Sides Now - Piano Piece plays twice.)

Conclusion:

The Girls have worked immeasurably hard. Classical Movement is not an easy proposition. And I commend them for their efforts, for their enthusiasm and for putting up with the pain of practice that is the lot of anyone beginning their journeys with Classical Art; with Classical Movement. We hope they feel empowered and confident and like they want to keep dancing forever...

The Girls performed phenomenally, with clarity and fluidity. They have been brave, curious, conscientious and immensely supportive and empathetic towards one another - true artistes in every right. And we are so glad and grateful for this humble and enormous beginning.

Thank you for your Junoon and Welcome to Junoon, Girls!

(*All visuals duly approved by the forces.)