Courses in fine arts

Updated on: Monday, June 14, 2010

If you are interested in learning dance, music and painting without compromising on your regular work, the certificate courses approved by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and offered at Shankaraa Foundation on the outskirts of Bangalore may be just what you need.

The Foundation, situated at Doddakallasandra on Kanakapura Road, will be offering one-year certificate programmes in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Hindustani music, Carnatic music, Indian painting and Indian sculpture.

Completion of SSLC or Class X and a minimum of 17 years of age is the qualification required to apply for any of the seven programmes scheduled to begin from July 15.

Managing Trustee of the Foundation, Rashme Hegde Gopi, said there will be two shorter classes on weekdays focusing on practicals while the longer classes during the weekends will focus on theory.

Many women who had learnt dance, music or other art forms had given them up later for various reasons. “It would be good for them to revisit these forms of arts,” she said. People interested in just developing an appreciation for arts would also find the course helpful. In addition to regular teachers, who teach from the prescribed syllabus, experts will also come in to handle some classes.

No screening

“There will be no screening process for selecting the candidates. But if they want their certificate, they would have to be regular to the classes and adhere to the course requirements,” said Ms. Gopi.

The Foundation's library has books on various forms of art and computers containing digital study material.

“It is accessible to students at any time,” said programme coordinator Karuna Vijayendra.

The library also has artefacts and memorabilia donated by Krishna Rao and Chandra Bhagyadevi, eminent classical dancers.

A master's degree programme in Natya Sutra is also in the pipeline, said Karuna.

The application forms for the course will be available from June 15. For more details, contact Ph: 22560133, Mob: 99457 57611 or e-mail [email protected]. The website with course details will be online after July 1.

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