A Dance Retreat in the Jungle
“Since the beginning of time mankind has used music and dance to commune with the spirit of nature and the spirit of the universe.”
About
The Goa Dance Residency is a not-for-profit choreographic research and dance education program created in 2017 by UK dance artist, Nathaniel Parchment and directed by Navala ‘Niku’ Chaudhari in 2019. 2020 will be the third edition of the residency.
We bring together Indian and International dancers, teachers and choreographers, to promote rigorous contemporary dance practice in India, offering 3 months of intensive training in Contemporary Dance, Contact Improvisation, Instant Composition, Repertory, Choreographic methodologies, Somatics, Yoga, Pranayama & Meditation.
The programme is currently delivered at Jungle Dance, Arambol, Goa and in collaboration with our partner NGO, Jungle Pool Goa and the Jungle Dance Theatre. Jungle Dance is a community-run space consisting of 3 dance studios, fully functional theatre, kitchen, permaculture project and accommodations in a natural and peaceful environment.
We have space for 30 dancers, from the age of 18 upwards and work from early morning to evening Monday to Friday.
Our Vision
- India becomes a destination for international dance practice with opportunities and infrastructure equal to that in other parts of the world.
- The best in their field come to share skills and develop local talent, pioneering sustaineable, high-quality contemporary dance education, with internationally recognised qualifications.
- The next generation of artists, teachers and audiences are nurtured with year-round programmes, touring performance and residencies accessible to all parts of society at home and abroad.
nourishing, natural environment
Our base, Jungle Dance is a two and a half acre site, designed inline with the philosophy of permaculture, just 10 minutes inland from the beautiful beaches of Arambol and Mandrem. This is an ideal environment for intensive physical study and creativity, with a cafe serving nutritious and locally sourced meals freshly made every day, filtered water on tap, electrolite-rich coconuts, a pool for swimming and relaxation, a theatre and dance studios.
affordable, high-quality training & performance
Our pricing and scholarship programme provides a space for all, to train together, irrespective of nationality or economic background.
The programme is a first for India, in that we provide a broad range of contemporary dance practices relevant to international professional practice and each technical class is accompanied by a live musician
You will also have the opportunity to learn repertoire from Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Wim Vandekeybus and Company Chameleon.
We have invited acclaimed international choreographers who will teach their unique style of technical training and also create new work on participants. These new works will be performed on our in-house stage at the end of every month to our Goa international community.
collaborative international community
We benefit from being situated within the creative hub that is Arambol, Goa. Musicians, performers, yoga practitioners & massage therapists make their home here every season. We champion the arts as vital for sustaineable development, bringing Indian artists from across the country as well as artists from around the world, together, to become a part of the international artistic community that is here.
tailored to individual needs
We cater for advanced professionals as well as those returning to dance. To ensure safe practice and continued growth, regular individual tutorials are provided to assess your progress and give creative mentorship for your unique goals and needs. We provide technical feedback on class, ample opportunity for performance and rehearsal space for your choreographic research.
Training
Throughout the three-month programme you will engage in a wide range of techniques and processes including Modern Dance, Release, Floorwork, Contact improvisation and more, with four and a half hours of training in the first half of the day. The programme is designed to promote growth and skill development in an intensive manner, preparing you for the creative and performative sessions in the afternoons
Performance Projects
The afternoon sessions will be dedicaed to creating new work with guest choreographers, experiencing the creative processes of our faculty, learning repertoire and developing your performance skills.
Research
We encourage applicants with solo and group choreographic interests of their own, to develop their work. This can be in the form of work already made, work in progress or research ideas.
We provide evening and weekend rehearsal space as well as coaching, mentoring and feedback by faculty.
You will have the opportunity to present your work in informal studio presentations as well as have the chance to have the work performed in our regular stage performances
Body-mind Practices
Your vigourous dance training will be supported by the healing practices of yoga and somatics. including: Ashtanga, Shivananda, Iyengar and traditional Hatha. Feldenkrais, Experiential anatomy and classes inspired by alexander technique, rolfing and breathwork.
Extra Activities & Events
In Arambol and beyond you have the opportunity to enjoy regular ecstatic dance events, contact jams and the daily sunset drum circle on the beach. Every night there is a wide choice of live music events within easy reach. Weekend activities include excursions to the infamous Paradise beach and Redi Fort ruins as well as many other places of natural beauty to enjoy, explore and inspire your creativity!
Training
Throughout the three months programme you will engage in a wide range of techniques and processes such as Modern Dance, Release, Floorwork, Contact improvisation and more. With four and a half hours of training in the first half of the day. The programme is designed to promote growth and skill development in an intensive manner, preparing you for the performance aspect of the programme.
Body-mind Practices
Your vigourous dance training will be supported by the healing practices of yoga and somatics. including: Ashtanga, Shivananda, Iyengar and traditional Hatha. Feldenkrais, Experiential anatomy and classes inspired by alexander technique, rolfing and breathwork.
Performance Projects
The afternoon sessions will be dedicaed to creating new work with guest choreographers, experiencing the creative processes of our faculty, learning repertoire and developing your performance skills.
Research
We encourage applicants with solo and group choreographic interests of their own, to develop their work. This can be in the form of work already made, work in progress or research ideas.
We provide evening and weekend rehearsal space as well as coaching, mentoring and feedback by faculty.
You will have the opportunity to present your work in informal studio presentations as well as have the chance to have the work performed in our regular stage performances
Activities and Events
In Arambol and beyond we have the opportunity to enjoy regular ecstatic dance events, contact jams and the daily sunset drum circle on the beach. Every night there is a wide choice of live music events within easy reach. Weekend activities include excursions to the infamous Paradise beach and Redi Fort ruins as well as many other places of natural beauty to enjoy, explore and inspire your creativity!
Teachers
Navala 'Niku' Chaudhari
Navala Chaudhari, originally from London, has worked with Bawren Tavaziva, Shobana Jeyasingh, Akram Khan, Kevin Turner, Hussein Chalayan, Union Dance, Company Decalage, Damien Jalet and with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui in Belgium as a performer, teacher, rehearsal director and assistant choreographer
Nathaniel Parchment
Nathaniel combines his passion for teaching professional performance and technical training with his current enquiries into therapeutic dance, somatic movement practices and dance within a yogic context. Nathaniel teaches a range of classes including Modern (Graham & Limon) Contemporary, (Cunningham, Release) Improvisation, Choreography & Jazz.
Hugh Stanier
Hugh has developed his own unique and three-dimensional movement language during his 11 years experience in teaching & performance. From break-dancing at the age of 15 to working with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and most recently Wim Vandekaybus/Ultima Vez
Olivia Mancino
Olivia brings extensive knowledge and experience of Alexander Technique, Laban methods, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram and Vinyasa yoga together to provide an anatomical and sustainable approach to her teaching of yoga for dancers.
Olivia is also a phenomenal mixed props fire performer
Irene Sposetti
Isaac Mullins
Certified Yoga Therapist
Certification as a Wim Hof instructor
Graduate of SOAS university with a first class honours in The Study of Religion
Graduate of Cornell University in plant-based nutrition
Certified by the British wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance
Kevin Turner
Certified Yoga Therapist
Certification as a Wim Hof instructor
Graduate of SOAS university with a first class honours in The Study of Religion
Graduate of Cornell University in plant-based nutrition
Certified by the British wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance
Vittoria De Ferrari
Born in Rio De Janeiro Vittoria has been dancing internationally for Jan Fabre , Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui , Damien Jalet , Quan Bui Ngnoc, Les Ballets c.de la B and Akram Khan.
She is a regular teacher of the SEAD Salzburg, Artesis Antwerp, La Raffinerie Bruxelles, HJS Amsterdam, K3 Hamburg, B12 Berlin, Attakalari Bangalore, Circuit-Est Montreal, Ensimismados Costa Rica, Trip Space London, INBA Mexico city.
Yael Cibulski
Yael studied at the Codarts University for the Arts, the Netherlands, has been a member of the Vertigo Dance Company and is a certified Feldenkrais® practitioner.
As well as teaching somatics and release-based contemporary Yael will be making a new group work on participants on the residency this year.
Alvaro Esteban
Alvaro is an international performer, choreographer and teacher who came into dance via his university studies of Sports Science and Therapeutic massage. Alvaro’s unique teaching approach focuses on presence, awareness of weight, animal, instinctive energy and emotions.
Navala 'Niku' Chaudhari
Navala Chaudhari, originally from London, has worked with Bawren Tavaziva, Shobana Jeyasingh, Akram Khan, Kevin Turner, Hussein Chalayan, Union Dance, Company Decalage, Damien Jalet and with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui in Belgium as a performer, teacher, rehearsal director and assistant choreographer
Nathaniel Parchment
Nathaniel combines his passion for teaching professional performance and technical training with his current enquiries into therapeutic dance, somatic movement practices and dance within a yogic context. Nathaniel teaches a range of classes including Modern (Graham & Limon) Contemporary, (Cunningham, Release) Improvisation, Choreography & Jazz.
Hugh Stanier
Hugh has developed his own unique and three-dimensional movement language during his 11 years experience in teaching & performance. From break-dancing at the age of 15 to working with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and most recently Wim Vandekaybus/Ultima Vez
Olivia Mancino
Olivia brings extensive knowledge and experience of Alexander Technique, Laban methods, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram and Vinyasa yoga together to provide an anatomical and sustainable approach to her teaching of yoga for dancers.
Olivia is also a phenomenal mixed props fire performer
Irene Sposetti
Irene is an internationally in-demand facilitator of contact improvisation and composition who teaches at renowned universities and festivals around the world.
She will be teaching dance technique, contact improvisation and instant composition; spoken text, choir singing and vocal expression
Kevin Turner
Kevin has worked with Rambert Dance Company, Scottish Dance Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre, CassaniDance, Henri Oguike Dance Company, Company Decalage, Mad Dogs Dance Theatre and Finn Walker. He has taught in most major British contemporary dance institutions, as well as in Canada, USA, Hungary, Trinidad and Tobago, South Korea, South Africa and all-over continental Europe. Kevin co-founded Company Chameleon in 2007
Vittoria De Ferrari
Born in Rio De Janeiro Vittoria has been dancing internationally for Jan Fabre , Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui , Damien Jalet , Quan Bui Ngnoc, Les Ballets c.de la B and Akram Khan.
She is a regular teacher of the SEAD Salzburg, Artesis Antwerp, La Raffinerie Bruxelles, HJS Amsterdam, K3 Hamburg, B12 Berlin, Attakalari Bangalore, Circuit-Est Montreal, Ensimismados Costa Rica, Trip Space London, INBA Mexico city.
Yael Cibulski
Yael studied at the Codarts University for the Arts, the Netherlands, has been a member of the Vertigo Dance Company and is a certified Feldenkrais® practitioner.
As well as teaching somatics and release-based contemporary Yael will be making a new group work on participants on the residency this year.
Alvaro Esteban
Alvaro is an international performer, choreographer and teacher who came into dance via his university studies of Sports Science and Therapeutic massage. Alvaro’s unique teaching approach focuses on presence, awareness of weight, animal, instinctive energy and emotions.
Schedule
What will my day look like? (Mon-Fri)
What is happening and when?
The Spaces
We have access to 3 main spaces at Jungle Dance, including the Dance Shala, Yoga Hall and the Jungle Dance Theatre. Each is situated in a beautiful natural environment surrounded by trees and birds
Accommodation Options
On-site we have huts with attached bathroom and shower,
basic huts with use of communal bathrooms and showers.
Off-site accommodation options include a range of very nice local houses, guesthouses and apartments within walking distance.
Availability is limited for on-site accommodation this year so do book quickly!
All options are shared double rooms. Single occupancy can also be arranged.
Jungle Dance Cafe
With amazing nourishing food and a warm community vibe, Jungle Dance Cafe is a real hub of activity in Arambol, with a diverse mix of people eating, hanging out, working or just relaxing in a hammock!
Providing nutrition suitable for those in intensive dance training has been a primary concern in initiating the residency in India. Our menu combines plenty of locally sourced vegetables protein-rich pulses, whole grains and Low GI carbohydrates.
We have an on-site ‘coconut walla’ providing all the electrolites needed for optimum hydration whilst training, a fantastic water filter for fresh water at all times as well as lemon tea, jaggery and himalayan salt, available throughout the day, providing extra isotonic hydration.
Jungle Pool Goa
A community NGO initiative by Jungle Dance Cafe owner Lucie Walta, providing hydrotherapy for children in her care with physical disabilities and swimming access for locals and visitors year round.
We have a dedicated pre-lunch swimming hour, perfect for cardio training or just for relaxing muscles and mind after training!
Pricing
One of our missions is and always has been to:
“Insist that socio-economic status is not a barrier to excellence in contemporary dance”
Therefore, we have a pricing policy & scholarship programme that makes our programme accessible to all.
The World Bank currently ranks countries into 4 categories, according to: Low Income, Lower-Middle, Higher-Middle and High Income. The current ranking can be viewed here. (Please consider “Lower-Middle” and “Higher-Middle” to be both within Tier 2)
Tier 1 Countries
1 month €1400 – Early Bird €1250
2 months €2350 – Early Bird €2200
3 months €3350 – Early Bird €3200
Tier 2 Countries
(India & Russia)
1 month €980 – Early Bird €875
2 months €1645 – Early Bird €1540
3 months €2345 – Early Bird €2240
Tier 3 Countries
1 month €700 – Early Bird €625
2 months €1175 – Early Bird €1100
3 months €1675 – Early Bird €1600
Price Includes:
40 hours of tuition a week
- evening and weekend rehearsal space
- Stage performance opportunities (incl. digital recording)
- Accommodation (1 bed , 2 people sharing)
- 3 nutritious, vegetarian meals per day, including mid-morning refreshment and unlimited filtered water and ginger lemon tea throughout the day
(non-residential places are available upon request)
To be considered, we require the registration form to be completed in full, a CV/bio, a brief statement of intention and a video of you dancing.
Applications will be confirmed throughout the registration period, as they arrive, on a first come-first served basis.
Registrations will not be accepted beyond Oct 31st
A deposit of €200 is required to secure your place
Scholarship Programme
We offer a limited number of scholarships and concessions to nationals of Tier 2 and Tier 3 countries only, according to individual financial need.
Those looking for a scholarship are able to indicate this on the application form. If your initial application is accepted, then we will require submission of a personal statement of financial status with supporting documentation to then consider a scholarship or concessionary offer.
In 2018 and 2019 we gave scholarships and concessions, ranging from 50%reduction in fees, full tuition scholarships as well as combined tuition, accommodation and food scholarships; to the following dancers.
Whilst it is the norm in western countries for there to be affordable and free training readily available for talented students from low economic backgrounds, in India this is extremely rare, with little to no funding available from government institutions, trusts or NGOs, especially for contemporary dance. The foundation of our residency is and has always been to provide tuition and accommodation scholarships to deserving students.
Join us on the residency this season and you are automatically making a huge contribution to those participants who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to these opportunities.
Our Team
Nathaniel Parchment
Artistic Director
Navala Chaudhari
Co-Artistic Director
Olivia Mancino
Student Welfare
Naresh Gupta
Intern
Purnendra Meshram
Photography & video
Lucie Walter
Venue Partner& Business advisor
The residency has become a beautiful space whereby Indian and International artists can forge lasting creative and personal relationships.
It has been a joy to see the various ways in which participants and faculty have taken those relationships on, into the wider world, sharing their creative activities.
We encourage these collaborations and hope to build on this by increasing opportunities for dissemination of the work nationally and internationally, via live and online platforms, festivals and a national touring company.