COMPETITION

SCDC 2013 – Saalabhanjika Classical Dance Competition

Year: 2013
Organiser: Saalabhanjika Studio for Arts & Performance, Thrissur
Venue: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur (Naatyagruha Hall)

Dance Forms

  • Bharatanatyam
  • Mohiniyattam
  • Kuchipudi

Age Categories

  • Junior: 10 – 14 years
  • Senior: 14 – 18 years

Unique Feature

  • Mandatory Theory Examination before stage performance
  • Syllabus and study guidelines were provided in advance
  • Aimed to strengthen academic understanding of classical dance

Participation Details

Total Participants: 84

  • Bharatanatyam – 40
  • Mohiniyattam – 24
  • Kuchipudi – 20

Inauguration & Guests

  • Inaugurated by: Sri. T. V. Chandramohan, Chairman, Guruvayoor Devaswom Board
  • Chief Guest: Sri. Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA
  • Felicitations by cultural and academic dignitaries

Awards

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes in each category (Trophy + Certificate)
  • Participation certificates for all

Outcome

  • Established SCDC as a research-oriented dance competition
  • Appreciated for integrating theory with performance
SCDC 2013

SCDC 2014 – Saalabhanjika Classical Dance Competition

Year: 2014
Duration: April 23 – April 26, 2014
Venue: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur

Dance Forms

  • Bharatanatyam
  • Mohiniyattam
  • Kuchipudi

Age Categories

  • Category I: 5 – 8 years
  • Category II: 8 – 13 years
  • Category III: 13 – 20 years

Participation

  • Registered: 160 participants
  • Appeared: 132 participants

Competition Structure

  • Theory Examination: Set by Natyashastra Guru Dr. C. P. Unnikrishnan Menon (University-level standard)
  • Practical Stage Performance: Solo classical presentations

Judges

Senior artists and faculty from Kalakshetra, Kerala Kalamandalam, and other reputed institutions

Awards

  • 1st Prize: ₹3000 + Memento + Certificate
  • 2nd Prize: ₹2000 + Memento + Certificate
  • 3rd Prize: ₹1000 + Memento + Certificate
  • Special Teacher Award: ₹10,001 for best-performing institution

Significance

  • Marked a major growth in participation
  • Recognized as a model classical dance competition blending scholarship and performance
SCDC 2014

Saalabhanjika Activities (2014 – 2018)

Nature: Workshops, performances, festivals, publications & outreach programs

Major Activities & Highlights

Workshops

  • Natyashastra & theory-oriented workshops
  • Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam training
  • Sessions on rhythm (Thalam), aesthetics, costume & abhinaya

2016 Workshops (Dec 10–12)

  • Topics included Natyasampradaya, importance of theory in performance, and rhythm & stage discipline.

Arangettams

  • Bharatanatyam Arangettams conducted for senior students (Full traditional margam performances)
  • Certificates issued by Saalabhanjika

Festivals & Performances

  • Pushpolsavam – Thrissur (2017)
  • Nila Festival – Kerala Kalamandalam
  • AIR Thrissur May Fest
  • Navarathri & temple festivals

Major Dance Productions

  • “Gajaangan”: Dance drama highlighting social themes
  • “Bhama Kalapam”: Classical Kuchipudi production performed at prestigious cultural festivals

Publications

  • “Ente Saalabhanjika”: Online cultural magazine launched in 2017, focused on Indian art forms, culture & heritage

Overall Impact (2013–2018)

  • Established Saalabhanjika as a serious cultural & academic institution
  • Promoted theory-based classical dance education
  • Created platforms for young artists at state & national levels
  • Successfully integrated art, research, and social awareness
Saalabhanjika Activities