Programs

Master of Arts in dance program, integrates studies in performance, analysis and research. It initiates students to the Indian classical dance Kuchipudi, its origin, values, variations, development and techniques. The program aims to perpetually promote passion and interest pertaining to the theory and practical aspects of the dance form Kuchipudi. It is designed to impart extensive training and assessment for the students. The program seeks to delve into the intricacies of Kuchipudi dance, Indian culture and traditions, and also extends comparison with other Indian Classical dance forms. The program culminates into a transcendental experience that rejuvenates the body and mind into this sublime world of dance.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of the program, the students

1. A broader perspective of Kuchipudi Dance through exposure to social history while the knowledge of the indigenous texts will have been made stronger.
2. Developed contextulised knowledge of each genre of Indian dance forms, Kuchipudi in particular,so that the temporal and spacial points of view are absorbed and the historiography is seamless and experiential.
3. Strengthened knowledge of music and the intricacies of rhythm typical to Kuchipudi form to take charge as the leader of the performing team with bearings right.
4. Honed research instincts and writing skills to produce excellent theses.
5. Developed scholar-practitioner skills to present an original choreography which showcases the knowledge and experience gained on the canvas of the traditional aesthetic.

Duration: Two-year program. (2 semesters in each year)
Required Units: 30 credits units.
Required Courses: 6 core mandatory and 4 electives.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission Prerequisites:

A Bachelor’s degree from an approved or accredited institution is required
Practical dance experience of at least 6 years

Core Courses:

GKD 501: Indian Classical Dances
GKD 502: Kinesthetics and Psychic component of Indian dance with Special Reference to Kuchipudi
GKD 503: Complexities and Execution of Rhythm
GKD 504: Literary Composers and Compositions for Kuchipudi
GKD 505: Textual Traditions of Dance in India
GKD 506: Masters Thesis 1
GKD 507: Masters Thesis 2

Electives:

GKD 601: Music for Dance

GKD 602: Yoga

GKD 603: Components and Dimensions of Abhinaya

GKD 604: Gollakalapam

GKD 605: Practice of Kuchipudi Dance as a Solo and Theatre form

Evaluation:

The evaluation has 4 components- Final exams, Mid-term exams, assignments, and Thesis. Students will be awarded a degree in Master of Arts in Kuchipudi Dance, on their successful completion of all the required courses, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher based on the evaluation weightage across the various methods/metrics, thesis, and oral defense.

Notice to Prospective Degree Program Students

This institution is provisionally approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to offer degree programs. To continue to offer this degree program, this institution must meet the following requirements:

• Become institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, with the scope of the accreditation covering at least one degree program.
• Achieve accreditation candidacy or pre-accreditation, as defined in regulations, by March 30, 2018, and full accreditation by March 30, 2021.

If this institution stops pursuing accreditation, it must:

• Stop all enrollment in its degree programs, and
• Provide a teach-out to finish the educational program or provide a refund.

An institution that fails to comply with accreditation requirements by the required dates shall have its approval to offer degree programs automatically suspended.