Akram Khan Company partners with the British Council in Sri Lanka for the third edition of their Classical Intensive

Akram Khan Company (AKC) is thrilled to announce the third edition of its Classical Intensive in partnership with the British Council in Sri Lanka, making its debut in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This 2024 Edition of AKC’s immersive programme will run from 9-13 December 2024, situated within the Thinnai Farms in Jaffna.

Launched in 2019, AKC’s Classical Intensive embodies Akram Khan’s commitment to preserving and deepening the engagement with classical Indian dance within a contemporary, creative context. At a time when the arts are increasingly shaped by limited perspectives, Khan aims to challenge these boundaries by bringing together artists who are dedicated to their classical traditions yet eager to explore new possibilities. The 2024 edition will focus on Bharatanatyam, South India’s classical dance form, and will celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Jaffna - a city with a profound legacy in traditional arts spanning centuries.

The programme will be led by Mavin Khoo, Creative Associate at AKC and one of Bharatanatyam’s leading contemporary artists. Known for his innovative approach to the form, Khoo’s guidance will offer 33 selected participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in rigorous training across adavu and abhinaya. As a disciple of the legendary Guru Adyar K. Lakshman, Khoo’s approach bridges technical mastery and creative innovation, blending the traditions of Bharatanatyam with global perspectives.

Khoo will be joined by Jaffna-based Carnatic vocalist Jude Sivanganasundaram and mridangam artist Lohendran Mahendran, who will support the dancers with live accompaniment, grounding the dancers' practice in the rich music traditions of the region. Participants will go through a journey of immersion, a core principle of Akram Khan’s artistic process. The programme will also welcome silent observers, providing an opportunity to witness and reflect upon the cultural exchange taking place.

Akram Khan, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Akram Khan Company, said: “I am deeply humbled to bring our Classical Intensive to Sri Lanka and to collaborate once again with the British Council, whose long-standing support has been instrumental throughout my journey. I hope that this programme will offer a meaningful opportunity to engage with new perspectives on Bharatanatyam, creating space for pathways that both honour and expand upon the classical traditions we hold dear."

Orlando Edwards, Country Director of the British Council in Sri Lanka, said: “I am delighted that we are celebrating 75 years in Sri Lanka by welcoming the renowned Akram Khan Company here. This artistic collaboration encourages mentoring, professional development, and networking. It invites a diversity of perspectives and will enable experiential discovery to broaden intercultural understanding. I am confident that this endeavour will enrich the Sri Lankan cultural scene, and I hope that it sparks new ideas. It demonstrates our continued commitment to facilitating new UK-Sri Lankan arts partnerships and supporting the development of the creative economy.”

As with previous editions, the AKC Classical Intensive is designed to offer a transformational experience for dancers, inviting them to rediscover classical forms in a collaborative, reflective environment.