Abhyas Somatics by Navtej Johar

ABHYAS SOMATICS by NAVTEJ JOHAR
WHEN: 05 Sept | 5.30 PM – 9.00 PM
AGE: 16+ (seniors encouraged)
FEE: INR 2500

The Abhyas Somatic practice is inspired by the principles of sukha and rasa that are central to yoga and Indian dance aesthetics respectively. Keeping the inherent intelligence and intentionality of the body at the centre, the method involves meticulous mapping of the material body and keen observation of its sensory responses. Instead of making the body subject to the dictates of norm, form, convention or aesthetic, this practice aims to make the body thrive upon and be prompted by its own intelligence and sensitivity, thereby fostering a “sensory authority” and autonomy in the mover. The workshop will also incorporate principles of the BARPS method of practicing asana—also devised by Johar—that serves as a precursor to Abhyas Somatics.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Navtej Johar is a dancer/choreographer, yoga practitioner, scholar and activist. In his varied fields of interest, his work remains “body-centric”—twining practice with critical theory and social action. Inspired by a variety of non-theist Indian philosophies, he has devised two new methods of embodied practice: the BARPS method to practice asana more effectively; as well as Abhyas Somatics—which respectively draws on the sukha (happiness) and rasa (resonance) components of Yoga and Indian poetics. Founder-director, Studio Abhyas, New Delhi (www.abhyastrust.org); he is faculty, Performing Arts & Dance Studies, at the Ashoka University, Sonipat; and a long time fellow, “Interweaving Performance Cultures”, Freie University, Berlin, Germany.