The three-day dance residency organised by Swati Potulwar’s Kathak Abhijaat and taken by Prerna Deshpande was part of the Anubhav series designed by Swati to create immersive spaces where dancers can disconnect from daily noise and reconnect deeply with their art. The first residency was held last year at Dakshin Chitra. A core aspect of Anubhav was that a residency concludes with a performance, allowing dancers to channel their learning into a shared, lived expression on stage.

These three days felt nourishing, exhausting, and fulfilling at once. With barely any network or range on our phones, the world outside slowly slipped away, letting the studio, the theatre, the dancers, and the practice become our entire universe. Every moment — from warm-ups to cool-downs, from technical drills to silent reflections — revolved entirely around dance.

Each day unfolded in its own rhythm. Hours of focused riyaz, intricate footwork, abhinaya explorations, and guided sessions pushed us to expand our physical and emotional boundaries. The fatigue was real, but underneath lay a deep sense of nourishment, as though the body and mind were being sharpened and aligned with each passing session.

Being away from routine distractions and surrounded by dancers who shared the same passion made even the simplest moments feel significant — walking to the studio, resting on theatre floors and discussing nuances over meals.

What made the residency fruitful was the subtle yet powerful growth it sparked. Technique refined itself, laya became more internalised, abhinaya found new layers, and discipline deepened. And bringing it all together through the concluding performance made the learning feel complete and beautifully anchored.

The three days weren’t merely lived — they were experienced, absorbed, and deeply felt.

Gautami 

Click here to see a glimpse of the workshop