Beginning with pioneering work of stalwards like Uday Shankar, Ramgopal etc. individual artistes have been making effort to evolve a contemporary expression and idiom of Indian dance as a distinct entity different from our traditional styles of classical dances. In the last few decades some dedicated and gifted individuals have made notable contribution in this field and their work has been acknowledged not only in India but also abroad. Similarly attempts have also been made in the field of serious non-commercial music of creative/experimental nature by composers of eminence. Some of these leading composers have been duly honoured in the recent past. Following the lead given by them, it is observed, a larger number of youngsters are taking up work of this nature. Some of them have already made a mark in the field. Such work of an essentially experimental and creative nature demands considerable investment in terms of time, resources and talent of a large number of people who are required to come together to create such works that are primarily group/esemble work. However, we do not have any mode or scheme to provide sustenance and substantial support to this very important area of activity in the field of music and dance. Hence the need to introduce a : scheme exclusively focusing in this area.

It may be recalled that the High Power Committee heeded by Shri P.N. Haskar, appointed by the Govt. of India, to review the performance of National Akademis and the NSD recommended that the Sangeet Natak Akademi should consider either directly supporting, or sponsoring an institute for providing training and performance opportunities to choreographers. It is our view that given the essentially experimental, creative and individualistic nature of such work it is better to provide support to different individuals/groups rather than setting up a centralized institution with public funding. Such a plan would provide the necessary support and, at the same time, encourage different hues of artistic expression by different individuals centres working independently.

The scheme, apart from providing financial support to chorographers/composers would also make possible the much needed interaction among chorographers, light designers, scenic designers, costume designers, music, composers, conductors, lyricist, scriptwriters etc.

i) Objective

This scheme was introduced under the IX Plan period and is intended to provide support to experimental works of contemporary choreographers and music composers. The scheme is being operated by the Akademi on the recommendations of the high powered Haksar Review Committee which inter-alia recommended setting up of an Institute for contemporary choreography.

ii) Scope

The scheme provides for festivals workshops and production subsidy in the field.

iii) Major achievements made during Xth five year plan and anticipated achievements for the current financial year.

During the last few decades some of the new artists have made effort to evolve contemporary expressions in Indian dance as distinct from our styles of dance and have made notable contribution in the field, Music composers of eminence have also contributed to the field of serious non-commercial music of creative/experimental nature. This work essentially demands considerable investment in terms of time, resource and talent of a number of artists who are required to come together to create productions that are primarily group/ensemble works. The scheme has been able to make efforts of the new artists in this direction more meaningful. Special events like Rabindra Natya Samaroh, birth centenary of Uday Shankar involving festivals of Choreographic works and Seminar helped created a new genre of artists in contemporary dance. Also ‘Srjan’ festival of music composers was held. Production subsidy for several experimental works were provided.

During the year one festival of instrumental ensembles, choral music and experimental choreographic compositions will be held together with a workshop.

iv) Projection for XI Plan The scheme may be continued with expanded scope of creating network of choreographers and composers through workshops, sponsorship, production subsidies, collaborative and commissioned productions, travel grant and festivals etc.