Prakriti Foundation to launch PECDA

CHENNAI: Prakriti Foundation, which explores India’s diverse traditions through art, is all set to recognise and nurture that growing form of expression called contemporary dance.The foundation, that has been showcasing contemporary dance as a significant element of its festivals and events, will announce the institution of Prakriti Excellence in Contemporary Dance Awards (PECDA) on October 28 at Kalakshetra Foundation.PECDA will be a platform for emerging contemporary dance forms, and will expose artistes to a wider audience. Dancers and choreographers can enter their short pieces that are worksin- progress to be part of PECDA. These pieces will be vetted down to the best 10 and judged by eminent professionals helping the artistes to further develop their pieces.The winner of PECDA will receive a sum of `Five lakh to complete their production. An international dance company will visit the group at different stages of production and mentor them in dramaturgy, lighting, production and other areas to enable them to achieve a higher standard of international excellence.The winning company’s production, which will develop over a yearlong process, will then be showcased in The Park’s New Festival. Prakriti Foundation has invited submissions from artistes and dance companies.Participants should send in video excerpts up to 10 minutes along with a written synopsis.