Introduction to Yangshak Movement

Facilitated by Surjit Nongmeikapam, this workshop aims to train the minds of performers to perceive movement from diverse perspectives. Many movers and dancers often become overly self-conscious, tending to replicate movements learned from others or adhere strictly to established techniques, rather than exploring their own unique interpretations. Here, participants will delve into discovering their own untapped potential by understanding how bodies can prepare for both performance and creation.

Yangshak arises out of two words: “Yang” refers to the spine (internal) and “shak” refers to image (external). Yangshak movement is an exploration into Lairen Mathek—a philosophy that has evolved from the movements and stories of the Manipuri martial arts form, Thang-Ta (Khuthek Lal Thek) and dance, Jagoi.

The workshop on choreographing Yangshak, focuses on an in-depth understanding of the body with the help of Yangshak movement. The workshop will also touch on the Manipuri martial arts form, Thang-Ta, to explore movement.

Beyond the physical movements and techniques, the practice will create an avenue for new language that emerges from the body.

This workshop is open to all who are interested in movement and to those who wish to delve deeper into philosophy and perspectives from different cultures.

Be sure to catch the world premiere of SoftMachine: The Return by Choy Ka Fai, a performance and a research project that weaves together a decade of experiments in dance-making, through the critical lens of five Asian artists.