Understanding Body is a movement-based practice that helps people reconnect with their bodies. It’s not just about dance or fitness, but about becoming aware of how we move, feel, and respond in everyday life. Whether you're a child, a working adult, or an elder, this practice offers a space to pause, notice, and play. We use simple tools like movement games, guided improvisation, theatre games, different movement techniques, observation, and reflection to explore how the body holds experiences. Everyone brings their own stories, and through this process, we discover new ways of relating to ourselves and others. It's a place for exploration and experimenting.

In the sessions, we might crawl like animals, explore rhythms, or use stories to build movement, exploring breath, posture, and everyday gestures to unpack stress, habits, and creativity. We slow down, tune in to sensation, memory, and touch, and find a place to experiment with how movement, stories, and emotions can come together in performance.

Understanding Body is about being curious. It’s a space to explore how our bodies feel, react, express, and relate with no pressure to “perform.” Just move, notice, and see what shows up.

Objective:

- To create awareness of the body through daily, intentional movement.

- To understand the connections between physical structures (muscles, bones, fascia) and mental processes (attention, memory, curiosity).

- To encourage exploration and learning.

- To build a space that supports self-confidence, creativity, and physical well-being across ages and abilities.

Expected Outcomes:

- Participants develop a deeper relationship with their body and mind.

- Improved physical coordination, flexibility, balance, and strength.

- Heightened sensory awareness and creative thinking.

- Open to all individuals aged 4 years and above.

- No prior experience in dance, movement, or fitness necessary.

- Especially welcoming to those curious about their body, health, creativity, and natural connection.

Surendra Tekale:

Theatre and Movement Artist | Choreographer

Surendra Tekale is a multidisciplinary theatre and movement artist from India with experience across theatre, contemporary dance, and physical performance. His practice merges Indian martial arts, classical forms, experimental dance, and physical theatre to create performances that explore socio-political, environmental, and personal themes.

He has trained intensively at both Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts (India) and Performact (Portugal), and has performed and taught internationally across India, France, Portugal, and Japan. Surendra’s choreographic works, such as “Chadara” (selected for TJ Night Festival, Mexico) and “Lost in Oscillation”, have been staged at leading festivals like the Dance Bridges Festival. He has also been a part of PECDA, Impulstanz (Vienna), and Awaji Art Circus (Japan).

As an educator, Surendra facilitates workshops for dancers, actors, and cross-disciplinary artists through formats such as:

"Understanding Body" - a movement-based approach to reconnect with one’s body through guided practices (for ages 4+ to professional artists), "Kill the Breath, Kill the Rhythm" - a technique-driven exploration designed for professional dancers and movers.

Kalari Workshops - focused on integrating the South Indian martial art Kalaripayattu into dance and theatre practice, Theatre & Physical Theatre - focused on Theatre techniques and Movement.

He has taught and collaborated with institutions including Adwaita L Cie (France), Performact (Portugal), Beru Art and Cultural Foundation (India), and Multiplicidades Dance Festival (Portugal). He also mentors young artists and teaches movement through NGOs and community spaces in India.

Surendra is currently based in Bengaluru, where he continues to choreograph, teach, and act as a dramaturge for experimental works in dance and theatre.