Step up for a noble cause

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This summer a unique art project, 2nd Home- India — a non-profit artistic creation project will provide opportunity for artists from different
nationalities to combine their perspectives and talents and produce an interactive performance piece, to be presented in schools and open shows around India. The project is headed by Israeli choreographer, dancer and teacher Shaked Dagan.
Explaining the concept, Shaked says, “2nd Home- India is a group of seven women artists from around the world including Denmark, USA, Poland and Canada, working together in India to create a piece using their expertise in dance, music and acting. For a period of two months, our group will stay in the village of Challal in Himachal Pradesh and will create a public presentation for school students.”
Talking about the group Shaked says, “The whole idea to have an international cast is aimed to bring together opinions, cultures, languages and artistic techniques from various corners of the world. Each member has her own story and an expertise in their respective fields. Kaeridwyn Eftelya has performed as an actor, clown, dancer, puppeteer and musician in Canada. Israeli Keren Bossin is an angelic musician. The other members are dancers trained in different styles of dance ranging from contemporary style to flamenco and even Indian classical dances.”
She adds, “What binds our group together is our love for the rich culture of India, and our urge to support women in India and everywhere.”
Shaked started dancing at the age of five. But she has been a professional dancer since last six years. Apart from performing and being a part of dance workshops she also trains people on a physical technique called Gaga. “I have been into contemporary dances and I also learnt the techniques of classical ballet and other folk dance forms from Israel. But Gaga is a physical technique, which was invented by Ohad Naharin about ten years ago, and it helps in better coordination and is a way of gaining knowledge and self awareness. It helps you discover the strengths of your body and provides a better flexibility. It helps in healing and physical movements,” says the dancer.