Facilities of Performing Arts

Submitted in partial fulfillment of Performing Arts Program based on B.A.B.Ed on 8th

Semester Examination

Submitted by:
Prerna Mesua
Roll no. 21BPS010

Supervised By:
Ms. Bidya Biswajitha

Submitted to:
Department Of Education
Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
Introduction to Indian Performing Arts
India’s performing arts—music, dance, drama, and storytelling—form a colorful mosaic of
cultural expression. These art forms are deeply rooted in spirituality, history, and tradition.
They reflect the country’s diversity and act as living links to ancient customs and beliefs.

Centuries ago, art was not just entertainment—it was devotion. The Nātyaśāstra by Bharata
Muni is a revered scripture that introduced structured guidelines for theatre, music, and
dance. Through performance, communities celebrated deities, preserved stories, and passed
on values.

Folk and classical styles, from Yakshagana in Karnataka to Kathak in North India, have
thrived across time. The arts also played a vital part in social change and national
awakening. Today, Indian performing arts combine timeless themes with modern relevance,
continuing to enchant and educate.

Educational Value of Performing Arts

Performing arts nurture creativity, emotional awareness, and communication. In the
classroom, music and drama engage students beyond textbooks. They encourage empathy,
confidence, and self-expression.

Ancient Indian education embraced arts as a path to holistic learning. Epics show Krishna as
a master of many skills—an ideal of complete development. Today, similar goals remain.
Whether learning rhythm in a dance class or enacting a skit, students grow intellectually
and socially.

Research shows that arts involvement boosts cognitive functions. NEP 2020 encourages
integration of art into every subject. Teachers now use theatre to explain history or dance to
teach pattern recognition.

Performing arts build focus, discipline, and teamwork. They also offer an outlet for stress,
making them key for students’ emotional health.

Mentor’s Impact and Guidance

Our journey into performing arts has been guided by Ms. Bidya Bishwajitha, a passionate
educator and experienced dancer. Her vision and commitment brought performances to life
and helped students grow through the medium of art.

She designed engaging classes that mixed practice with theory, ensuring we understood
both form and feeling. Her feedback during rehearsals pushed us to improve and express
with authenticity.
Ms. Bishwajitha mentored students in competitions and helped us connect with the deeper
meanings behind each gesture, song, or line. Her belief in art as a form of inner exploration
inspired us.

Thanks to her, our performances were not just shows—they were shared stories, full of
energy, tradition, and meaning.

Resources and Creative Facilities

A strong performing arts culture depends on accessible tools and environments. Our college
has created such a space through supportive infrastructure.

Musical instruments like tabla, harmonium, and manjira are available for regular practice.
Students also use ghungroos and costumes essential for classical and folk dance styles.

Odissi and Sambalpuri outfits, complete with traditional ornaments, are maintained with
care. These costumes enhance the storytelling aspect of our performances.

We rehearse in a studio with mirrors and perform in an auditorium equipped for sound and
lighting. Smaller classrooms transform into stages for workshop presentations.

This access allows students to prepare and perform with confidence, learning in spaces that
respect the art form.

Celebrating Creativity: Our Institution’s Cultural Engagement

At our institution, we believe in the importance of blending tradition with innovation.
Throughout the academic year, we organized a variety of cultural activities designed to
engage students in a dynamic learning environment. These events, ranging from
performances to workshops, allowed students to explore and express their artistic abilities.

Janmashtami Festivities: A Celebration of Devotion and Culture (August

30, 2024)
One of the most significant events of the year was the Janmashtami celebration, held on
August 30, 2024. The day was a beautiful fusion of devotion and artistic expression, where
students showcased their talents in several creative forms. Highlights of the event included:

Dance Performances: Students demonstrated their skills in both classical and folk dance
styles, such as Odissi and Sambalpuri, which are integral to Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Musical Presentations: Groups of students performed devotional songs, infusing the

atmosphere with spiritual warmth.

Artistic Contributions: A curated magazine, featuring original poems, paintings, and

sketches by students, provided a platform for literary and visual arts.
Personally, I had the honour of portraying the character of narrator in a dance-drama. This
performance gave me the chance to dive into mythological storytelling and experiment with
different acting techniques.

Researching Dance Forms: A Scholarly Exploration

In addition to performances, we also focused on academic work that complemented our
practical experiences. As part of our curriculum, we prepared detailed reports on the
various classical and folk-dance forms of India. This task helped us appreciate the diversity
of regional performances and better understand the theoretical aspects of cultural
symbolism and performance analysis.

Drama Showcase: Exploring Theater in Depth (March 18, 2025)

Another exciting event during the academic year was the drama showcase on March 18,
2025. This event saw our class split into 18 different groups, each creating and performing
an original drama piece. This was a comprehensive theater experience, covering everything
from scriptwriting and direction to stage design and performance.

I had the unique opportunity to portray a modern-day news anchor, exploring satire and
media commentary. This role was a stark contrast to traditional theater roles and helped
broaden my perspective on performance styles.

Writing for Women's Day: Voices of Empowerment

Additionally, I contributed two rangolis for our Women’s Day celebration, which highlighted
the ongoing journey towards gender equality. These pieces focused on recognizing the
contributions of women across different fields and reflecting on the cultural shift towards
more inclusive societies.

Connecting with the Public: Engaging Audiences Beyond the Campus

All the major events we participated in, such as the Janmashtami celebration, drama
showcase, and study tour performances, were open to the public. The wider audience,
which included students, faculty, and guests from outside the institution, interacted with
the performers, offering valuable feedback and praise. This engagement taught us to
perform confidently, manage stage presence, and communicate effectively with diverse
audiences.

Reflection: The Artistic Journey

This report serves as a reflection on my involvement in the performing arts during the
academic year. From performing on stage to contributing written works, these experiences
have allowed me to grow not only as a performer but also as a writer and thinker. I have
come to see the arts as both a form of self-expression and a tool for personal growth.

Writing this report has been a journey of self-reflection, helping me articulate my

experiences and the lessons learned from them. It also allowed me to appreciate the cultural
richness of Indian performing arts. The ability to express thoughts clearly, whether through
performance or writing, has been an invaluable skill that I will continue to develop in my
future academic and creative endeavors.

In the words of the American writer Thomas Merton:

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

This reflection marks a personal milestone, encapsulating my growth as an artist and

scholar. Moving forward, I will carry these lessons and experiences with me as I continue to
explore the transformative power of art in all its forms.
 Conclusion
The performing arts play a significant role in our holistic development, and the facilities
provided by our institution have greatly contributed to enriching our academic and creative
journey. Over the course of the academic year, I had the opportunity to engage in a wide
variety of cultural events and performances that not only enhanced my artistic skills but
also nurtured my personal growth.

Our institution’s dedication to fostering creativity is evident in the comprehensive range of

facilities offered for performing arts. From well-equipped rehearsal spaces to organized
platforms for showcasing talent, these resources have played a pivotal role in helping
students explore their artistic potential. The support for both classical and folk
performances, alongside modern interpretations and experimental theater, reflects a
balanced approach to preserving tradition while encouraging innovation.

Moreover, the institution’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has allowed me to bridge

the gap between academic knowledge and artistic expression. Research on dance forms,
participation in drama showcases, and contributions to written works like articles and
magazines have been invaluable in deepening my understanding of the cultural landscape.

Through the diverse experiences facilitated by our college, including public performances,
competitions, and cultural exchanges, I have grown more confident in my ability to
communicate ideas through art. These opportunities have also allowed me to understand
the importance of cultural dialogue, as we engaged with audiences from various
backgrounds during our study tours and external events.

Ultimately, the facilities provided for performing arts have been more than just spaces for
rehearsals; they have been platforms for expression, learning, and personal transformation.
I have come to realize the power of art not only as a form of communication but as a means
of fostering a deeper understanding of society, culture, and self. As I reflect on this enriching
experience, I am grateful for the opportunities provided and look forward to continuing this
journey of artistic and academic exploration.

The fusion of practical experience with academic study has truly equipped me with a deeper
appreciation for the performing arts, and I am eager to carry forward the lessons learned
into future artistic endeavors.