Barrie Dance Studio

Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art of the State. It is considered as the forerunner of Karate & Kung-fu. The Kalari is treated as the temple of learning. Age-old traditions and customs are still practiced inside the Kalari. The Gurukkal system consists of rigorous physical training besides training in self-discipline. The weapons used were the sword, Dagger, Shield, short sticks, spears etc. The co-ordination of the body and mind is given maximum importance in this art.

 The Orient’s treasure trove, a gift to the modern world and the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shoaling Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma – an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.

Architectural design of traditional kalari

The art is trained in an enclosure called ‘Kalari’, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. The entrance faces the east. In the south-west corner is a seven-tiered platform called the “poothara”, which houses the guardian deity of the kalari. These seven steps sy

mbolise seven abilities each person requires. They include Vigneswa (Strength), Channiga (patience), Vishnu (commanding power), Vadugashcha (the posture), Tadaaguru (training), Kali (the expression) and Vakasta – purushu (sound). Other deities, most of them incarnations of the Bhagavathi or Shiva, are installed in the corners.

The origin of the Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is perhaps the most ancient martial art in the world. Religions have incorporated Kalaripayattu into their realm. The origin of Kalaripayattu is still in the midst of obscurity. Traditional Kalari masters attribute mythological stories and legends to the origin of the art. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea.

At the turn of the 6th century A.D., martial arts spread from Southern India to China by Daruma Bodhidarma – an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. From China, martial arts have spread to Korea & Japan. Kalaripayattu is derived from the words Kalari – which means “place, threshing floor, or battlefield”, and payattu – which means to “exercise in arms or practice”.

Kalari’s influence on other arts

Kalaripayattu has strongly influenced the evolution of several of Kerala’s theatre and dance forms, most prominently Kathakali and Theyyam. Kathakali practitioners are required to train under Kalari masters to develop various attributes such as fitness, stamina, and martial movements enacted in their performances. Kalari practitioners claim that Bodhi Dharma, a Buddhist monk who was responsible for training the Shaolin monks in kung-fu, was in fact a Kalari master.

Resuregence of kalaripayattu
 
Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent of free India – Kalaripayattu had lost its significance as a mortal combat code. Fortunately, Kalaripayattu has successfully survived the steady and sad decline in popularity. Kalaripayattu now has a compelling global audience and its fame and glory has won hearts all over.

In a Phoenix like resurrection, Kalaripayattu is today emerging in a new avatar – an ancient art form – a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms – both traditional and contemporary, in theatre, in fitness and in movies too.

The wedding attendant role is fun yet also carries a large amount of responsibility, which is why the bride and groom should choose persons they are close to and trust to handle important details before, during and after the ceremony.

Maid (unmarried)/Matron (married) of Honor Checklist

• Share the bride’s excitement and joy of the wedding

• Help choose dresses at the brides request (and pay for her own attire including dress, shoes, jewelry and other accessories)

• Throw a bridal shower and bachelorette party (if the bride desires one) for the bride

• Help with any other details of planning and preparing for the wedding (as required by the bride)

• Purchase shower gift

• Attend all pre-wedding parties (per invitation)

• Help bride with any last minute details

• Purchase wedding gift

• Stay by the bride’s side at the ceremony site to assist with any preparation details

• Precede the bride down the aisle during the ceremony, hold the groom’s ring, the bride’s bouquet, fold back the bride’s veil and straighten the train as needed.

• Stand in the receiving line next to the groom immediately following the ceremony. Sign the marriage license as an official witness

• Sit to the groom’s left during dinner at the reception. Attend to any details to help the bride, accompanying her to the washroom, bustling the train and taking part in special dances with the bridal party

• Attend gift opening party

Checklist For A Bridesmaid

• Share the brides excitement and joy of the wedding

• Help choose bridesmaids dresses if the bride requests and be fitted once the choice is made by the bride (and pay for her own attire including dress, shoes, jewelry and other accessories)

• Help with any other details of planning and preparing for the wedding (as required by the bride)

• Assist the maid of honor in throwing a bridal shower/bachelorette party for the bride

• Purchase shower gift

• Attend all pre-wedding parties (per invitation)

• Purchase wedding gift

• Help bride with any last minute details

• During the ceremony, lead the procession down the aisle, usually return down the aisle after the ceremony escorted by a groomsman

• Following the ceremony, stand in the receiving line next to the maid of honor

• At the reception, sit at the head table during dinner in an alternating pattern with the groomsmen. Attend to any details to help the bride. Take part in special dances for the bridal party

• Attend gift opening party

Checklist for A Personal Attendant

While this may be the least glamorous of all positions, it can be the most important in helping the bride relax and enjoy her wedding day, knowing this trusted friend/relative is there to help. The bride should make a list of tasks up ahead of time for which the personal attendant will be responsible for, these duties may include:

• Assist the bride in getting dressed and ready
• Pin on the corsages and boutonnieres
• Prepare the bride to walk down the aisle, last minute touch-ups, fluffing the train
• Gather people for pictures
• Make sure the wedding party has their belongings after the ceremony
• Keep track of the toss bouquet until it’s needed
• Oversee transportation of the gifts to the gift opening site or the couple’s home
• Attend the gift opening party and keep a record of gifts

Checklist for the Best Man

• Be measured for formal wear (pay for rental of his own formal wear including shoes and accessories)
• Organize the bachelor party
• Buy wedding gift
• Be sure the groom arrives at the wedding site on time
• Carry the bride’s ring
• Stand by the groom’s side at ceremony
• Sign the marriage license as an official witness. Give clergy member payment (provided by groom)
• At the reception, sit to the bride’s left during dinner. Offer the first “toast” to the bride and groom
• The day after the wedding may gather all rented clothing from the groom’s wedding party and return it to the formal wear store

Groomsman Checklist

• Be measured for formal wear (pay for rental of his own formal wear including shoes and accessories)
• Assist the best man in organizing the bachelor party
• Buy wedding gift
• Stand by the best man during the ceremony
• Escort bridesmaid down the aisle
• Decorate the wedding couple’s “getaway” car (as guests file through the receiving line)
• At the reception, sit at the head table during dinner in an alternating pattern with the bridesmaids. Take part in special dances for the bridal party.

Ushers Checklist

• Be measured for formal wear (pay for rental of his own formal wear including shoes and accessories)

• Buy wedding gift

• Attend the rehearsal, practice lighting and extinguishing the candles, familiarize himself with entrance, exit and bathroom locations for the guests’ comfort and learn seating arrangements

• Arrive at the wedding site an hour before to get boutonnieres, ready the programs and help with any last-minute details

• If guests of the bride and groom are to be seated in separate sections, ascertain the guests’ relationship to the couple. Once this is established the right arm is offered to the lady, who is then escorted to the open pew closest to the front of the church. The farthest-forward pews are traditionally reserved for immediate family members

• Usher in the mother of the groom then the mother of the bride last, and then unroll the aisle runner. Stay in the back of the church during the ceremony, directing late guests to back or side seats

• Immediately after the wedding party has walked down the aisle, escort out the mothers of the bride and groom, and sometimes direct the departure of guests in an orderly manner

• Decorate the wedding couple’s “getaway” car (as guests file through the receiving line)

• At the reception, sit at the head table and enjoy the rest of the reception as a guest

Ring Bearer, Flower Girls, Junior Bridesmaids, Miniature Brides, etc.

Children assume these roles which differ from wedding to wedding, largely depending on the bride and groom’s desires and the maturity and capability of each child. Feel free to incorporate children into your ceremony and celebrations as desired, or elect to let the children enjoy themselves as guests.

Attendants’ Gifts

After the bride and groom have chosen their attendants, they have yet another decision to make: buying the attendants’ gifts.

Tradition dictates that bridesmaids should receive similar gifts, as should the groomsmen, although special gifts are sometimes given to the best man and maid of honor. Similar need not mean exact, however. Local gift shops offer gift baskets or boxes which can be filled with an assortment of treasures, such as soaps, perfumes, lotions, bath oil beads, powders, shower gels, candles, cheeses, crackers, or liqueurs, just to name some of the choices. Baskets and boxes can be decorated with lace, linens, dried flowers or bows. Each basket or box can thus be personalized to fit the recipient without giving “different” gifts.

Other, more traditional, selections abound. Consider wallets, pen and pencil sets, belt buckles, pewter mugs and silver key rings for men; chains, necklaces, disc charms and silver bangle bracelets for women.

More contemporary gifts might include exotic plants, recreational accessories or handmade (preferably by the bride or groom) crafts. Some couples prefer to pay for the rental or purchase of all clothing and related items their attendants will wear.

A gift is a meaningful token of appreciation. It says “thank you” for sharing, celebrating and attending the most joyous ceremony a man and woman will ever plan together. After many years have passed, the responsible attendants can look back at the wedding and smile, proudly remembering the contributions that helped make the wedding a success.

Since it opened on May 1, 1989 as the third major theme park at Walt Disney World(r) Resort, Disney-MGM Studios has celebrated the golden age of Hollywood with such classic attractions as The Great Movie Ride, Magic of Disney Animation and the fascinating Backlot Tour. However, starting in January 2008, Disney plans to change the theme park’s name to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” which reflects “how the park has grown . . . to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer – in music, television, movies and theater,” according to Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton (August 9, 2007, press release).

Along with the name change to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” the 135-acre theme park will launch a slew of new attractions, live shows and special events in 2008 to complement such classics as Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Major attractions and live entertainment venues to be added for 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include the following:

Block Party Bash

An all-new Disney-Pixar inspired parade, Block Party Bash, will enable guests to sing and dance along with their favorite characters from such hit Disney animated films as A Bug’s Life, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille and Toy Story. The Block Party Bash also features high-flying acrobatics and is a must-see for guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting in the spring of 2008 (replacing the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade). .

High School Musical 2: School’s Out!

The interactive High School Musical 2: School’s Out show makes it debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a lively cast that dances and sings to hit songs from the wildly successful Disney Channel original film, “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” Catch “Wildcat fever” at the High School Musical 2: School’s Out show, which will be presented multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Jedi Training Academy

Based on the incredibly popular Star Wars films, the Jedi Training Academy at Star Tours features an intergalactic entertainment experience that gives young Jedi students the opportunity to learn the “ways of the force” in order to battle and defeat the evil Darth Vader and his minions. The Jedi Training Academy will take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Play House Disney-Live on Stage!

A whole new Play House Disney show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include a host of new Disney Channel characters from such programs as “Handy Manny,” “Little Einsteins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Designed for preschoolers, the live Play House Disney show will last approximately 20 minutes and take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Playhouse Disney is located on Soundstage 5 in the Animation Courtyard, directly across from The Magic of Disney Animation.

Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity . . . and beyond! Inspired by the classic Disney-Pixar animated movie, Toy Story, Toy Story Mania! will make its debut in the summer of 2008 as the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With state-of-the-art, 3-D technology, this thrilling interactive ride will take guests on a wild adventure through a video game where they use spring-action shooters to toss rings at aliens, throw eggs at barnyard targets and launch darts at balloons (scoring points in the process just like at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin). Toy Story Mania! will feature all your favorite Toy Story characters such as Woody, Hamm, Rex and much more.

In addition, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be an integral part of Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration, which has been extended throughout 2008. Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration will feature the Disney Dreams Giveaway, which boasts “more dreams that only Disney can make true” such as a night’s stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, a star-studded trip to the “High School Musical 3″ film premiere, a flight in a hot air balloon high above a Disney World theme park or a private day at Disney’s tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Special events such as ABC Super Soap Weekend (November), the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (November-January), ESPN the Weekend (late February) and Star Wars Weekends (June) will continue to take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008. In addition, Night of Joy at Walt Disney World will be hosted for the first time by Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Held in early September (September 5 and 6 for 2008), Night of Joy features some of the most talented singers in contemporary Christian music for a magical celebration full of joy and inspiration. Four popular acts have already confirmed for the 2008 Night of Joy: MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Rush of Fools.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 will also continue to feature opportunities for kids of all ages to meet and greet their favorite characters such as the Power Rangers, JoJo and Goliath and Little Einsteins as well as Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar’s animated movies, Cars.

“Make plans to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 and experience all of the new entertainment options that this dynamic Disney World theme park has to offer,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com. “And by booking your Disney World vacation online today, you can enjoy unbeatable savings on discount Disney tickets, hotels near Disney and Disney World vacation packages.”

Orlando, Florida Guide, the best guide to Orlando, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount Sea World Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.

Kathak is one of the most famous dance of North India. Kathak Mahotsav, is India’s important dance festival it is conducted every year in the month of October. This dance festival takes place in New Delhi the National Capital Territory. Many veteran dancers from all around the country give performance in this festival; it comprises of both solo dance and group dance performances by some of the famous dancers.
 
This dance is prepared by the institution called The Kathak Kendra. This is one of the leading institutions of the country imparting the knowledge of music and dance in India. The foundation of the institution was laid in the year 1964. Kathak Kendra is also the component of Sangeet Natak Akademi. There are many courses which are offered by the academy which includes both vocal music and Kathak Dance. 
Air:  One can reach Delhi conveniently by air all important International Flights around the world fly through Delhi, as it is the chief doorway city of north India with a contemporary airport. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is situated at a distance of  23 kms south-west of Central Delhi. There is also a domestic airport at Palam which is just 5 kms from the international airport.
There is good facility of taxies both at Domestic and International Airports. There are air-conditioned and non- air conditioned coach counter situated outside the customs hall for the convenience of the passengers.
Rail : The country has well developed railway network Delhi is nucleus of the Indian Railways. Form here one can get express trains easily. There are 2 main railway stations in the city one is in New Delhi and the other one is in Old Delhi. The New Delhi railway station is at a short distance from Connaught Place and Delhi Central is at a distance of 7kms from Connaught Place. The foreigners to the city can get their tickets from International Tourist Bureau.
Bus :  Buses are available for the passengers from all the important places in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, for going to Delhi. The travel becomes very comfortable as during the summers one can board air-condition busses which offer cozy and convenient journey. There is also the facility of [DTC] or Delhi Transport Corporation which offer special services to the travelers from the Delhi Central to the different parts of the Delhi city.

They say that a city’s entertainment and recreational options speak volumes about that city’s prospects as a desirable and rewarding place to live. If such were the case, then Manchester’s vibrant entertainment options certainly speak volumes about the joy of living in this fine, fun-filled city. Manchester is an absolute standout when one considers the depth and breadth of its entertainment options in the field of art, cinema, dance, music, theatre, museums, sports and the performing arts.

Take for example the Lowry at Salford Quays, inaugurated in 2000 at a cost of £21m, courtesy of the National Lottery fund. Located near the Imperial War Museum North and the Old Trafford football stadium, The Lowry is best known for keeping the biggest collection of L.S. Lowry’s original paintings. Art is its soul, they say, but the Lowry has more to offer than just art. It also houses two theatres that regularly feature touring plays as well as musicians and comedians. These are the Lyric, believed to have the largest stage in the United Kingdom, outside of London’s West End, and the Quays.

Located at the city centre, the Whitworth Art Gallery regularly stages eye-opening, innovative exhibitions and houses over 31,000 great modern pieces, including paintings by Constable, Turner and other masters. The gallery has an impressive collection of watercolours, wallpapers and textiles. Among its most famous pieces is the marble sculpture Genesis by Sir Jacob Epstein.

Cornerhouse on Oxford Road is renowned for its contemporary and cutting-edge multi-media visual art displays. Since it opened in October 1985, the centre has established itself as a venue for artistic experimentation and innovation.

When it comes to contemporary dance performances, Dancehouse Theatre, home of the Northern Ballet School, stages regular performances all year round. The Lowry and the Green Room also stage dance performances throughout the year.

Manchester has a diverse array of musical offerings as well, ranging from classical and opera to pop, rock and jazz.

Bridgewater Hall is the seat of classical music in Manchester and home to the Halle Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata as well as a regular venue of the BBC Philharmonic. The city’s best professional musicians are usually products of the Royal Northern College of Music where they were trained to compose and perform musical scores, jazz concerts and opera arias, among others. Musically gifted children are taught the finer points of their craft at Chetham’s School of Music and these prodigies perform free lunchtime concerts for the public.

On the other hand, the city’s leading proponents of pop, rock and jazz converge at Manchester Academy, Labatt’s Apollo, Band on the Wall and Roadhouse. You will find well-known indie and dance bands at Manchester Academy while Labatt’s Apollo regularly hosts a diverse array of famous British and American singers as well as Asian superstars. Band on the Wall has nightly blues and jazz jam sessions while the musical stars of tomorrow hone their skills at the Roadhouse, a dark and sweaty basement venue. Numerous bars, pubs and nightclubs throughout the city host their own in-house live bands.

In addition, Manchester has many museums that chronicle not only the city’s rich history but also important milestones and landmarks of the United Kingdom and the world. For example, the Manchester Museum, which is owned by the University of Manchester, features over six million items from seven continents, including carvings from India, ancient Egyptian crafts from Africa, age-old art from the Mediterranean, fossils from Australia, pottery from the Americas and much more, including a fossilized Tyrannosaurus Rex from South Dakota.

Meanwhile, the Museum of Science and Industry is concerned with science, technology and industry, especially Manchester’s significant contributions in these areas, particularly in textiles, computing, communications, sewerage and sanitation. The People’s History Museum, located on The Pump House on Bridge Street, traces Manchester’s social culture, particularly with regard to the history of working people in the United Kingdom over the past 200 years. Manchester’s other notable museums include the Greater Manchester Police Museum, Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Jewish Museum, Pankhurst Centre, Urbis and The Gallery of Costume.

Manchester also has a dazzling array of clubs and nightspots for the local party people (check out the separate article on this website). Among the most popular venues are Rock World (rock ‘n roll and heavy metal), South, Phoenix and Paradise Factory (techno, trance and funky house); Prague V (gay friendly) and student-oriented venues such as Club Underground, The Ritz, The Brickhouse and 5th Avenue.

The theatre scene in Manchester is alive and well. The larger venues include the Palace Theatre, the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Manchester Opera House, which regularly hosts West End touring shows. Although relatively small and located at the basement of the Central Library, the Library Theatre has received glowing critical reviews for staging the works of modern playwrights. Other notable smaller theatres include the Green Room, Contact Theatre and Dancehouse. The Royal Northern College of Music has four theatre spaces for opera and classical music. In addition, Manchester has two widely-respected drama schools: the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre and the Arden School of Theatre.

Article by Susan Ashby of Manchester Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Manchester visit http://www.manchester-singles.co.uk