Street Beats to Bollywood: A Film & Arts Based Residency

Part 1: Teacher-Led Film Viewing (Flexible Timing – In Classroom)
Teachers may choose to screen either the 56 minute or 80 minute version of Call Me Dancer, depending on class schedule and instructional goals. A teacher guide and optional student worksheets are provided to support reflection and discussion. Students are introduced to core themes of identity, perseverance, and creative self expression.
Website & Film Trailer: www.CallMeDancer.com

Optional Discussion and Worksheets (provided):
Teachers may reinforce understanding of narrative structure, character motivation, and personal connection using a provided guide. Optional activities include reflective journaling, art based responses, and group discussion inspired by creative prompts tied to the film’s core themes.

Part 2: Artist Led Residency Sessions (option for 4 or 6 sessions, 60 minutes each)
The residency takes place in a classroom with desks moved aside or in a larger open space such as a multipurpose room. Teaching artist Amrita Shankar leads one session per week for four or six consecutive weeks, depending on the school’s preference.
Sessions introduce students to the foundations of Bollywood and hip hop dance while fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and freedom of expression. Students reflect on Call Me Dancer and its connection to their own dreams and goals, then move into physical practice. Classes begin with learning choreography to build comfort with movement and progress into guided freestyle exercises in small groups to encourage self discovery and community building. Each session includes time for small group sharing, helping students gradually become more comfortable being seen and heard.

The four week option focuses on foundational elements of both dance styles and freestyle workshopping. The six week option includes these elements and adds a 45 second Bollywood and hip hop choreography. Schools may select the option that best aligns with their schedule and goals.

If a large space is not available, the program can be fully adapted for the classroom. Movement can be scaled to small gestures, seated movement, or reflective and verbal responses. Students with limited mobility are fully included through creative participation that values observation, idea sharing, and reflection as essential parts of the group experience.

Amrita Shankar is an experienced teaching artist who has traveled to various cities across California to teach dance at public schools. She strives to foster a sense of confidence, individuality, and mutual support in her students. Amrita has trained in various dance styles for over 2 decades, including Bollywood, HipHop, Indian Classical styles, Jazz Funk, Argentine Tango, and Salsa. She values immersion in different styles/cultures and believes that doing so translates in how the youth interact with one another. Furthermore, diversifying experiences help students discover more about what feels right to themselves as artists and as human beings.

General Lesson Structure:
10 minutes: Student Led Warm-Ups
Students take turns leading warm ups under the guidance of Amrita. This section introduces basic anatomy and muscle groups, prepares students for physical movement, and builds confidence, leadership, and presentation skills.
25 minutes: Learning Choreography
Students explore the foundations of hip hop and Bollywood dance, including technique and musicality. They learn a 45 second choreographed sequence when participating in the six week option.
5 minutes: Smaller Group Performances
Students break into small groups to share what they have learned with one another. This encourages peer support, community building, and confidence in self expression.
20 minutes: Free-style Workshopping
Students will be guided through various freestyle exercises that will help them connect with their own unique expression as artists.
Final Session Reflection
During the final session, the freestyle portion is replaced with a group discussion. Students reflect on guided prompts connected to Call Me Dancer, their creative process, and how they feel after completing the residency.

Learning Goals:
+ Understand the foundations and stylistic elements of both Bollywood & Hiphop
+ Build confidence through small group performances and peer support
+ Discover individuality through free-style exercises
+ Develop interpersonal skills and a sense of interconnectedness
+ Reflect on the power of self-expression and perseverance as it relates to their unique lives and dreams