Avartan Dance Foundation

What did it mean to be recognised for work that had to create its own space?

Hrishikesh Pawar and the Avartan Dance Foundation have spent more than 15 years creating awareness around Parkinson’s disease and therapeutic movement , working at the intersection of art, movement and wellness, in a space where the infrastructure did not always exist.

In 2025, that journey received a recognition that meant more than an award. The Bowen Inclusive Award for Choreography, presented by Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD, was awarded to Hrishikesh Pawar and the Avartan Dance Foundation.

Sometimes, recognition is the encouragement an artist needs to keep going. To keep pushing. To keep asking what is possible.

And that is what followed.

Hours of movement, conversations, research and documentation came together as Rhythms of Resilience, a dual work comprising a performance production by members of Avartan Dance Foundation’s Parkinson’s Dance group, and a deeply moving documentary exploring what Parkinson’s disease does to the body.

Directed by Sudarshan Hake, the film has since been screened across various spaces.

Now, we want you to see it.

🎥 RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE
YouTube Premiere | Link in bio | 28 August

Watch it on your television, laptop or phone. But more importantly, listen.

Listen to stories of resilience that go beyond the body and beyond disability. Watch what it takes to move beyond what holds you back.

This is a film for young bodies, old bodies, ageing bodies, energetic bodies , for anyone who believes that movement is the essence of life.

With Rhythms of Resilience, we would like to pass on the gift of movement to all of you.

Join us for the YouTube premiere on 28 August.

Come watch. Come listen. Come move with us.

Avartan Dance Foundation’s Therapeutic Dance Training Module for Facilitators is designed for individuals interested in working at the intersection of dance, movement, health, therapy and community practice.

Through 108 hours of training and observation, participants will explore movement practice, yoga, anatomy, contemporary movement, Dance Movement Therapy theory, pedagogy, outreach and community-based assignments. The program focuses on developing the skills to create safe, accessible and responsive movement experiences for diverse communities.

📅 7 September – 8 December 2026
⏰ Monday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday–Friday: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
💰 Module Fee: ₹15,000/-
📌 Last date to apply: 28 August 2026
🔗Registration Link- https://forms.gle/UKXU6ivkNqWjuzbx6

Link in bio.

Therapeutic Dance Training Module for Facilitators | Call for Applications

Avartan Dance Foundation, Pune invites applications for a 108-hour hybrid Therapeutic Dance Training Module for Facilitators, designed for those interested in exploring the intersection of dance, movement, health, therapy, and community practice.

📅 7 September – 8 December 2026
⏰ Monday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday–Friday: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
📍 Pune | Hybrid

📌 Application deadline: 28 August 2026

Scan the QR code on the poster to apply.

For queries and further information:
📧 [email protected]

What an incredible April! 💥From the magic of the 17th Prayatna Film and Dance Festival to the impactful conversations at our Dance for Parkinson’s Symposium, we are feeling incredibly inspired and grateful.

Now, our team is taking a brief pause to rest, recoup, and find new inspiration. We will see you back in the studio soon!

🗓 Note: All classes and activities will resume starting 1st June.

It takes a village to raise a child they say, but what about those who have raised a village? What goes into creating a community who have aged while caring for others?
The Second edition of the PD Symposium’s line up is a refreshing take on ageing bodies, persons with PD, meaning of care and support and redefining what resilience means to us all.

We have been able to do this with the support of Sancheti Healthcare Academy and its Executive Director, Manisha Sanghavi, for their wholehearted support of the Dance for Parkinson’s Symposium in Pune. We extend our deepest gratitude to them for being with us in this journey.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful association as we build connections to uplift lives.

We are excited and ready for the symposium and warmly welcome everyone to join us!

📍 Where: The Box, Pune
🗓️ When: 11th & 12th April 2026 | 10 AM to 2 PM
🔗 Register: Scan the QR code in this reel or click the link in our bio!

We look forward to seeing you there!
Book your spot now!