Folk Dance Consultancy & Curation
Available across India
I curate and anchor folk dance performances for events, connect you with the right artists, and offer research-backed guidance to make your project authentic and meaningful.
Pricing Guide
Single Folk Art Troupe Performance
Performance Configuration
- Troupe Size: 8 to 12 authentic folk artists depending on the chosen art form.
- Duration: 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity performance. Can be split into two entries (e.g., Welcome fanfare + Stage act).
- Art Form Options: Choice of one specific Karnataka folk form per booking (Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale, Puja Kunitha, or Jogati Nruthya).
Logistics & Standards
- Authentic Gear: Usage of original, tuned instruments (seasoned animal hide drums, heavy metal cymbals) rather than studio tracks.
- Costuming: Traditional attire relevant to the specific region (turbans, coarse cotton dhotis), strictly avoiding shiny polyester costumes.
- Makeup: Professional stage makeup for artists with traditional face markings.
- Management: On-site coordination for artist punctuality and stage management.
Curated Cultural Kaleidoscope Showcase
Showcase Structure
- Concept & Curation: A cohesive flow designed by Sneha Kappanna, blending different energies (e.g., ritualistic invocation, storytelling, percussion climax).
- The Anchor: Live narration by Sneha Kappanna (English/Kannada) providing historical context and translations to make the art accessible.
- Artist Composition: Large ensemble of 20 to 25 artists.
- Variety: Inclusion of 3 distinct art forms in one show (e.g., Yakshagana excerpt + Kamsale + Pooja Kunitha).
Production & Logistics
- Stage Management: Full cues management (lights/sound) by the technical lead.
- Interactive Element: Optional 10-minute workshop segment for audience participation.
- VIP Handling: Coordination for bringing guests onto stage for traditional lamp lighting or honoring ceremonies.
- Travel: Includes transport for the entire troupe within city limits.
Custom Choreography & Training Package
Creative Direction
- Concept & Research: Selection of an authentic theme grounded in academic research.
- Music Editing: Basic editing of tracks to fit the choreography length.
- Choreography Design: Creation of movement patterns suitable for the skill level of non-dancer participants.
Training & Execution
- Rehearsal Sessions: Up to 15 hours of in-person training sessions conducting by Sneha Kappanna or senior associates.
- Dress Rehearsal: One supervised technical run-through with costumes and stage blocking.
- Aesthetics Consultancy: Guidance on sourcing authentic costumes, jewelry, and props (rental costs borne by client).
About Folk Dance Consultancy & Curation
Stories in Every Step
Dance is how I talk to the world - sometimes it's a quiet prayer, sometimes a full-on celebration. My dad always said, "Namma naadu, namma kale, namma kathae" (our land, our art, our story). That's in everything I do. I help you find the real heart of folk traditions, not just the surface.
What I Bring
- Over 25 years living, learning, and performing folk dance.
- Help with folk dance event curation for festivals, big government shows, or even street processions.
- Personally anchor and design performances so every bit makes sense to your audience.
- Massive folk artist network - from solo acts to 300 performers, I can pull the right team together.
Digging Deeper
- Written "Nrutya Beru" on Karnataka's folk dances (Kannada & English).
- Offer academic folk dance research support, including talks, papers, and live demos.
- Workshops for dancers and theatre folks, all rooted in Indian traditional choreography but open to new ideas.
Where My Feet Have Led Me
- G20 - Woman’s Conclave, Ministry of Tourism’s Discover Mysuru, Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava.
- Everything from Kamsale and Dollu Kunitha in Karnataka to Manipuri Maharas and Faug from Haryana.
- Even curated for international traditional dance collaborations.
Folk dance isn’t just my job - it’s my way of keeping our stories alive. If you want your event or project to actually mean something, let’s talk.
Meet your Expert
Sneha Kappanna
23 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaskara! Sneha here. My Ma and Seenanna shaped me, especially when Appa said, 'Be the best tea seller if you sell tea.' Dropped science, found dance. I’m a retrophile, obsessed with old art and temples. My work is my Gurus’ blessings, my folk dance book 'Nrutya Beru' is surreal. Dance is my prayer, my conversation with the universe. Single mom life gets lonely sometimes, but these stories and dances keep me alive and kicking.
My Work
Choreography, Acting & Storytelling - I mix choreography, acting, and storytelling - it’s never just one thing with me.
Women-Led Comedy Plays - I perform paisaa vasool (worth your money) comedy/satire plays with my friends. Real, raw, and hilarious.
Interactive Storytelling Sessions - I do lively storytelling for kids, like 'Thimmakka ajji kathegallu', making stories come alive.
Karnataka Folk Dance Research - I direct Bhramari Dance and dive deep into Karnataka folk dance roots. My book 'Nrutya Beru' came from this.
Summer Theatre Workshops for Kids - Vacation time means theatre workshops for kids - acting, fun, and friendships all rolled in.
