Beyond Rhythm:Dance as Expression, Education and Innovation
MCC
Mount Carmel College (MCC) stands as a pioneer of holistic education, committed to nurturing students into competent professionals and morally responsible individuals. Rooted in a legacy of academic excellence, MCC offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment enriched by advanced facilities and mentorship from distinguished faculty.
Guided by the visionary ideals of its foundress, Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima, Mount Carmel College strives to foster a “Civilization of Love”- the Kingdom of God manifested through knowledge, compassion, and service. Education at MCC transcends the classroom, promoting intellectual curiosity alongside ethical values and a deep sense of social responsibility.
With 71 vibrant co-curricular associations, MCC provides students with abundant opportunities to explore leadership, creativity, cultural expression, social outreach, sports, and innovation.These platforms play a vital role in holistic student development, nurturing talent, life skills, confidence, and character beyond academic achievement alone. At Mount Carmel College, education is a transformative journey-one that prepares individuals to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and inspire change in an ever evolving world.
IDA and collaborators
About IDA
Among MCC’s performing arts associations, the Indian Dance Association has emerged as a distinguished cultural ambassador ofthe institution. Over the years, it has represented the college at numerous state and national-level festivals in and aroundBengaluru, earning accolades and bringing laurels to the institution throughconsistent excellence.
Inspired by this legacy and guided by MCC’s educational ethos, the Indian Dance Association, under the stewardship of the Student
Welfare Team, now takes a significant step forward by organizing its first-ever National Level Conference. This pioneering initiative seeks to advance the performing arts through academic inquiry, while fostering meaningful scholarly engagement, dialogue, and exchange
among practitioners, educators, and researchers from across the country
About ICCR
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs dedicated to strengthening India’s cultural presence globally. Through a wide spectrum of initiatives—including international cultural festivals, artist exchanges, scholarship programmes, exhibitions, and academic collaborations.
ICCR promotes meaningful cultural dialogue between India and the world. With numerous cultural centres abroad and continuous engagement in performing arts, literature, and education, the Council serves as a bridge that highlights India’s rich heritage, diversity, and creative excellence. ICCR remains committed to fostering global understanding, friendship, and cultural harmony through the power of art and culture.
About VNDC
The Vishwakiran Nambi Dance Company (VNDC) is a prominent Bengaluru-based contemporary dance collective led by acclaimed choreographer and dance filmmaker Vishwakiran Nambi. The company is distinguished by its blend of global contemporary movement with traditional Indian disciplines, including Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu, and folk arts. VNDC uses dance as a powerful medium to explore complex socio-political and human themes, with notable productions such as Yele Oota (exploring food disparity) and Jaaga Illa (addressing urban congestion) being staged at prestigious venues like the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai.
The company actively engages in education and training through its affiliated Loka Studio for Movement Practices, which offers courses in contemporary dance, fitness, and aerial silks. Nambi’s work has earned international recognition, with his dance films, such as The Kitchen and Pyre, selected for various international film festivals. His innovative approach has also extended to cinematic choreography for South Indian feature films, and he recently received the Uday Shankar Choreography Award for his contributions to Indian contemporary dance innovation
About the Conference
Dance has long transcended the boundaries of entertainment to become a profound language of identity, history, and human expression. Titled Nrithya Sankalpah 1.0, the conference embodies a collective vision for dance, an intentional vow that unitespractitioners, scholars, and learners in reaffirming movement as purpose, practice, and trans-formative knowledge. Under the theme “Beyond Rhythm: Dance as Expression, Education and Innovation,” this year’s conference reflects on dance as a living, breathing force, one that shapes culture, illuminates knowledge systems, and responds to the changing world around us. The theme explores how movement becomes a medium to convey stories, emotions, philosophies, and collective memory. It invites scholars, performers, and learners to engage with dance not only as an artistic discipline but also as pedagogy, research, reflection, and transformation.
Mount Carmel College, with its long-standing commitment to nurturing the arts, has consistently upheld the vision of dance as a
cultural bridge and an educational tool. Rooted in values of excellence, tradition, and innovation, the college has supported diverse dance forms, encouraged young practitioners and provided platforms for meaningful dialogue between classical heritage and contemporary practice. Continuing this legacy, the 2026 conference reaffirms MCC’s dedication to celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage while embracing new perspectives that push the boundariesof rhythm, technique, and interpretation.
Schedule
Call for Research Papers
Themes for Submission
Scholars, practitioners, teachers, and students are invited to present papers on the following topics:
- Karnataka’s contribution to performing arts
- Relevance of dance in cinemas
- The growth of Bharatanatyam art in Karnataka
- The concept of Ashta Nayikas in Bharatanatyam
- Importance of body conditioning for dancers
- Impact of social media on dance
- Relevance of Bharatanatyam in the modern era
- Family structure and dance
- Exploring Talas in classical art forms
- Importance of funding bodies in promoting classical art forms
- Dance as a mode of therapy to promote emotional, social and physical wellness
Participants are encouraged to share this call widely and contribute to scholarly engagement.
Guidelines for Submission
Abstract and Full Paper Submission Guidelines
- Word Limit for ABSTRACT: 250- 300 words
- Word limit for FULL PAPER: 2000-2500 words
- Font:Times New Roman
- Font: Size:12
- Line Spacing: 1.5
- Document Format: Microsoft Word
- Must include the following sections: Purpose, Design/Methodology,
- Findings, Implications, and 4-5 Keywords
- Referencing Format: APA 7th Edition
Submit to: studentwelfare2325@gmail.com
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS: 14TH JANUARY 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR FINAL PAPER: 25TH FEBRUARY 2026
Registration Details
Registration Fee for:
- Participation: ₹500
Paper Presentation:
- Scholars & Students: ₹800
- Teachers & Professors: ₹120
Organising Committee
Convenor
Dr. Shlini P
Associate Professor/Student Welfare Officer
Dept. of Biochemistry
Co-Ordinators
Dr. Sandhya K S
Assistant Professor/Student Welfare Officer
Dept. of Biotechnology
Mrs. Anitha K V
Assistant Professor/Student Welfare Officer
Dept. of Kannada
Members
Dr. Tania Mukherjee
Associate Professor/Student WelfareOfficer
Dept. of Economics
Dr. Lakshmi S
Assistant Professor/Student Welfare Officer
Dept. of Commerce
Mrs. Priyanka Joe
Assistant Professor/Student WelfareOfficer
Dept. of Management Studies
Mrs. Sneha V
Assistant Professor/Student Welfare Officer
Dept. of Commerce
Student Co - Ordinators
Afreen Reesha
President, Student Council
Manya P S
Cultural Secretary, Student Council
Chandan D
Secretary, Indian Dance Association
Gopika Gowda N
Secretary, Indian Dance Association