Courses

Watch a live art lesson where an instructor creates a figure drawing of a dancer using black and white charcoal on gray paper within a 45-minute timeframe. Focus on essential drawing elements including proportion, shape, and value as the drawing develops. This video tutorial from the "Gettin' Sketchy" series demonstrates techniques for capturing the human form in a dynamic pose. For additional learning resources, explore related courses including The Charcoal Drawing Course, 25 Days to Better Drawing, Portrait Drawing The Smart Way, and Figure Drawing with Charcoal, all available through The Virtual Instructor platform.

Create a captivating sky dancer animation using Blender 2.83 in this 24-minute tutorial. Learn step-by-step techniques to bring a vibrant, inflatable character to life through dynamic movements and realistic physics. Explore advanced animation principles, cloth simulation, and wind effects to achieve a fluid and eye-catching result. Perfect for intermediate Blender users looking to enhance their 3D animation skills and add a whimsical touch to their portfolio.

Learn how to create a sky dancer animation in Blender with this easy 15-minute beginner's tutorial. Follow step-by-step instructions to model, animate, and bring to life a waving inflatable tube character commonly seen at car dealerships and events. Perfect for those new to Blender, this tutorial covers essential techniques while keeping the process accessible. Gain valuable 3D animation skills that can be applied to other creative projects in Blender.

Embark on an inspiring journey with legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan in this TEDx talk. Discover how a young background dancer rose to become one of India's most respected dance choreographers, revolutionizing the industry along the way. Learn about Khan's four-decade career, from her start as a child artist to choreographing over 2,000 songs. Gain insights into her struggle, determination, and the path that led her to work with iconic actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. Explore how Khan used her talent and acclaim to fight for the rights of lesser-known artists, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi Cinema. This 20-minute talk offers a captivating look at the life and legacy of a true Bollywood legend.

Embark on an inspiring journey through the world of Kathak dance in this 19-minute TEDx talk by renowned dancer Maneesha Sathe. Discover how passion, dedication, and sacrifice can transform a beloved art form into a lifelong profession. Explore the rigorous practice, family support, and deep connection to the ancient art that have shaped Sathe's legacy in the field of Kathak. Learn about her contributions through Maanesha Nityalaya, a dance academy approaching its golden jubilee, which has trained students globally. Gain insights into redefining success through the lens of classical Indian dance and witness the story of a living Kathak legend whose grace and dedication have pushed the boundaries of this traditional art form.

Explore the poignant journey of a dancer's career and its inevitable conclusion in this TEDx talk by Silas Henriksen. Delve into the unique challenges faced by professional dancers as they confront the physical toll of their craft and the emotional impact of transitioning away from the stage. Gain insights into the ephemeral nature of dance performance, where the only lasting physical evidence of a career may be the injuries sustained. Learn from Henriksen's personal experiences as a principal dancer with The Norwegian National Ballet and The Netherlands Dance Theatre, performing on prestigious stages worldwide. Discover how leaving a dance career can be a multifaceted and painful process, and reflect on the broader implications of career transitions in physically demanding professions.

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of Odissi dance with Padma Shri Aruna Mohanty in this inspiring TEDx talk. Witness a mesmerizing performance that seamlessly blends non-verbal artistry with verbal interaction, elevating the Odissi dance form to new heights. Explore the profound symbolism and meaning behind each carefully choreographed step as Mohanty shares her life's journey and the transformative power of dance. Gain insights from her nearly five decades of experience as a dancer, choreographer, and guru, and discover how she has used her art to address contemporary social issues. Learn about her innovative choreographies, including works that depict natural disasters, historical figures, and literary masterpieces. Delve into Mohanty's research on dance, exploring topics such as the representation of male dancers in classical sculpture and the evolution of Odissi in post-Independence India. Be inspired by this eminent cultural icon as she demonstrates how dance can be a powerful medium for self-discovery and social commentary.

Explore a powerful TEDx talk that combines dance, music, and dialogue to deliver an insightful examination of the challenges, qualities, and divine potential of brown women. Join Sandarangi Perera, a Sri Lankan dancer, choreographer, and founder of Vibe Dance Academy, as she shares her journey and perspectives. Discover how Perera's diverse dance background, including Kandyan dancing and Commercial HipHop, has shaped her unique style and choreography. Gain inspiration from her international training experiences and learn about the impact of cultural influences on artistic expression. Delve into the empowering message of this locally organized TEDx event, which follows the TED conference format to bring innovative ideas to the community.

Discover the inspiring journey of Shruti Sinha in this 24-minute TEDx talk at TEDxHansrajCollegeWomen. Learn how passion-driven success can lead to infinite possibilities as Shruti shares her experiences as a phenomenal dancer and MTV personality. Explore her rise to fame through various reality shows, including Dance India Dance, MTV Roadies Xtreme, and MTV Splitsvilla. Gain insights into her Bollywood debut and her courageous act of busting a sex racket at the age of 17. Be inspired by Shruti's story of resilience and determination, and understand the importance of women standing up against societal stereotypes and giving voice to the oppressed.

Embark on a 19-minute journey with professional dancer Dhananjay Joshi as he delivers an inspiring TEDx talk at IIT Roorkee. Discover the emotional story behind his bold decision to pursue dance as a career, despite the potential struggles his father may have faced. Follow Joshi's path from acknowledging his father's hardships to achieving success as a mesmerizing performer and first runner-up on the popular dance reality show, Dance Plus. Learn how he overcame challenges to reach his current level of artistry and be moved by his touching dedication of his accomplishments to his father. Gain inspiration from this independently organized TEDx event that showcases the power of following one's dreams and honoring family legacy.

Explore a captivating TEDx talk by Aditya Garud, an Indian classical Kathak dancer, as he shares his journey of making unconventional choices in pursuit of his passion. Discover how Garud, coming from a family of bureaucrats with no artistic background, found the courage to listen to his inner voice and follow his purpose in dance. Learn about his challenges in communicating his dreams to the world and repeatedly believing in himself despite external doubts. Gain insights into Garud's unique path, from being the only student in Kathak and Psychology classes to creating his own space in Kathak and representing India on international stages. Understand how he has inspired many male dancers to learn Kathak and founded the Aditya Garud Dance Company to promote this classical art form. Delve into Garud's multifaceted approach to dance, including his work as a Dance Movement Therapy practitioner and his efforts to impact lives through movement therapy counseling with his NGO, Angikam. Be inspired by Garud's message of authenticity and perseverance in following one's true calling.

Watch a powerful 20-minute TED talk where renowned classical Indian dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant shares her inspiring journey of battling cancer through dance. Discover how she faced the disease head-on, using her art form as a source of strength and metaphor for resilience. Experience a moving performance that illustrates her personal story of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

Explore the transformative power of dance in this 24-minute TEDx talk by renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Nirupama Rajendra. Discover how she used the art of movement to express the world's beauty during the pandemic lockdown. Witness a captivating live demonstration as Rajendra breaks down intricate dance movements, explaining their concepts and meanings. Learn about the rich diversity of Indian classical dance and its potential as a tool for personal growth and empowerment. Gain insights from this distinguished dancer, founder of 'Abhinava Dance Company,' and recipient of prestigious awards, as she shares her innovative approach to blending traditional Indian dance forms with contemporary art. Broaden your understanding of freedom through the lens of classical dance in this thought-provoking presentation.

Explore how artists lead the rebellion against stereotypes through creative expression in this TEDx talk by Kavitha Ramu, an IAS officer and accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. Discover the journey of a multifaceted individual who balances a successful administrative career with a lifelong passion for dance. Learn about Ramu's inspiration from her father's service as an IAS officer, her exceptional UPSC rank, and her current role as the chief executive officer of Chennai metropolitan development authority. Gain insights into her contributions to various government departments and her two decades of dedication to Bharatanatyam. Understand how Ramu's artistic achievements, including prestigious titles like "Nadanamamani" and "Yevakala Barathi," complement her administrative excellence, making her a remarkable role model for breaking stereotypes and pursuing diverse passions.

Embark on a captivating TEDx talk that explores the transformative power of belief through the inspiring journey of Sunil Sunkara, a professional Kathak dancer. Discover how unwavering faith propelled Sunil from his teenage years to becoming a renowned artist, overcoming serious medical conditions along the way. Gain insights into the concept of "make-belief" and learn how to apply it in your own life. Witness the graceful fusion of artistry and resilience as Sunil shares his triumphs and failures, demonstrating the profound impact of persistence and passion. Draw inspiration from this chemical engineer turned dance academic head, who has performed worldwide and directs a philanthropic arts organization. Uncover the magic that lies at the intersection of art, belief, and personal growth in this thought-provoking presentation.

Watch a captivating TEDx talk by Rachana Yadav, a renowned Kathak dancer from Delhi, as she shares her inspiring journey of embracing classical dance at the age of 30. Discover how Yadav overcame mental blocks and self-imposed limitations to become a graded artist of Doordarshan and gain global recognition for her choreographic brilliance. Explore the profound connection between art, spirituality, and personal growth through her mesmerizing performance and insightful narrative. Learn about Yadav's multifaceted career as a dancer, publisher, and managing director of HANS, India's largest Hindi literary journal. Gain inspiration from her story of cultural preservation and artistic innovation, as she demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue your passions and break through self-imposed barriers.

Embark on a captivating journey through the life of professional dancer Rita Rossi in this TEDxFrutillar talk. Explore pivotal moments that shaped her career, from her first stage appearance at age 6 in Rieti, Italy, to her 12-year tenure with the Chilean National Ballet. Discover the importance of parental support in nurturing dreams as Rossi encourages parents to become "ember blowers" for their children's aspirations. Gain insights from her 17-year experience between Santiago and southern Chile, and her current role as Director of Dance at the Teatro del Lago School of the Arts. This 14-minute presentation offers a unique perspective on the pursuit of passion and the power of dreams from an Italian-Chilean artist who has graced stages in Italy, France, and Chile.

Too much is never enough for actress, singer, dancer and expert sewist Marcy Harriell. From a jazzy jean jacket to a feathered mini, watch her transform old clothes into next-level glam … all in a day’s work.

Explore the journey of actor, dancer, and humanitarian Meghana Gaonkar in this inspiring TEDx talk. Discover how Gaonkar navigated through uncertainties to create possibilities in her multifaceted career. Learn about her experiences as a trained dancer at Shiamak Davar's Institute, her performances at international events like the Commonwealth Games, and her transition into film acting and television hosting. Gain insights into Gaonkar's diverse roles in Kannada cinema, her nominations for prestigious awards, and her ongoing projects. Delve into her passion for travel, writing, and philanthropy, and understand how she balances her artistic pursuits with academic achievements, including her pursuit of a Ph.D. in Literature. Draw inspiration from Gaonkar's story of perseverance and versatility in the face of life's uncertainties.

Go on location with Joe McNally to photograph a belly dancer. Learn about researching a subject, gathering the right gear, and transforming a location to complement your subject.