ArtsSprouts
What is it? 
Integrating performing arts into schools and education teach young minds how to think dynamically, imagine vividly, and empathise deeply. By stepping onto the performing arts, students transform into bold public speakers, curious individuals, and persuaders of creative grit needed to turn mistakes into success. Ultimately, such activities do not just create artists; they build the ultimate foundation for lifelong human experiences and collective excellence. Pickle Factory Dance Foundation focuses on collaborating with schools to open new paths of arts-integrated education for children through performing arts.
Misinformation Matters
7 February 2025
Artists: AWA – As We Are, Luxembourg
Schools Participation: faculty and senior students
Misinformation Matters was a session in collaboration with Alt Ed, which invited government and private school educators, civil society organisations and some students to address issues of media representation, power and perception. AWA’s Shoot the Cameraman – with its constant play between the live / real and the camera lens / projections was an appropriate provocation for a panel discussion between AWA director Baptiste Hilbert, author, journalist, and mediaperson Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, and representatives from Alt Ed and Pickle Factory Dance Foundation. The event also included a performance and exhibition on these questions, developed by a government school from Naihati that Alt Ed works with.
Don Gnu at Mahadevi Birla World Academy
13 March 2024
Artists: Jeppe Kaas Vad and Jesper Holm from Don Gnu, Aarhus-Denmark
Student Participation: 53
On 13 March, 53 students from Mahadevi Birla World Academy and inclusive school Akshar, experienced a one-of-a-kind physical theatre, dance, martial arts and fun based workshop conducted by Jeppe Kaas Vad and Jesper Holm … with a bit of Bollywood thrown in.
Each second of that workshop is unforgettable- from the first moment when we dropped all inhibitions and freely moved our bodies,pushing our limits or mimicking each other, till the very end when we learned a bit of choreography from their show ‘Walk-Man.’ We even got to ask the members of Don Gnu questions about their professional life and experience in India. On 15.03.24, as we sat on the edge of our seats awaiting the commencement of Don Gnu’s performance of ‘Walk-Man’ at the prestigious GD Birla Sabhagar, we never imagined that the show would be such a treat to the mind and soul. The performers were outstanding and the energy in the room was electric. The idea behind the show originated from the simple yet profound experiences one can have while navigating crossroads in daily life. The dance routine showcased a perfect blend of awe-inspiring displays of athleticism and delicate moments of intimacy. The dancers exhibited exceptional versatility, effortlessly shifting between solos, duets, and ensemble segments. Every step and gesture conveyed a powerful emotion and intention, transporting the spectators to the narrative unfolding on the stage. Additionally, the Bollywood representation in the piece was quite amusing.
Sayona Sarkar
XI H, Mahadevi Birla World Academy
Schools show of Walk-man
15 March 2025
Artists: Don Gnu, Aarhus-Denmark
Students Participation: 200
A few days before ‘International Take a Child to the Theatre Day’ 200 students from various schools and NGOs came to G. D. Birla Sabhagar for a special morning show of Walk-Man by Don Gnu. The pre-show interaction explored various crazy ways of crossing the street, ultimately asking the real-life question “How should we cross a street responsibly?”. The show Walk-Man was an amalgamation of great artistry, athleticism, high comedy, timing and poetry in motion, emerging from the simple act of being a pedestrian and then taking off into great imaginative heights, brought to life by these 4 exceptionally trained theatre-dance practitioners. Post show the students showered our guests with a volley of questions and positive feedback in their excitement from the show. It was a first time experience for many in the audience.
Theatre for young people is particularly important to us. We know how valuable sharing an electric live performance experience with one’s peers can be for young audiences. Often these can be lifelong memories. Live theatre opens up spaces in the brain, and spaces for multiple interpretations and opinions that students have rare access to in today’s world of black and white that address & develop multiple intelligences in children and enhance classroom learning outcomes through the arts.
The show was spectacular- the artful performers delivered each moment with extreme precision and drew the perfect balance between power and delicacy. The show gave us a fair amount of laughter, simultaneously imparting a strong message. It beautifully illustrates the casual intimacy and vulnerability present in everyday moments that we often ignore, serving as a reminder to romanticise life and break the monotony. Furthermore, the minimalist setup on stage really highlights the degree of raw expression present in each and every movement of the performers.’
Tahera Fatima Javed
XI F, Mahadevi Birla World Academy
