Contemporary dance roots you in present, while reaching for the future: Jayachandran Palazhy

When Jayachandran Palazhy began working with contemporary dance in Bengaluru over two decades ago, the form was still unfamiliar to most audiences in the city, he reveals. Trained in multiple move ment practices and deeply curious about how bodies respond to their social and cultural contexts, Jayachandran’s journey in dance has unfolded alongside Bengaluru’s own evolution into a major hub for contemporary movement. Looking back, as his space Attakkalari marks 25 years of existence this year, he sees this growth not as a linear personal achievement but as something shaped by time, openness and collaboration.

‘IT WAS NEVER A SINGULAR EFFORT; IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN COLLECTIVE’
“When I started working in Bengaluru, there was hardly any contemporary dance here. Over the years, more dancers began training, performing and creating work in the city,” Jayachandran recalls. His own practice expanded through constant dialogue, with dancers, choreographers and artistes from other disciplines that were crucial in shaping both his artistic language and the larger dance ecosystem around him.


‘PEOPLE IN BENGALURU ARE INTERESTED IN REFLECTING ON THEIR LIVES TODAY’Jayachandran believes the city’s openness has played a significant role in shaping his journey. “Bengaluru has a very receptive population. There are many young people from different parts of the country, and increasingly from across the world. They are curious about new forms of somatic expression and interested in re ecting on their lives today,” he says. That curiosity, he feels, continues to create space for contemporary dance to evolve.

‘IF YOU SEE GOOD CONTEMPORARY DANCE, YOU FEEL THE PULSE OF SOCIETY’
“Contemporary dance is inseparable from the time and place in which it is created. It is the embodiment of our reality, our memories, aspirations and the future we imagine. You are rooted in the present, but at the same time, you can almost touch the future,” he explains. This philosophy has consistently informed his choreographic work and his approach to men toring younger dancers.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”