We’ve reached Day Five of ‘12 Days of Milap’, and today we’re reflecting on our pioneering dance programme, Dance India.

Launched by Milap in 2007, Dance India quickly became one of the most influential global training intensives for Indian classical dance. Designed as a week-long residential experience, the programme created a vibrant learning environment led by some of the world’s most revered teachers and performers.

At a time when opportunities of this kind were rare, Dance India stood apart internationally. It offered students the invaluable opportunity to study closely with living legends – to ask questions, observe creative processes first-hand and deepen their understanding through dedicated practice. The programme became a space devoted to exploring nuance, depth, technique and tradition…

Dance India’s impact and popularity led to its expansion in Singapore in 2011 as Dance India Asia Pacific (DIAP) in partnership with Apsaras Arts, which later evolved into today’s IPAC.

Students learned from an extraordinary roster of acclaimed dancers, including Pandit Birju Maharaj, Prof CV Chandrasekhar, Kumudini Kakhia, the Dhananjayans, Bragha Bessell, Madhavi Mudgal, Rajendra Gangani, Priyadarsini Govind, Sujata Mohapatra and many more – each bringing their own invaluable insights, experience and artistic voice to the programme.

Participants travelled from over 20 countries to the North West, creating an international community united by a shared commitment to Indian classical dance. They immersed themselves in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Kuchipudi, building lifelong networks and collaborations. 

Today, many alumni now lead their own schools, companies and creative projects across the globe – a powerful testament to Dance India’s enduring legacy.