GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The ambition is to create a Global residency program that initially focuses on India in collaboration with Play Practice in Bangalore. By building a long-term relationship between two smaller and flexible structures, we can create a unique platform for artistic exchange and collaboration.
The goal is to establish a sustainable structure for recurring collaborations that include residencies, workshops, production of performances and dance films, talks, lectures and film screenings – both live and online. In addition to the artistic exchange, the project also includes the sharing of experiences in organization and production, which strengthens both parties.
With the Global Residency Program House of Possibilitas strives to broaden the Swedish and Nordic dance field by introducing new perspectives and methods. In 2026, we plan to connect more partners to the project.
PROJEKT 2025
The contemporary dance scene on Swedish stages is currently dominated by Western movement traditions. Even internationally renowned choreographers like Akram Khan, who draws inspiration from Indian dance, are often born, reside, and trained in the West.
Most residency programs for contemporary dance in Sweden focus on European and Western contemporary dancers. However, the world is much larger than this; there are professional choreographers and dance companies rooted in movement traditions beyond the Western canon—yet we rarely see them on our stages.
By establishing a long-term relationship with India, we aim to provide Swedish/Nordic choreographers and dancers the opportunity to be inspired by other expressions, traditions, and knowledge. At the same time, we offer Swedish audiences a chance to discover what contemporary dance can be beyond the Western aesthetic.
What is happening on the contemporary Indian dance scene? How do young Indian artists think and work today? The vision of this project is to open up Swedish/Nordic contemporary dance to new methods, ideas, aesthetics, and to challenge Western notions of what contemporary dance can be.
Exchange project in 2025
Artists
Abhilash Ningappa, India - dancer, choreographer, artistic leader of Play Practice
Gilda Stillbäck, Sweden - dancer, choreographer, actress, artistic leader of the Global Residency Program
Mukul Kumar, India - dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, poet
abhilash ningappa
Abhilash Ningappa is the Founder and Artistic Director of Play Practice Artists Residency based in India. He is recognized as a performer, choreographer, and teacher both nationally and internationally.
Abhilash holds post-graduate degrees from SEAD (Salzburg) and APASS (Advanced Performance and Scenography Studies) (Belgium) and is a trained yoga practitioner and martial art teacher in Kalari Payattu and contemporary dance. Abhilash has won the Pecda award for “Architect of Self Destruction” and has taught in many studios around the world. He has choreographed works and collaborated with artists, and is known for his workshops on Story Boarding, "Embodying Critical Situation," improvisation and composition, all focused on performance as a practice.
For the past 5 years, Abhilash has been organizing Play Practice Apprenticeship program and Yoga Practice Teachers training program. In 2019, he launched the first Fight Practice martial arts workshop and also organizes yearly residencies for artists in India.
play practice
Founded in 2012 in Bangalore, Play Practice is a creative hub dedicated to advancing high-quality performing arts projects, with a 60x30 ft studio designed to support professional endeavors and foster growth. Our programs include the Play Practice Apprenticeship Program—a three-week intensive for artists from around the world, International Workshops and Artist Residencies, which provide studio space and accommodation at accessible rates, culminating in performance evenings. Since 2012, our residencies have welcomed artists, academics, and curators, offering an environment for research, creation, and public presentation, with administrative support and connections to local performance opportunities. Play Practice grew from the Bangalore Dance Collective, founded by Artistic Director Abhilash Ningappa in 2009, evolving from a 100 sq ft space to a 1,800 sq ft studio , ready to support new artists and collaborations, with a focus on building enduring relationships within the global arts community. We continue to seek support to expand our residency offerings and maintain our commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement.
MUKUL KUMAR
A true aficionado of art for 15 years who finds his inner serenity within its enchanting realms. Mukul began training as a young dancer with a multitude of experts and esteemed national and international mentors in hip hop, house, ballet, butoh, contemporary, physical theatre and many more dance styles.
He assisted his mentor Sofia Dilenna in her workshops all over India for three years. It was during this period that he had a profound realisation - he wasn't authentically expressing himself through his artistry. This led him on the path of self discovery, eventually finding his own peace in dancing, which he named "body expressions" - expressing what the body truly wants to convey. Being a Bodhisattva practitioner for 9 years, a practice introduced to him by his father when he was young, he unearthed the incredible potential of art as a medium for meditation, which he now shares with the world through his workshops.
Mukul writes poetry that holds a symbolic message. He recently authored a book called "Am I me" chronicling his experiences and realisations from his Sadhana journey. Mukul also has a diploma in film direction from Aaft Noida, Uttar Pradesh and is active as an independent filmmaker and screenplay writer.
GILDA STILLBÄCK
Movement gives me sensation that gives me emotion that moves me
I started as a dancer and through the years my path has been growing wider through choreographing, directing and acting. One experience has been taking me to another, new interests have influenced me and my work has been changing, taking new expressions, shapes and colours. But the foundation of my artistic work is still the body. My physical and emotional body is my ally and motor in everything I do.
