Rhythms of India 2009 -Atlanta Dunia -

A SPECTACULAR EVENT FOR A SPECIAL CAUSE
Rhythms of India 2009

The dance schools and regional communities in Atlanta came together to produce an evening of enchanting dance and music - an event that showcased Kuchipudi and Odissi items side by side with regional folk dances like Gondhal (Maharashtra) and Thiruvathira (Kerala). Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance forms contrasted traditional performances with newer evolutions based around modern tunes and themes. The dance items were orchestrated
around the theme of Apu - who is traveling around India encouraged by Lord Ganesha to learn about the rhythms and dance forms of India to impress his fiance - an expert dancer. The lighting, the visuals, choreography and the coordination were breathtaking - pulled together by a band of dedicated volunteers. The opportunity to witness several dance forms performed by talented artists on one stage in one night was indeed unique.

Participants: Shiv’s Institute of Dance, Odissi USA, TAMA - Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta, Kalaivani Dance and Music, Tandav Themes Dance Academy, Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, Natyanjali, Nritya Natya Kala Bharti, Maharashtra Mandal - Atlanta, Deeksha School of Performing Arts, Srivani Kuchipudi Dance Academy, GAMA – Greater Atlanta Malayali Association, GATS – Georgia Atlanta Tamil Sangam, Kruti Dance Academy
Chief Guest: Dr. Jag Seth
Organizers: Dr. Raktim Sen, Chand Akkineni, Nivedita Garabadu, Shweta Shetty, Abir Guha Thankurta, Shankar Sengupta, Prasad Shetty, Neeta Shenvi, Pritesh Patel, Isha Vandanam Primary Speakers: Dr. Anatha Kamath, President of IACA, Dr. Paddy Sharma, Chairman, Chand Akkineni and Vir Nanda, Co-chairs of India Center Committee

The Cause: The India Center
North of downtown Atlanta, on Coopers Lake Drive in Smyrna, India American Cultural Association has acquired 10.2 acres of land with the intent to build a temple and an India Center. The Rhythms of India program was organized to raise funds for the India Center. The India Center will address the burgeoning needs of community for conventions, seminars, festivals, banquets and also providing a convenient home for daily activities like tutoring,
musical and art lessons. Future high quality events of a similar nature - that highlight the diversity and vibrant South Asian diaspora in Atlanta - are planned to raise funds for this important milestone for Indian American communities across the metropolis.

For more information: Chand Akkineni