The Academy’s Group Coordinator R.Swaminathan extended his warm welcome and noted, “The Academy has 100 young girl students who are provided with free education, boarding and lodging. Besides regular subjects, they are also taught music, dancing and handicrafts. We are on a U.S.tour and our well-knit troupe has given several performances in different States to showcase their talents and skills-set in Bharatanatyam, Kathak and several folk dances. I sincerely thank Hindu Temple of Atlanta for helping us organize this dance performance at short notice. I am happy to see a packed auditorium of discerning audience who have understood our cause and come to support and motivate our performers. I request you all for your compassionate voluntary donations to help promote welfare of our girls.”

The emcee R.Shivram introduced six girl performers aged between 14 and 20. They are:-G.Lathamani,R.Suma,K.Rashmi,S.Sowmya,K.Pallavi and Gulabsha. The Group includes two sighted dancers who also team up as teacher and choreographer:-V.Shweta and N.Kavyashree.The two staff teachers are S.Latha and C.Sandhyarani.

One of the Dance teachers, Kavya, led the six dancers on stage for orientation. From center of the stage, they went to four corners of the stage to enable them to get the idea of its dimensions.

Shivram introduced the first Bharatanatyam dance. The dancers captivated the audience with their very first dance, where they paid floral and dance tribute to the deity, displaying their meticulous synchronization, facial expressions ,and hands and feet movements which elicited a huge applause.

The second Bharatanatyam dance was on ‘Six Chakras’. Kundalini is power in the form of a coiled serpent at the base of spine. By awakening this serpent power and making it pass through six chakras one can transcend from mundane to divine consciousness and attain eternal bliss. This dance too with its sheer artistry, and flawless execution, together with musical chants of Aum mesmerized the audience.

The Kathak dance that followed was set to a composition of Prabandh–‘One that is bound’. “Composition of Prabandha brings joy to the performer and onlookers alike “said Shivram.The dance with its graceful
movements, elegance and subtle nuances blended with music was a delight to watch.

The next dance was Thillana.In this stunning rhythmic dance which reflected the virtuosity of various musical instruments and musical notes the lively dancers paid obeisance to Lord Nataraja.

The rapt audience was then treated to folk dances.Kolata dance is a traditional folk dance of the Karnataka State. This dance is akin to dandiya ras of Gujarat. It is a soft,graceful dance performed with colored sticks.

Kamsale is a palm-sized rhythm instrument made of brass. It is played in pairs.Kamsale in the left palm is hit by kamsale in the right palm as the dancers move around in different formations.This folk dance too enthralled the audience.



In the final folk dance,the dancers used swords and shields in martial movements in a stylized mock battle.The dancers performed with agility,concentration and verve.

For the audience this was an awareness-raising experience,amazed at what these visually challenged dancers could do. They lapped up and enthusiastically applauded this dazzling display of an exciting mix of classical and folk dances by the Academy’s students in fetching costumes,facial and hair adornments and tinkling ghunghroos. Mrs.Sujaya Dixit ,an Atlanta pioneer in Indian classical dance training and Mani Venkatesan on behalf of the Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam presented flower bouquets and token gifts of appreciation to R.Swaminathan and the entire team.

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