Newsletter
Celebrating 2024: A Year of Joy, Growth & Gratitude
Showcasing VSDA’s Impact in 2024
A Celebration of Achievement: Our Arangetrams
This year marked a significant milestone for our dance academy, as we completed 75 Arangetrams—a testament to our commitment to nurturing dedicated dancers and preserving the rich tradition of Bharatanatyam. We are proud to share this celebration with our students and community, as each Arangetram represents a remarkable journey of passion, perseverance, and artistry.
Below, we share a few reflections from our students on their Arangetram experiences – stories that capture the joy of performance, personal growth, and unwavering dedication.
Artistry on Stage: Our Signature Productions of 2024
We proudly showcased two remarkable productions: Parampara: A Continuation and Infinite Facets: An Exploration of the Self.
Parampara paid homage to the legacy of Bharatanatyam, blending fresh choreography with timeless repertoire. Performed by our senior students and teachers, and accompanied by an exceptional live orchestra from the Bay Area, it highlighted the choreography of the next generation of VSDA dancers.
Infinite Facets: An Exploration of the Self, presented for Vishwa Shanthi’s 25th anniversary, offered a profound message of universal peace and oneness. Drawing inspiration from global spiritual traditions, it celebrated diversity and humanity’s cosmic journey through the vibrant lens of Bharatanatyam.
Spreading Joy Through Movement: Our Community Engagement
VSDA was proud to present several performances this year across the Bay Area, reinforcing our commitment to being an integral part of the local community. These performances allow us to engage with diverse audiences, share the richness of Bharatanatyam, and foster connections through art, which is central to our work.
Temple Performances
VSDA presented a curated repertoire of group performances at esteemed temples during prominent cultural festivals. Notable performances were presented at the Sri Ashta Lakshmi Temple during the Karthigai Masam Somavara Cultural Festival, Shri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Sri Kamakshi Community Center for the Navaratri Natyaseva, and Sanatana Dharma Kendra for the Navaratri Natyaseva series. These performances reflected VSDA’s commitment to showcasing classical art forms in spiritually enriching settings.
Inspiring Growth & Learning | Workshops & Masterclass
As part of our commitment to fostering community connections, we hosted two enriching workshops at Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy. Sri A Lakshmanaswamy, Director of Nrityalakshana, Chennai, offered our pre-arangetram students a fresh perspective by teaching a beautiful Varnam on Lord Muruga, building on their strong foundation at VSDA. Additionally, Bay Area’s renowned artist Ms. Neeti Solanki led a Bharatanatyam Makeup Workshop, where participants honed their performance makeup skills, enhancing their stage presence and professionalism.
Milestones that Shaped 2024
This year, we were thrilled to mark two significant milestones – the opening of our new branch in San Ramon and the launch of the 25th year celebrations, honoring a legacy of passion, dedication, and artistry.
Upcoming Events
In 2025, we are excited to celebrate our 25th year with an interesting lineup of events! Please find the schedule below.
