International Dance Day and Stage Shows When Nandhini Ashok started Shree Paavitra Arts Academy (SPAA), it was her dream to see world class artists perform on one stage under the SPAA banner. In 2008, she brought this dream to life with a large scale program on International Dance Day. This was also SPAA’s foray into event management in a big way. Celebrating the 26th International Dance Day at Nehru Centre, Mumbai, Nandhini and her students shared the evening’s performance with renowned Odissi artist Dona Ganguly from Kolkata and Kuchipudi dancer Jaya Priya Vikraman from Chennai. The synergy and talent displayed that evening ensured that the International Dance Day program became an annual event. In the following years, different artists like Yashoda Thakore, Kalarippayattu artists, Ramli Ibrahim and Geethika Sree from Malaysia, Odissi performer Ranjana Gauhar and Kathak dancer Shri Vikram Iyengar have graced the stage. We have celebrated International Dance Day in the true spirit of the event, by bringing the global dance community together. It has become an opportunity for SPAA students to learn how to organize, get sponsorship and of course, perform in front of a large audience. The brochures also include all the notes from our students and teachers on what dance means to them.

30-4-2008

• Performance by DONA GANGULY (ODISSI) renowned Odissi artist Dona Ganguly from Kolkata
• Performance by JAYAPRIYA VIKRAMAN (KUCHUPUDI)

25-4-2009

• Performance by RANJANA GAUHAR (ODISSI)
• Performance by VIKRAM IYENGAR (KATHAK)

10-4-2010

• Performance by YASHODA THAKORE (VILASINI NATYAM)
• Performance by KADATHANAD CHEKOR KALARI SANGAM (KALARI PAYATTU)

14-4-2012

• Performance by RAMLI IBRAHIM (FROM MALAYSIA) (ODISSI)

20-4-2013

• Performance by RAJENDRA KULKARNI (HINDUSTANI FLUTE -FROM POONA)
• Performance by VIDYA HARIKRISHNA (CARNATIC VOCAL)
• Performance by KUSH KUSHARI (BHARATANATYAM –FROM CALCUTTA)

Other events and stage shows organized by SPAA are the annual Dussehra program and the Margazhi Festival. Through these, we: • Bring in upcoming artists
• Give a platform to different artists like Hindustani Classical, Carnatic, Instrumental and even Theatre under one roof.
• How it will help the underprivileged? We allot 250 seats for them in the auditorium and invite their family members. This gives them exposure to our Indian art and music styles. By their family members attending, we are able to guide and assure them of the future of their children. So we not only teach the child, but we also make the family aware and educate them about our Indian art forms.