Salangai Speaks
VSDA Newsletter
Preserving Heritage Through Arts: VSIDT’s Mission and ‘Kanha Kanna’
Vishwa Shanthi Indian Dance Theater (VSIDT) is a non-profit organization, separate from our dance school, that is dedicated to promoting premier Indian classical dance performances and increasing public appreciation for these enduring artistic traditions and cultural heritage.
As part of its ongoing commitment to authentic artistic expression, VSIDT presented its inaugural event, ‘Kanha Kanna – My Krishna’—an original thematic production that explores the divine journey of Lord Krishna, bringing together accomplished dancers from five esteemed Bay Area dance schools.
Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy shared the stage with performers representing five distinct Indian Classical dance traditions (Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Kathak), each bringing their unique artistic lens to the stage. From Krishna’s playful mischief and cosmic wonder to the deep philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the production wove together expressive storytelling, lyrical choreography, and musical richness.
To learn more about VSIDT, donate, or volunteer, please visit www.vishwashanthi.org
Upcoming Events and Performances
We’re thrilled to share an exciting lineup for the rest of the year! In addition to the Summerfest performance and student arangetrams, we invite you to our Welcome Back Gala Luncheon, a Vijayadashami get-together, and our fall production.
25th Year Welcome Back Gala
Date : Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time : 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Venue : Oasis Palace, Newark
This special celebration features a sumptuous lunch buffet and engaging entertainment (dance trivia, adavu freeze, mehendi, tattoos, raffles, and prizes). Don’t miss this chance for fun and food with our beloved teachers, friends, and classmates.
Limited Capacity! Get your tickets now for this exclusive Gala.
Curious about Bharatanatyam? Try a Trial Class with Us
We invite you to join a trial class and explore the joy of dance. With structured programs designed for children and adults—ranging from foundational to advanced levels—our classes provide a nurturing space to grow, express, and connect through movement. Take the first step and experience it for yourself!
A Celebration of Dedication | Recent Arangetrams
We’re thrilled to highlight each student's experience from their Arangetrams over the last few months. These performances reflect not only technical skill but also the dedication, discipline, and deep love for the art that each dancer brings to the stage.
Highlights from Recent Events
Anandotsavam
Our 25th Annual Day, held on March 4th, was truly an Anandotsavam—a Festival of Joy that brought together the entire school community in celebration. From the youngest beginners to our most seasoned performers, every student and teacher shared the stage in a vibrant display of dedication and artistry. The atmosphere was elevated by a live orchestra featuring the exceptional talents of Smt. Asha Ramesh (vocals), Sri Narayan Natarajan (mridangam), and Smt. Shanthi Narayan (violin), whose soulful music enriched every performance. This milestone event, a celebration of dance, also included heartfelt tributes and felicitations of local Bay Area artists and theater crew whose behind-the-scenes contributions are crucial to our productions. Our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this memorable day a resounding success.
Samavāya—an Immersive, In-person Workshop Exploring the Four-Body Connection
Following a powerful beginning with Deha, Samavāya continued as an in-person exploration of the Four-Body Connection in Bharatanatyam—Manas, Bhava, and Atma. Each session offered dancers a unique lens to deepen their inner and outer expression through the art form.
Session #1 Deha : Nourish Every Move
Pragalbha Doshi led the first session, Deha—Nourish Every Move. Participants discovered the transformative power of breath and how it can aid movement, sustain energy, and alleviate physical strain. Pragalbha Doshi provided practical insights on integrating breath into choreography to enhance awareness, control, and movement precision. Each dancer received personalized consultations to ensure they could apply the learning to their own unique journey.
Session #2 Manas : Our Natural State of Grounding and Peace
The second session, Manas – Our Natural State of Grounding and Peace, was guided by Ramya Suresh. Participants were introduced to tools that cultivate mental clarity, presence, and grounding through breath and self-awareness. Through gentle movement, visualization, and introspection, Ramya encouraged dancers to slow down, listen inward, and bring stillness into their practice. The session served as a reminder that calm is a dancer’s natural state and an essential part of expression.
Session #3 Bhava : When Movements Become Melody
Asha Ramesh led the third session, Bhava—When Movements Become Melody. This session delved into the emotional body, helping participants explore the source of feelings behind movement. Through voice, sound, and subtle expression, dancers learned how to evoke and embody rasa in a grounded and authentic way. Asha shared the importance of listening deeply to oneself and to the music so that movement becomes an extension of inner emotion.
Session #4 Atma : The Dance of the Inner Spirit
The fourth session, Atma – The Dance of the Inner Spirit, was guided by Bramhachari Soham Chaitanya. In this fourth and final inward-facing session, participants reflected on the role of dance as a means of spiritual connection. Through stillness, discussion, and self-inquiry, Sohamji offered a space to explore how art can be an offering, connecting the dancer to something beyond the self, reminding each artist of the deeper intention and joy behind movement.
When Friends Join the Rhythm : Bring a Friend to Class Day
We had a fantastic time during Bring Your Friend to Class week from May 12th to 16th! Our dancers and their friends came together to share the joy of dance and create unforgettable memories. It was wonderful to see how much more fun the classes became with friends by their side, reminding us all that dance is always better when shared
