Salangai Speaks - February Edition
From the Artistic Director
Reflections from Our Faculty
Arangetrams
Following the four dancers featured in our July issue, we are proud to share the experiences of our most recent graduates. Their journeys remind us that the Arangetram is as much about personal growth and resilience as it is about the final performance.
Volunteer Dinner
Kudos to our incredible team: our school leads, location leads, class leads, and our dedicated admin team.
Your time, dedication, and unwavering support are what keep Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy strong and thriving. Our celebratory dinner was an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all of you. Thank you!.
Margazhi Series - Natya Pasuram
During the Margazhi Festival Season (Dec 16-Jan 14), we were delighted to present a new devotional dance performance series: Natya Pasuram: 30 Days of Devotion.
Each day, we presented one Thiruppavai pasuram (poem), celebrating the sacred verses composed by Saint-Poetess Andal in praise of Lord Vishnu. Traditionally sung at dawn during the month of Margazhi, Thiruppavai embodied devotion, surrender, and divine love.
We are proud of our Vishwa Shanthi students. Drawing on their extensive training in both classical music and dance, they impeccably sang, choreographed, and performed these verses themselves. The audience connection and the engaging participation throughout this month-long series were heartening, affirming how tradition, when integrated into our everyday moments, uplifted and connected our entire community.
A Note from the Curator, Roopa Suresh:
“The Margazhi season always reminds me of kolams, kutcheris, and Thiruppavai. The Natya Pasuram series was born from these long-cherished memories. Watching our students bring these verses to life through their own choreography was deeply fulfilling, and it was especially gratifying to see our students and alumni trained in Carnatic music come together to render the vocals.
It truly felt like a complete and heartfelt VSDA offering this season. There is always something special about seeing an idea take shape, and the Natya Pasuram series is a creation that will always remain very close to my heart.”
Reflections from our Participants:
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to sing 11 verses for the Natya Pasuram series. It allowed me to learn the deep stories behind the Thiruppavai and be part of something truly meaningful during the Margazhi season. This project helped me reconnect with paatu and the art form I love; the process brought me so much joy, especially as I explored beautiful new ragams for the first time.”
— Lasya Ram (VSDA Alum & Singer)“Being part of the Natya Pasuram series brought me immense joy. While I began this journey feeling unsure about choreographing the verses on my own, I discovered how deeply enriching the process truly was. Immersing myself in the meaning of the verses during this sacred Margazhi season was nothing short of blissful. I am deeply grateful to my teachers for their trust and for the opportunity to create and perform as part of this beautiful series.”
— Shobhana Ram (Senior Dancer)“The Thiruppavai series was an exciting endeavour for me; it was the first time I choreographed to a piece of music and a voice other than my own. I enjoyed learning about the history of Andal and the traditions of Margazhi. Internalizing the meaning of each verse to express it through abhinaya was challenging yet liberating, and I especially loved collaborating with my friends to bring the tales of Vishnu, Andal, and the sakhis to life!”
— Anoushka Dugar (High School Dancer)
Upcoming Events
Curious about Bharatanatyam?
Try a Trial Class with Us
We invite you to experience a trial class and discover the joy of dance first hand. Our thoughtfully structured programs cater to both children and adults, ranging from beginner foundations to advanced levels.
In a supportive and inspiring environment, you will build technique, express yourself, and connect with a tradition that transcends time. Take your first step with us at any of our six locations: San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose, Milpitas, San Ramon, and Mountain House.
See where dance can lead you!
Performances
Abhisarika
Our faculty member, Smt. Roopa Suresh was part of Abhisarika, a concert celebrating the timeless javalis of Maha Kavi Dasu Sreeramulu, presented by Yuva Bharati.
Held on November 15, 2025, at the Midpen Media Center, Palo Alto, it was a soulful offering that brought to life the emotional depth and lyrical richness of javalis, resonating deeply with rasikas.
Winter Whispers
We were also delighted to be part of Winter Whispers, a beautiful “unplugged’’ evening of stories, poems, dance, and music, presented by Moonlight Performing Arts as part of their Studio Series.
There were three intimate showcases featuring dance presentations by faculty, Dharshana, and post-arangetram students Anoushka and Sahana. True to the spirit of winter, the evening celebrated quiet storytelling, artistic connection, and the warmth of shared creativity.
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