Dance for a Cause

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  -- Nelson Mandela

Education exposes us to various world views and provides us with the tools necessary to communicate with our fellow beings. Education is essential in order to survive and succeed in the modern world. There are many approaches to education, and the use of creative art forms to educate young minds is a popular trend. Creative art forms like dance provide a natural and non-threatening platform for educating young minds. Indeed, much before children learn to speak and communicate via formal language structures, they begin to communicate via the use of creative and emotive body language. In a very subliminal sense then, dance is merely an extension of the innate creative and emotive communication patterns we possess. The ancient Indians recognized the power of the performing arts. The Natya Sastra, an ancient treatise dedicated to the propagation of the performing arts is proof that our ancestors understood and valued the importance of an education in dance, theater, and music. In modern times, various dance schools around the world still practice and propagate the concepts detailed in the Natya Sastra. Today, the dance style known as Bharata Natyam is the most popular among the classical dance styles that can trace their roots back to the Natya Sastra. Silambam Phoenix, a premier dance school located in Phoenix, Arizona believes in preserving the sanctity and purity of this classical dance tradition.

The brainchild of eminent danseuse, Dr. Srimathy Mohan, Silambam Phoenix was formed in May 2000. The school traces its roots back to Dr. Mohan's alma mater, Sree Bharatalaya, a renowned Bharata Natyam dance school located in Chennai, India. Through rigorous training and a meticulous attention to detail, Silambam Phoenix trains young dancers in the art of Bharata Natyam. Senior dancers are also trained in the use of "nattuvangam." Training to this end ensures that dancers also understand how to act as conductors of the dance recitals. Silambam Phoenix is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed exclusively for the promotion and development of classical arts. In addition to education and promotion of the arts, Silambam Phoenix is also committed to help fight for social causes.  

Silambam Phoenix is now 15 years old! The dancers at Silambam Phoenix have decided to celebrate the occasion with a grand two day event that showcases the talents of the guru and all her students. In keeping with the school's theme of dancing for a cause, the two-day event in October 2015 is a fundraiser dedicated to helping children in physical and financial need. One of the main cause is the fight against long term and terminal diseases in children. 

Here is a short video on the fundraiser: 

If you are looking for a quiet weekend to soak in some glorious dance culture and would like to donate for a good cause, Sanmarga is your answer!! Tickets can be purchased online @ http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/shows/Special-Engagements/sanmargathecountinuumofaglorioustradition

“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.”

― Libba Bray, The Sweet Far Thing