Wonderful India Series | Teen Night: Spirituality & Wellbeing through Art

Teen Night: Spirituality & Wellbeing Through the Arts

An engaging exploration on how arts, music, and dance can be used to support individual spiritual pursuits and overall well-being, presented by Tara Srinivasan (bharatanatyam dancer) and Nilesh Goswami (visual artist). Through engaging presentations geared specifically for their fellow teens, these young artist presenters will share their revelations about the positive benefits of the arts through hands-on demonstrations, live art-making, and interactive discussions.
All are welcome to attend, especially teens interested in learning more about the arts and holistic wellbeing overall, as well as young individuals interested in learning more about India’s art, dance, and music traditions specifically.
Teen-friendly snacks will be available.
Parents: Parents can remain onsite to observe the teen session or attend the adult session in the Gallery Hall next door at the same time. The evening will conclude with everyone joining in on group kirtan singing led by members of Round Rock ISKCON in the Gallery Hall.

RSVP required to attend.
This event is free, with suggested pay-what-you-can donation to support additional and ongoing programs celebrating the work of local artists specializing in Indian arts, music, and cultural traditions. Please reserve free tickets for community members who cannot afford to attend otherwise.
When: Friday, April 26, 2024 | 6:00p to 8:00p
Where: 3806 Cherrywood Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Parking: Free parking available streetside and in Maplewood Elementary School lot at 3809 Maplewood Ave.

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Schedule & Presentations
6:00p:
Bharatanatyam as a Path to Wellbeing, by Tara Srinivasan
An intro to the profound tradition, culture, and artistry of one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, Bharatanatyam, presented by Tara Srinivasan. Tara will explain the meaning behind different hand gestures and expressions, demonstrate footwork patterns and rhythmic sequences, and showcase a short piece telling a story from Indian mythology.
Specifically geared toward teens, this presentation addresses the benefits of dance movement as a powerful tool in nurturing essential skills, fostering confidence and empowerment, and enhancing overall well-being. Throughout the demonstration, the focus will be on the use of dance movement to relieve stress, express emotions, and discover ways to express thoughts, feelings, and individuality thus boosting one’s self-confidence and sense of empowerment
7:00p:
Spirituality through Art and Creative Expression, by Nilesh Goswami
An exploration of spirituality for today’s generation, especially as experienced through the processes of art-making and creative expression, presented by Nilesh Goswami. Using examples of his own work and live demonstration of his creative process turning musical pieces into captivating digital graphics and visual art, Nilesh will discuss how art and creative expression has been a crucial part of his continued spiritual development and growth.

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About the Speakers
Tara Srinivasan, a Westlake High School freshman, has studied Bharatanatyam for a decade under the tutelage of Smt. Vidhya Mani. She completed her Arangetram at the Dell Performing Arts Center and was then invited to perform at Guruvayoor temple in Kerala. With 7+ years of diverse dance training in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop at Alisa’s Dance Academy and as a member of Austin Dance Elite, she was recently selected as a member of Westlake High School’s award-winning dance drill team - Hyline. Tara has mentored young dancers and conducted free camps in Austin and India. Beyond dance, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and inspired by the efforts of the African community around Kilimanjaro, Tara embarked on a project to raise funds and supplies for them to help make a positive impact on their lives. Tara exudes a passion for both artistry and altruism, embodying a multifaceted personality.
Nilesh Goswami is a visual artist whose main goal is to understand the supreme truth through art as process. He is a self-taught artist, and his medium is currently digital art. With his father’s guidance, he started exploring art long before he can recall and has been doing it ever since. His most influential teachers and inspirations have been great musicians and composers, such as Thyagaraja, Andal, Surdas, and classical singers including M.S. Subbulakshmi, Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Prabha Atre, along with many others. The aim of his artwork is to reveal the deeper connection between all art forms, especially between visual art, singing, and dancing, and how all of these work together to reveal the Supreme Truth.

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About the Festival
Wonderful India is a month-long festival featuring local artists and performers representing different regions and traditions of India. Experience artwork, music performances, dance recitals, community gatherings, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations in celebration of India’s artistic and cultural traditions.

Plan Your Visit to the Festival
Open Gallery Hours are scheduled at designated times through the week, along with curated cultural events and performances on the weekends. To view details about the schedule and lineup of artists and performers, visit www.wonderfulindiafestival.com.

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Production & Supporters
Wonderful India Festival is produced by Artly World Nonprofit and has been financed in part by the City of Austin's Elevate Grant Program.

Host or Publisher Artly World Nonprofit