TANA hosted a Mesmerizing Kuchipudi Dance Ballet on Sri Sai Baba in Dallas
“The devine Sai is everything and he is everywhere” is the theme of the evening gathered at the Eisemann Center, Richardson TX as a part of the “Sarvam Sai Mayam, a devotional Kuchipudi Dance Ballet on Sri Shirdi Sai Baba” hosted by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) on Saturday, July 31, 2010. TANA, founded in 1977, is one of the oldest and largest Indo-American national-level organizations with its charter to perpetuate, integrate, and assimilate the cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking people of the North American continent into the mainstream of the cultural heritage of North America. This program was sponsored by the Natyanjali Kuchipudi dance School established to promote the exquisiteness of Kuchipudi dance in North America in general and Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in particular.
Gopal Ponangi, noted local radio host extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests and over several hundred local Telugu community members for this one of a kind dance ballet. The event was attended by Gary Slagel, Mayor, city of Richardson who read a proclamation declaring July 31, 2010 a “TANA and Dr. Sobha Naidu” day. Mayor Slagel congratulated TANA for bringing the Telugu community together and committed to promote diversity and encouraged the cultural exchange between the communities. Major Slagel and Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA mutually exchanged mementos on behalf of their respective organizations.
“Sarvam Sai Mayam” is a devotional ballet depicting the story of the saint of Shirdi, Sri Sai Baba. Sri Sai Baba was a beacon of light to millions of devotees belonging to various religions. The ballet has been divided into eight different scenes for the clear understanding of the theme. Each scene is uniquely choreographed with various characters supported by breathtaking sounds and techniques to simulate the respective environment. Various facets of Sai Baba which include, the child sai, the man of miracles, exponent of external truths, embodiment of bliss, exalted human, form of Lord Krishna, the commander of the elements and finally the divine savior were depicted. The audience was enthralled and taken in by every scene and and passion of the performers is clearly visible.
Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA reiterated TANA’s continued focus on serving the Telugu community with result oriented programs and enabling a new breed of ambassadors to bring the community together. He commended Padmasree Dr. Sobha Naidu for her decades of accomplishments and service to the Indian art and culture. Prasad also thanked dance teachers lead by Srilatha Suri of Natyanjali Kuchipudi dance school, Lakshmi Babu, Dr. Rajesh Adusumilli and Jyothi Chintalapudi for coming together to deliver a mesmerizing performance to the Dallas area Telugu community. Dr. Sobha Naidu thanked TANA for the opportunity and explained the risk she has undertaken to bring this dance ballet.
The “Sarvam Sai Mayam” team lead by Padmasree Dr. Sobha Naidu & disciples were recognized and felicitated with special mementos and bouquet of flowers by the TANA executive team starting with Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President, Ram Yalamanchali, Treasurer, Dr. Raghavendra Prasad, past President and Ramki Chebrolu, chair, Telugu language committee. Special appreciation and mementos were presented to Vasant Suri for coordination on behalf of Natyanajali and Rajeswari Udayagiri for doing an outstanding job as the emcee of the day.
The astonishing Kuchipudi dance ballet came to an end with vote of thanks by Ram Yalamanchili, treasurer of TANA to the audience for their attendance, volunteers who spent countless hours of valuable time, Eisemann Center management for providing excellent support and facilities, the event sponsor Natyanjali School of dance, Grand Sponsors; Pearl Brand rice, Gold sponsors; Sarigama café and supermarket, Aahar Indian restaurant, Omega Travel & Tours LLC, Mayuri Indian Restaurant, XT Global, Aries Travel, Horizon Travel, Silver Spnsors; Amruth Indian Kitchen, Pasand Indian Cuisine and Our Place Indian restaurant.
