Cultural Representation Through the Arts
Seeing a lack of cultural representation in school arts programming that featured traditions from India, Anuradha Naimpally created an interactive assembly performance that would do just that. One of the only Indian American artists in Austin presenting such content regularly for over three decades, Anuradha's mission has been to bring cultural dance and storytelling to underserved communities that might not have this experience otherwise.
Anuradha is a juried artist on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster which has given her the opportunity to bring cultural programming to remote areas of state including the Panhandle, the Rio Grande Valley, West Texas, and of course, Central Texas where she lives. She has performed for numerous schools, libraries, and museums reaching thousands of children.
Moving Myths of India
An interactive and educational assembly performance developed by Anuradha that has reached both urban as well as rural schools, Moving Myths of India, incorporates storytelling, clapping of traditional rhythms, Indian culture, music, and hand symbols. Developed to correspond to concepts taught within the academic curriculum, this popular performance introduces ancient myths in an accessible and relatable way through movement and dance.
"Bringing cultural arts through storytelling is the perfect
way to meet children where they are because kids love to listen to a
good story!", says Anuradha. "Seeing their faces light up
and their minds engaged in what I am teaching them is the most
fulfilling thing about doing this program. Often, when I see them
walking down the hall after the show, they will demonstrate one of the
hand symbols I taught them or repeat a gesture they observed. I know
they connected when they share that with me!"
A History of Inspiring and Empowering
Anuradha is a 2018 inductee into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to the arts scene for over three decades. She has made it her mission to build community by mentoring young Indian American girls on their dance journey so they are inspired to connect with their own cultural heritage and background. Having grown up in an Indian family in Canada, Anuradha knows first hand the importance of finding a sense of belonging. Through her organization, Austin Dance India, she teaches Bharata Natyam classical dance of India through a perspective of self discovery. Her mentees are able to perform and participate in community events and offer cultural representation that is empowering to them as they straddle their bicultural upbringing.
