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By Bhargavi Kulkarni
It was a perfect blend of the arts, glamour and philanthropy, as music and dance connoisseurs mingled with each other at Jiva Performing Arts’ second annual gala at the Congregation Rodeph Shalom here on Nov. 6. The nonprofit, which promotes Indian classical music and dance in the city, hosed an evening focusing on what the group has accomplished in the past year. Internationally acclaimed film director and producer Mira Nair was the keynote speaker.
“We are so delighted that so many of our supporters and well-wishers came out to support the event,” Sonali Skandan, artistic director of Jiva told Desi Talk. “It was a very exciting evening of beautiful performances and colorful people, and the highlight was the inspiring speech by Nair which helps to reinforce our vision – creativity without fear with a deep respect for tradition.”
Jiva was founded in 2007 by Skandan and her husband, Indian classical musician, Bala Skandan. Once just a passion for them, dance and music are now full-time jobs for the two as they work long hours, wearing multiple hats as performers, teachers and directors of Jiva Performing Arts.
“Jiva was formed because we wanted to share the intense passion that we feel towards Indian classical music and dance to the larger NYC community,” Skandan said. “We feel these art forms enhance our lives, adding beauty, depth and vitality,” she added. “There is a growing awareness of Indian classical dance,” Skandan said, talking about Jiva’s journey. “Many realize it’s an evolving dance form,” and are attracted to it, she noted.
Comedian Dan Nainan hosted the gala which will help to support the nonprofit’s efforts to establish a larger presence for Indian classical music and dance in the Greater New York City Area. More than $37,700 was raised at the event, Skandan said. With the funds raised from the gala, the duo hopes to expand classes throughout the New York City area, create high-quality instructional materials for students, offer additional workshops with artists from abroad, and produce more performances and concerts. “The long term goal of it all is to stake out a permanent studio and performance space in New York for Indian classical music and dance to thrive,” she added.
The Nov. 6 gala began with a cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner and entertainment. The evening included a live musical showdown by Jay Gandhi, Nitin Mitta and Bala Skandan followed by a peacock Mayura themed performance by Jiva Dance, based on the Bharata Natyam tradition.
In her keynote, Nair touched upon her experiences, her introduction to classical music and encouraged everyone in the audience to go against their grain and pursue their dreams. She talked about her appreciation for the Indian arts in the U.S. Stating the importance of carrying down the tradition from one generation to the next, she shared her own experiences of learning from her elders.
Nair also announced that her award winning film “Mansoon Wedding” (2001) will be soon adapted for a Broadway production. Her debut film “Salaam Bombay!” (1988), won the Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival. She used the proceeds of the film to establish an organization for street children called the Salaam Baalak Trust in India. Nair has won a number of awards, including a National Film Award and various international film festival awards. In 2012, she was awarded India’s third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, by President Pratibha Patil.
Skandan credits Nair’s ability to elevate the arts to a platform that crosses both social and language barriers as a core inspiration behind the mission of Jiva Performing Arts. “Mira’s work is, without a doubt, ground-breaking in its thematic content as well as vision,” she said. “Her artistic reach is so vast, and she manages to weave together themes that touch many of us. It is this universal appeal that I am striving to achieve with my choreography and teaching of Bharata Natyam and the work we do at Jiva to promote both Indian classical music and dance. It is nice to have someone so accomplished support our work and speak on our behalf.”
In its six year history, Jiva has organized numerous events that focus on the performing arts of India – from ongoing classes in Indian dance and music, master level workshops by senior gurus, performances by renowned artists from India and from home, as well as the creation of new artistic work to pass on the legacy of these art forms, according to a press release issued by the group.
This story originally appeared on News India Times.
