For many years, Indian classical music has represented one aspect of Hinduism that represents culture and religion. On March 19, students from the Blue Flame Performing Arts presented various performances from acting to singing, depicting various universal meaning of Hinduism.

The annual dance was hosted at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater. At the event, over 100 students performed their dance or song, and ranged from the ages of five to 60. Over 200 people attended the show. The performance lasted from 3-6 p.m. but had an award ceremony for the students and volunteers until 6:30 p.m.

Dance instructor Hemamalini Chavali hosted their third annual Indian dance and singing event. Chavali has taught the class for three years in Coppell. Teaching the class come with multiple difficulties, ranging from the students to the multitude of parents.

“The hardest part about teaching the children is the culture,” Chavali said. “It isn’t too hard to teach the kids how to dance or sing, but it’s hard to convey the culture to them and get them to understand the importance of it. For example, in America you just greet your teachers by saying hi, and it is very casual, but in India you have to bow down to them.”

Chavali opened her dance/singing school for three years, and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

“Seeing the parents’ and students’ smiles during the performance is the greatest joy,” Chavali said. “Being able to pass on my skills and trade to my students, and seeing their joy is what keeps me doing this [teaching the students]”

Not only does Chavali love teaching the students but, so do the students love learning more about their heritage and culture. For example, senior at CHS and dancer Parimala Gangaraj has been attending Chavali’s classes at Blue Flame since freshman year.
“I love learning the dances, because it allows for me to be closer with my parents and understand them better,” Gangaraj said.