ARPAN 2025: A Student-Led Initiative of Dance and Giving
On March 16, the Dawson County Performing Arts Center was filled with energy and excitement as ARPAN 2025 by Nritya Sankalpa Dance Academy took the stage. Around 800 people, including families, friends, and Indian classical arts connoisseurs, came to watch this special performance. Beyond just a Bharatanatyam showcase, ARPAN 2025 proved how powerful student leadership and giving back to the community can be.
[Left] A scene showing Parvati’s birth from fire.
Since its inception in 2006, ARPAN has been an integral tradition of Nritya Sankalpa Dance Academy. Entirely conceptualized, choreographed, and organized by the students of Nritya Sankalpa Dance Academy, ARPAN has been a true labor of love. Under the guidance of Guru Smt. Savitha Viswanathan, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and graduate of Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, it was created as a way for students to use their art to serve the community. Over the years, ARPAN has raised thousands of dollars in funds for various charitable organizations, making a difference both locally and globally.
[Right] A scene depicting villagers engaged in a discourse.
“As an educator, I believe that students thrive when given the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and creative processes,” Guru Viswanathan shared. “By entrusting ARPAN to them, I wanted to foster their leadership skills, creativity, and sense of accountability.”
[Left] A presentation highlighting the impact of Chinmaya Vijaya, a nonprofit supported by Arpan.
Bringing “Shiva’s Fire” to Life
This year’s production was inspired by “Shiva’s Fire” by Suzanne Fisher Staples, a novel that follows Parvati, a young girl with an extraordinary gift for dance. Born amidst a violent cyclone, Parvati possesses a mystical connection to Bharatanatyam, yet her journey is filled with obstacles—sacrifices, personal struggles, and the constant push to rise above adversity. Her unwavering commitment to dance mirrored the 
dedication of the ARPAN dancers themselves, who spent months perfecting each movement, expression, and rhythm.
Through the symmetry of movements, the emotive abhinaya (facial expressions), and the synchronized storytelling of the ensemble, the students transported the audience into Parvati’s world. The performance was a fusion of tradition and creativity, making it a visual and emotional masterpiece.
[Right] A group of temple dancers performing to the Lord as an offering.
Beyond the artistic excellence, ARPAN 2025 stood as a showcase of giving and social impact. The funds raised from this event will support three remarkable charities dedicated to uplifting women and young girls: SAHARA Foundation, assisting South Asian victims of domestic violence and elder abuse; Every 28 Days, fighting period 
poverty by providing menstrual products and raising awareness about menstrual health; and Chinmaya Vijaya, an all-girls orphanage that provides a stable and nurturing home for orphaned girls.
[Left] A young performer in a scene where Parvati interacts with the animals.
As the dancers gathered for the final curtain call and took their final bow, the hall erupted in thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Audience members spoke of how the performance transcended beyond dance—it was an experience, a movement, a profound offering.
—Sahithya Shriram. Photos by Venkat Kuttua Photography
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