What began in 1989 as a young, passionate dancer sharing her craft in a garage with a just a couple of students has evolved into a powerful force in the Austin creative and dance communities in the form of Austin Dance India. Austin Dance India, Austin’s premier performance company and school for Bharata Natyam dance, is celebrating its 25^th year in 2016 with a dynamic calendar of live performances and student showcases. Under the creative direction of Anuradha Naimpally, Austin Dance India will present a season of spectacular dance events including a free dance-a-thon, and a collaborative multi-disciplined performing arts production at The Long Center, Living on the Hyphen.

Austin Dance India is proud to partner with LuckyChaos Productions to present an original new show, Living on the Hyphen. Directed by Leng Wong of LuckyChaos and choreographed by Anuradha Naimpally of Austin Dance India, Living on the Hyphen explores the difficulties people face as they straddle two worlds in a society that pressures us to fit into a single classification. This whimsical and poignant theatrical journey features live music, Bharata Natyam Indian dance, spoken word and more from an impressive ensemble cast of local actors, musicians and dancers. Living on the Hyphen runs from March 31st to April 3rd at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Ever-dedicated to her passion for dance and desire to teach, Anuradha Naimpally, founder and Creative Director of Austin Dance India, has been training dancers since the youthful age of 15 and continues to serve as a mentor, advocate and expert in the art of Bharata Natyam dance. Throughout her decades-long career as an award-winning performer and teacher, she has taught an estimated 50,000 classes to more than 1,000 students – many of whom she has mentored for 10 years or more.

“I feel deeply blessed that I have been able to establish a tiny corner of Indian classical dance in Austin that expands wide for anyone interested to experience it,” shares Naimpally. “Dance can and should be taught in a way that uplifts the spirit as the student discovers their own inner beauty and strength. I am still always discovering new wonders about the transformative powers of dance.”

Living on the Hyphen premieres Thursday, March 31st at the Rollins Theater at the Long Center and runs through Sunday, April 3rd. There will be nightly performances during the run and matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available now, so get yours while you still can. This will be a cultural experience that Texans won’t want to miss.