Arudra Dance Academy in Bedford, N.S., is hosting a showcase of traditional Indian dance as a fundraiser for Autism Nova Scotia at the Bella Rose Arts Centre in Halifax Saturday.
Neelambary Balamurugan, founder of the academy, said it was hard to bring a traditional art form to life in a new place.
“That’s the reason I’m teaching here,” Balamurugan said in an interview with CTV Morning Live. She said the school started with five students and grew to more than 40.
Kathleen Watson is the program director at Autism Nova Scotia. The fundraiser is valuable exposure for the dance academy, but Watson said it’s essential for her organization to have community partners like Arudra.
“Our programs and services really rely on support like Neela’s and to have such a beautiful connection to community and diversity for us is also really important.” Watson said.
Balamurugan said she chose Autism Nova Scotia as a partner because dance requires coordination and focus between mind and body.
“It takes time, but I see that it’s improving their concentration.”
In addition to the fundraiser, Arudra Dance Academy is working with Autism Nova Scotia’s social group to offer a class.
Balamurugan said everyone is welcome at Arudra. She said she started dancing when she was five years old, but she continues to learn today.
“Each day we are learning something different and improving the art form and taking it to the next generation,” Balamurugan said.
“Art is never ending. It’s like an ocean and still we are connected with our gurus back home.”
Watson said every dollar raised Saturday will go towards programs and services for autistic people, their families and caregivers.
Tickets for Saturday’s show are available at Arudra Academy’s website.
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