Austin audiences stepped into a world where myth met movement, where rhythm echoed emotion, and where love transcended lifetimes. Love Beyond Time, a spellbinding Bharata Natyam production by Austin Dance India, was more than a dance performance—it was a spiritual journey, a visual poem, and a celebration of eternal tales told through classical Indian dance and soul-stirring live music. Under the masterful artistic direction of Anuradha Naimpally—an Austin Arts Hall of Famer and the heart of Indian classical arts in the region—the production unfolded at the Dougherty Arts Center through two sold-out shows that immersed viewers in a rich tapestry of stories drawn from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry. The program followed a carefully curated arc, exploring the many dimensions of love: from playful devotion and unrequited longing to divine union and pure joy. The evening opened with a reverent invocation to Lord Ganesha (Ganesha Stuti), setting a tone of auspiciousness and spiritual grounding. What followed was a journey across emotional landscapes. These were not just dances—they were emotional narratives brought to life through the expressive eyes and sculptural gestures of the dancers. The portrayal of unrequited love, hesitation, and the soul’s yearning for divine union was rendered with aching beauty. What elevated Love Beyond Time even further was the presence of a live Carnatic musical ensemble whose artistry was nothing short of extraordinary. Each note, each beat, each silence was part of the narrative. Here are a few glimpses of this beautiful event. Performers of the Austin Dance India ensemble include Austin based dancers Purna Bajekal, Soumya Nagesh, and Anuradha Naimpally. They are accompanied by Mumbai, India based vocalist, NN Siva Prasad, Delhi based mridangam percussionist, Kesavan Ramamurthi, Dallas based violinist, Uma Mahesh Iyer, and Houston based Surabi Veeraraghavan on nattuvangam (dance syllables). ADI youth dancers include Nidhi Allaboyina, Hamsika Ellore, Tvisha Kalambi, Vamshika Konda, Dhwani Nathan, and Keerthi Rajagopal. Sound engineering by Robert Williams and Lighting Design by Natalie George Productions.

Red carpet events are more than just lights, glamor, and cameras. At the 10th annual Indie Meme Film Festival, they became spaces of connection — moments to reflect, engage, and celebrate voices that matter. ✨ As we marked a decade of Indie Meme, we asked: "What’s your favorite memory over all these years?" The answers were personal, nostalgic — filled with stories of growth, community, and change. 🎤 And then we asked, "What are you most proud of?" From first-timer to seasoned organizers, the pride was undeniable — in the team, in the audience, and in the mission. 🎬 Some shared what moved them this year: "Is there a submission that you’re surprised or excited about?" Emotions ran deep. Eyes welled up. Stories struck chords — across generations, backgrounds, and borders. 🎤 We also wanted to know, "What inspired the City of Austin to support Indie Meme?" For many, it was the festival’s unwavering commitment to bold, independent South Asian storytelling. For others, it was simply the track record of the festival’s success. 🌍 Community, after all, plays a vital role. "What role does the community play in making this possible?" The answers? Everything. A film festival is not built alone — it is sustained by volunteers, audiences, artists, and belief.

At the heart of Here. Now. was a masterfully woven tapestry of multicultural voices. Led by the visionary Andrea Ariel, the evening unfolded like a journey through memory and meaning. Each piece in the program was a chapter—introspective, spirited, and often raw. The production’s strength lied not only in its dance and choreography but in its unflinching authenticity, embracing the multiplicity of identities and histories each performer brings. The opening piece, Presence, set the tone with grounded, breath-centered movement that immediately rooted the audience in the now. From there, Remembering Forward, choreographed and performed by Bharatanatyam exponent Anuradha Naimpally and Purna Bajekal, introduced classical Indian dance vocabulary in a context of personal evolution. Tracing a journey from innocence to belonging, and then crisis to healing, this piece felt like an offering—deeply emotional and richly textured. A standout moment was Character Concoction, choreographed and performed by Ciceley Fullylove with Wyntergrace Williams. A vibrant tribute to growing up amidst eclectic cultural influences, the work was theAtrical and unapologetically personal blending movement, fashion, and vintage flair in a tribute to self-expression and identity formation. “Sunny” Shen’s Mirror of Origins brought the audience into a hauntingly beautiful duet that wrestled with cultural duality. Shen and Venese mirrored and resisted each other in a tension-filled dance of belonging and estrangement. This piece—delicate, forceful, and poetic—was a true emotional highlight. Luis Ordaz’s Feedback-Loop Interrupted, performed with Leopoldo Centeno, explored the sonic chaos of external expectations. Through physical resistance and syn-chronicity, the dancers asked: what happens when the feedback we internalize, gets cut off? The piece, experimental in structure and sound, served as a moment of sharp introspection. AADT’s 35th season was not only a milestone—it was a reminder of the company’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary artmaking. Here. Now. was not a performance to merely witness; it was one to feel, to carry, and to return to in your own story.

Day 1 – Friday, April 4th: An Electrifying Evening of Romani Soul The festival began with a buzz of excitement at the VIP Meet & Greet at 6 PM, where attendees had a chance to connect with artists and organizers. As the doors opened at 6:30, guests poured into the venue, ready for an evening of cross-cultural magic. 🎶 Flamenco India (7–8 PM) Opening the night was the innovative Flamenco India, a musical journey crafted by Oliver Rajamani, exploring the Indian roots of Spanish Flamenco. Joined by acclaimed Kathak dancer Labonee Mohanta and dynamic fusion dancer Reetu Jain, the performance mesmerized with its rhythmic storytelling and soulful melodies. It was a breathtaking tribute to shared histories and creative evolution. 🎸 Jeronimo Maya (8:15–9:15 PM) Next up, the legendary Jeronimo Maya took the stage with a powerful solo flamenco guitar concert. Every note reflected the deep roots of his Romani heritage, captivating the audience with the richness and depth of traditional flamenco. A true master of the art, Maya's performance was both intimate and electrifying. 💃 Via Romen & Erika Lakatos (9:30 PM onward) The evening reached a joyous high with Via Romen, led by virtuoso Vadim Kolpakov, and featuring an all-star ensemble: singer Alina Nazarevich, violinist Valeriy Glava, dancer Alla Rada, and the vibrant Erika Lakatos. Their high-energy performance of Eastern European Romani music had everyone on their feet. Lively rhythms, rich vocals, and bold dance moves invited the crowd to quite literally dance the night away.

Get ready to be inspired! 🎥✨ with this exclusive conversation with a dedicated chess coach, Geetanjali Soni, who has been shaping young minds for almost 15 years. As a Certified and Recommended Austin Area Chess Instructor, she has made it her mission to introduce children to the world of chess with an authentic, engaging, and fun approach.From teaching chess fundamentals to instilling critical life skills like patience, focus, and decision-making, Geetanjali is transforming the way young players think—both on and off the board. With experience at prestigious schools and chess tournaments, she is passionate about making chess accessible to children as young as four, setting them up for success in academics and beyond.🎬 Watch this conversation as we dive into her journey, insights, and the power of chess in education! Conversation now on The Foundations TV! 🏆♟️

Aradhana: A Timeless Tale of Devotion transported audiences into the mythical world of Prahlada, bringing to life the eternal battle between faith and power through the evocative language of Kathak. Hosted by Agni Katha and Kaumudini Academy of Dance at Balance Dance Studio, this spellbinding production captivated viewers across its three sold-out shows. From the very first beat of the tabla, the stage pulsed with energy as intricate footwork, expressive abhinaya, and soul-stirring rhythms unfolded to narrate the tale of Prahlada’s unwavering devotion. Choreographed with precision and performed with passion, Aradhana seamlessly blended the grace of classical Kathak with the raw intensity of a timeless epic. Mithali Wajapey’s portrayal of Prahlada was simply unforgettable, capturing both innocence and unwavering faith. Sukanya Bhatt's fierce performance as Hiranyakashipu was equally compelling, bringing the tyrant's thirst for power to life. And let's not forget Aashima as Holika—her electrifying presence and dramatic end were spellbinding. Prakash Mohanda’s Narasimha left everyone in awe with his powerful representation of divine justice. The production was a visual and musical feast! From the stunning lighting and original compositions to the intricate costumes, every element enhanced the emotional depth of the story. The music, both live and recorded, added a rich layer to the experience, making it an immersive journey through an ancient epic. This performance was a true celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling. For those who you missed it, and those who would like to re-live those moments, here are a few glimpses of the production right here on The Foundations TV Community News channel.