Jiva Performing Arts announces its annual gala – an exciting evening featuring performances by talented musicians, dancers and comedians, cocktails, dinner and dancing on November 6th. The evening will host internationally acclaimed film director and producer Mira Nair as the keynote speaker. The annual gala, which will help support the organization’s growing efforts to create engaging Indian classical music and dance programming in the NYC area, will be held at 6:30pm at the Congregation Rodeph Shalom in NYC.
Jiva Performing Arts exists to promote Indian classical music and dance in NYC. Jiva was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team of Indian classical dancer Sonali Skandan and Indian classical musician Bala Skandan. Jiva, in its 6 year history, has organized numerous events that focus on the performing arts of India – from ongoing classes in Indian dance and music, master level workshops by senior gurus, performances by renowned artists from India and from home, as well as the creation of new artistic work to pass on the legacy of these rich art forms. Through Jiva’s dedication to high quality education and programming, as well as a close-knit and supportive community, Jiva has become one of the more visible South Asian Arts organizations in NYC
“Jiva was formed because we wanted to share the intense passion that we feel towards Indian Classical music and dance to the larger NYC community. We feel these art forms enhance our lives, adding beauty, depth and vitality. They have the power to touch one and all at the deepest level. They are timeless and have also evolved with time.” says Artistic Director, Sonali Skandan.
JPA’s upcoming gala will feature live music by Jay Gandhi, Nitin Mitta and Bala Skandan as well as a performance by Jiva Dance, based on the Bharatanatyam tradition. The evening will be hosted by comedian Dan Nainan. Catering will be provided by Bukhara Grill of NYC and music by Globe DJs. Keynote speaker for the evening will be internationally acclaimed film director and producer Mira Nair. (is this a repition of what was stated in frst paragraph?) Mira Nair’s debut film, Salaam Bombay! (1988), won the Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival. She used the proceeds of the film to establish an organization for street children, called the Salaam Baalak Trust in India. Nair has won a number of awards, including a National Film Award and various international film festival awards, and was awarded the India Abroad Person of the Year award in 2007. In 2012, she was awarded India’s third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, by the President of India, Pratibha Patil.
The funds generated through the gala will be used to develop educational and arts programming in NYC. Jiva plans to introduce more classes, hire part-time teachers and produce more engaging and accessible Indian classical dance and music events in the city. Jiva’s long-term goal is to secure dedicated studio and performance space to create a center for music and dance in NYC.
For more information on Jiva Performing Arts and the upcoming gala, please visit: www.jivaperformingarts.org. For table reservations, ticketing, and sponsorship information contact Ami Jain: jivagala@gmail.com.
About Jiva Performing Arts: Jiva Performing Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that exists to promote Indian classical music and dance in NYC.
