India School of Dance, Music and Theatre Inc.

India School of Dance, Music and Theatre Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian visual, literary, and performing arts within Manitoba. Established in 1980 and incorporated in 1983, it serves as a cultural and educational hub to foster excellence in Indian classical and folk dance, music, and theatre among Manitobans[4].

Mission and Activities

The school’s mission centers on teaching, showcasing, and sharing Indian arts with the community, giving all interested individuals access to the creative process of research, scholarship, and artistic expression. It offers classes, workshops, and performances that encompass a wide range of dance and music traditions from India’s diverse cultural regions[1].

Educational Programs

Instruction is provided in various classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam (South India), Kathak (North India), and Odissi (East India), with levels ranging from beginners to advanced graduates. The school also offers courses in vocal and instrumental music, Bollywood dance, and folk and tribal dances. Yoga classes tailored primarily for dancers and teachers are additionally part of the curriculum. Beyond regular classes, the institution organizes lectures, concerts, and participates in cultural festivals such as Folklorama[1][4][5].

Faculty and Leadership

The India School's faculty comprises accomplished artists and instructors with deep expertise in their respective disciplines. Notable personnel include Guru Shanta Ponnudurai, a world-renowned Bharatanatyam exponent trained at Kalakshetra; Kathak instructor Pooja, trained in Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas; and music consultant Thanathevy Mithradev, an award-winning artist with international recognition. Pamela Rebello O.M., who has been influential in Manitoba’s ethnocultural arts since 1968, serves as the Executive Director, providing long-standing leadership and vision[2][5].

Community Engagement and Recognition

The school actively contributes to multiculturalism and the arts community in Manitoba, having been honored with awards such as the Prix Manitoba for outstanding multicultural work and the First Community Leadership Award by the Asian Heritage Society in 2019. It also receives support from local patrons and businesses, including donations made in honor of prominent Canadian figures to further its mission[1].

Facilities and Resources

The organization maintains resources including a specialized library for teachers, costumes, musical instruments, and spaces for stage performances. It facilitates opportunities for students and artists to gain practical experience through showcases and community events[5].

Summary

With over four decades of dedicated service, the India School of Dance, Music and Theatre Inc. remains a vital institution for Indian arts education and cultural preservation in Canada. It continues to nurture talent and enrich the multicultural fabric of Manitoba through its comprehensive programming and community involvement.

Business Registration Number: 886722594RR0001
Location: Manitoba, Canada

[1] https://www.indiaschool.ca [2] https://www.indiaschool.ca/people [3] https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/india-school-of-dance-music-and-theatre-emc [4] https://nrievents.com/directory-in_cult_sch/listing/india-school-of-dance-music-theatre-inc/ [5] https://mb.211.ca/detail/44798241/