Padma Dance Academy is part of the cultural mission of Padma, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.
The singing of the Lord’s holy names and remembrance of his glorious activities is accomplished through dance in such a pleasurable way for both performers and audience that Srila Prabhupada’s bhakti movement is welcome as an ambassador of Vedic culture.
The audience is left feeling awe-inspired as they contemplate a sweet glimpse into the Lord’s multi-faceted pastimes.
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most celebrated dance forms of ancient India. It is dedicated to the praise of God through the depiction of stories, philosophy, and devotional feeling. Originally, about 2,000 years ago,
IIt was performed exclusively by Devadasis, women who danced as an offering of bhakti or devotion to God within the confines of temples.
However, in recent times, Bharatanatyam has come to the world stage and become one of the most popular classical Indian art forms.
Bharata can be broken down further to disclose the elements of classical dance.
The first is Bha which stands for Bhava or emotion as it is expressed.
The second is Ra which stands for Raga or melody.
And the third and last part is Ta which stands for Tala or rhythm.
There are three aspects of classical dance:
Nritta – pure dance movements and techniques comprising postures, footwork, rhythm and timing
Natya – elaborate facial expressions or “Abhinaya,” combined with hand gestures or “Hasta Mudras” that convey various moods or “Bhavas” (drama)
Nritya – a mix of Nritta and Natya combining rhythm with drama.
Goals
Deepen the spiritual meditation of both dancers and audience
Discipline the body and mind in spiritual service
Enhance private and group prayer time
Enlighten dancers and audience in the refined taste of classical religious dance of India
Prepare people to minister to others through dance
Present the philosophy and stories of Lord Krishna and His associates using dance, mime and movement
Offer a means for artistically inclined people to dedicate their talents in the Lord’s service
Get exercise and have fun at the same time 
