Diwali Celebration – October 25, 2024
The AAPI Cultural Center will host a Diwali celebration featuring a fashion walk followed by a dance demo to honor the Indian culture and heritage. The event will also include a delicious dinner of Indian dishes, Mandala crafts, and a henna stall.
The Diwali fashion walk will celebrate the vibrant connection between Indian ethnic wear and the elements of nature, inspired by the ancient concept of the “Pancha Bhuta” – five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Each element is represented by a stunning palette of whites, greens, reds, blacks, and blues, which symbolize unity, strength, and harmony, and capture nature’s essence and power. As Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, the five elements and colors reflect the timeless celebration of good prevailing over evil. The outfits featured for the event embody this spirit, merging tradition with the powerful energies of nature.
The event will be followed by a dance demo: “The Earth’s Rhythm” – a dance that explores the sounds and sights in nature. Audience will experience these five’ elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space by using hand gestures, facial expressions, eyes, and body language to depict each of these elements. Through the fusion, we not only honor Indian heritage but also celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and the natural world. Each piece in the collection represents a part of this journey, showcase the beauty and resilience that nature offers, while celebrating the joy and light of Diwali.
Our Artists
Deepthi Bala
Deepthi Bala began her journey in fashion with a deep passion for creativity and cultural expression. With 15 years of experience as an IT professional, starting at Walt Disney World and currently working at Indeed, she strives to seamlessly balance corporate career with love for art and fashion.
Over the years, she has been actively involved in Austin’s cultural scene, leading, mentoring, and participating in numerous fashion shows that focus on inclusivity and diversity.
She had the privilege of walking in prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week twice, and Texas Fashion Week. Her work emphasizes expressing culture through ethnic wear and celebrating individuality on national platforms. Beyond the runway, she played a key role in organizing and curating fashion shows that promote cultural heritage and personal style, creating spaces where everyone feels represented. As a fashion show lead, she is dedicated to fostering a community that values creativity, confidence, and inclusiveness. She aims to inspire others to embrace their unique stories through fashion and empower them to celebrate their individuality with pride.
Anuradha Ramachandra
Anuradha began her Bharatanatyam dance journey as a child with Guru Smt. Padmini Ramachandran in Bangalore, India. Along with her dance school team, she performed in various cities in India, including Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai and Hyderabad.
She continued her dance journey after moving to the US under the guidance of Guru Dr. Sreedhara Akkihebbalu. She has been instrumental in organizing and choreographing dance programs for children and adults including ‘Suvarna Samraja Vaibhava,’ ‘Parashiva,’ and ‘Jeeva Nadi.’ She has performed in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas for AKKA, Navika, and other organizations.
Anuradha runs a dance school, Anugraha School of Performing Arts, where she teaches a variety of students, from children to adults. She believes in spreading knowledge and hopes to inspire others to pursue their passion.
office hours
M/W/F: 10am-2pm
Or by appointment:
please email to schedule
address
ACC-Northridge Campus
11928 Stonehollow Drive
Austin, TX 78758
newsletter sign-up
