Dance

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a dandiya raas performance at an event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Orpheum in Vancouver, B.C.

Dandiya dance is a traditional classical dance form originating from the state of Gujarat in India. It is usually performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is a nine-day celebration of the goddess Durga. In Dandiya dance, participants use small wooden sticks called "dandiyas" to rhythmically strike each other's sticks in pairs, while dancing in a circle. The dance is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the dhol, tabla, and flute.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Constructed in 1927, the Orpheum is one of the Vancouver Civic Theatres. It is the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and hosts performances by some of the city's finest choirs, as well as performing artists visiting from around the world.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a dandiya raas performance at an event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Orpheum in Vancouver, B.C.

Dandiya dance is a traditional classical dance form originating from the state of Gujarat in India. It is usually performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is a nine-day celebration of the goddess Durga. In Dandiya dance, participants use small wooden sticks called "dandiyas" to rhythmically strike each other's sticks in pairs, while dancing in a circle. The dance is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the dhol, tabla, and flute.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Constructed in 1927, the Orpheum is one of the Vancouver Civic Theatres. It is the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and hosts performances by some of the city's finest choirs, as well as performing artists visiting from around the world.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Pushpa Raya and unidentified women performing garba at a Navratri event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C.

Navratri, in Hinduism, is a major festival held in honour of the divine feminine, goddess Durga. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September-October). The festival is celebrated differently in India's various regions. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Dances performed include garba, especially in Gujarat. Garba is a type of Indian dance commonly performed at festivals and on other special occasions in the state of Gujarat. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Named for a lake in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia, Windermere is a secondary school located on the East side of Vancouver.
It celebrates cultural diversity, while offering a diverse range of courses and programs aiming to be a dynamic and inclusive high school.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of young girls dancing at a Navratri event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C.

Navratri, in Hinduism, is a major festival held in honour of the divine feminine, goddess Durga. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September-October). The festival is celebrated differently in India's various regions. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Dances performed include garba, especially in Gujarat. Garba is a type of Indian dance commonly performed at festivals and on other special occasions in the state of Gujarat. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Named for a lake in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia, Windermere is a secondary school located on the East side of Vancouver.
It celebrates cultural diversity, while offering a diverse range of courses and programs aiming to be a dynamic and inclusive high school.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of young girls dancing at a Navratri event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C.

Navratri, in Hinduism, is a major festival held in honour of the divine feminine, goddess Durga. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September-October). The festival is celebrated differently in India's various regions. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Dances performed include garba, especially in Gujarat. Garba is a type of Indian dance commonly performed at festivals and on other special occasions in the state of Gujarat. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Named for a lake in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia, Windermere is a secondary school located on the East side of Vancouver.
It celebrates cultural diversity, while offering a diverse range of courses and programs aiming to be a dynamic and inclusive high school.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of unidentified individuals on stage at an event, featuring dance performances by Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy.

Established in 1995 in British Columbia, Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy was founded by the artistic director, Vaani Gobynanth. The Academy has performed at various events and venues, showing off a variety of South Asian classical dances.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a dance performance at an event organized by Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy.

Established in 1995 in British Columbia, Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy was founded by the artistic director, Vaani Gobynanth. The Academy has performed at various events and venues, showing off a variety of South Asian classical dances.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Close up shot of an unidentified dancer performing and representing Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy at an event.

Established in 1995 in British Columbia, Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy was founded by the artistic director, Vaani Gobynanth. The Academy has performed at various events and venues, showing off a variety of South Asian classical dances.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of an unidentified dancer performing a classical dance while representing Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy at an event.

Established in 1995 in British Columbia, Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy was founded by the artistic director, Vaani Gobynanth. The Academy has performed at various events and venues, showing off a variety of South Asian classical dances.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of an unidentified dancer performing a classical dance while representing Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy at an event.

Established in 1995 in British Columbia, Thillai Kalalayam Dance Academy was founded by the artistic director, Vaani Gobynanth. The Academy has performed at various events and venues, showing off a variety of South Asian classical dances.