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0 commentsIn a jubilant celebration of heritage, artistry, and diaspora identity, the Anjali Center for Performing Arts—the first Indian classical dance school in Texas and one of the earliest in North America—marked its Golden Jubilee, completing 50 years of uninterrupted cultural service in the United States.
Founded in 1975 by eminent classical dancer and choreographer Dr. Rathna Kumar, the Anjali Center has long been a pioneer in bringing the traditional dance forms of India—such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi—to audiences and students in America. Its 50th anniversary celebration, held in Houston, drew admiration, applause, and official recognition from city leaders, Indian diplomats, and a multigenerational diaspora community.
A Grand Celebration in Houston
The event brought together dignitaries, artists, and hundreds of guests to honor Dr. Kumar’s visionary contributions. Among those present were Consul General of India in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, Hon. Ken Mathew (Mayor of Stafford), Hon. Carol McCutcheon (Mayor of Sugar Land), and Fort Bend County Judge Juli Mathew, the first Indian-American woman to be elected to a judicial bench in the U.S.
In his remarks, Consul General Manjunath lauded the work of Dr. Kumar and the Anjali Center in “preserving and promoting the classical dance forms of India and nurturing young talent in the U.S. over the past five decades.” He called the institute “a true cultural bridge between India and the United States.”
The evening was filled with electrifying dance performances that transported audiences through time, mythology, and emotion. Alumni, current students, and guest artists performed carefully curated repertoires from the Indian classical canon, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali. The event’s highlight was a thematic production choreographed by Dr. Kumar, interpreting traditional Indian narratives through a modern lens.
A Legacy Etched in Movement
When Dr. Rathna Kumar arrived in Houston in 1975, there were few, if any, opportunities for Indian children to formally study classical dance. Armed with her training from Kalakshetra and a fierce sense of cultural purpose, she founded the Anjali Center in a modest space. At that time, it was not just the first Indian dance school in Texas—it was one of the earliest such institutions in the entire country.
From these humble beginnings, the Anjali Center has grown into a beacon of artistic excellence. Over the years, it has trained over 3,000 students, produced numerous solo and group performances, and collaborated with international dance companies and universities. Many of its alumni have become performers, choreographers, and teachers in their own right.
Dr. Kumar, a specialist in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, has also developed academic curricula, authored books on Indian classical dance, and presented her work in venues across the globe. She remains actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and performing, embodying the ethos that classical arts must be both preserved and adapted to remain relevant.
National and Global Recognition
Dr. Kumar’s achievements have been widely recognized both in India and the United States. She is one of the few Indian-Americans to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest honor in the performing arts. She has also been named “Artist of the Year” by Dance Source Houston and has received grants from multiple organizations including the Houston Arts Alliance.
In early 2024, she was honored with the “Prernadayee Adviteeya Mahila Yogdaan Vibhushan Award” by the World Brahmin Welfare Association, further affirming her status as an international cultural ambassador.
The Anjali Center has become more than just a school; it is a community institution. Through the decades, it has partnered with universities, museums, and cultural organizations to increase the visibility of Indian arts in mainstream American society. Its outreach includes lecture-demonstrations, youth engagement programs, and artistic residencies in public schools.
Adapting to Change, Staying Rooted in Tradition
One of the greatest testaments to the Center’s relevance is its ability to adapt. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional classroom instruction became impossible, Dr. Kumar seamlessly transitioned to virtual teaching, conducting online classes and workshops that reached students across the world. This pivot allowed her to continue her mission without interruption, ensuring continuity of learning and cultural connection during a time of global isolation.
Today, the Center is exploring even more avenues for innovation. Plans are underway to launch new courses in contemporary choreography that integrate classical vocabulary with modern themes. In doing so, the institute hopes to engage younger generations while staying rooted in Indian aesthetics.
“Culture is not static,” Dr. Kumar said during the Golden Jubilee ceremony. “It must evolve, breathe, and respond to the world around it while preserving its sacred core.”
A Diaspora Dream Fulfilled
The Anjali Center’s Golden Jubilee is also symbolic of the broader Indian-American journey. What began as small, self-organized efforts by first-generation immigrants has grown into a flourishing cultural infrastructure across the U.S. The Anjali Center is now part of a legacy that has defined the identity of Indian-Americans, providing spaces where culture is not only remembered but lived.
Judge Juli Mathew, in her speech, captured this sentiment, saying: “What Dr. Kumar has created is not only a dance institution—it is a monument to the enduring spirit of our culture. It is where generations have discovered who they are and where they come from.”
Mayor Ken Mathew, himself of Indian origin, noted that the Anjali Center has contributed immensely to the multicultural fabric of Texas, offering a model of how immigrant communities can preserve their heritage while enriching the society around them.
Looking Ahead
With five decades behind it, the Anjali Center is poised for the future. New collaborations, performances, and community partnerships are on the horizon. A documentary film is also in the works to chronicle the journey of Dr. Kumar and her students.
The 50th anniversary celebration was not just a commemoration of the past, but a call to the next generation to carry forward the torch of classical Indian dance in a rapidly changing world.
As the final beats of the mridangam faded into silence and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: the Anjali Center for Performing Arts is not just celebrating a golden past—it is building a radiant future.
Learn more about Anjali Center for Performing Arts: https://anjalicenterhouston.org
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