The youth wing of the Support-a-Child program presented a classical dance program by Sutikshna Veeravalli, a dancer from Chicago who has recently moved to Brookline to teach in the high school. Sutikshna’s brilliant presentation intertwined seamlessly with a workshop on empathy was awe inspiring. The program was held on September 30 at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

The program opened with the lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests Dr. Mona Khaitan and Vishnu Khaitan. Sutikshana Veeravali is a leading classical musician and Bharatanatyam dancer. The title “Invisible Threads” was chosen to represent the connections we often feel with people who we do not know. That was the perfect theme to discuss empathy which was the focus of the presentation.  Keeping her focus on the theme of empathy, Sukitshana asked the audience to read out some statements to affirm their feeling of empathy. She asked all to imagine a time when someone trusted us and gave us a position even when you felt you did not quite have the credentials for it. She said that moment came to her when she was offered the position of a high school teacher. 

She then proceeded to present a Varnam. The Meera Bhajans Mere to Giridhar Gopal and Aaj Suni Mein Hari Awan Ki Awaz were melded together to make a beautiful Varnam. The presentation was so beautiful that one did not realize that we are watching a dancer who was born with no right hand or right foot. She used a prosthesis for her foot but the hand was left as is. Her dance proved that even for Bharatanatyam where Mudras and strong foot work is emphasized, what is really needed is passion and creativity to make a presentation that moves the audience. She presented other pieces as well including Varugalamo Aiyya. 

The presentation was a fundraiser to support children who need a little financial support to continue their education. A little support from a prosthesis for this dancer made her into a superstar. One can only imagine what a little financial support for a child can do to transform their life. Please check out the support a child website at https://www.supportachildusa.org/about-sac/