• Aditi Yadav brings Folk Dance and Cultural Learning to BMC School through Vistaar Series Collaboration. 

In an inspiring initiative aimed at bringing Indian performing arts closer to young students, dancer and educator Aditi Yadav recently conducted a folk dance workshop at a BMC school in Vakola, Santacruz, as part of the Vistaar Series in collaboration with the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).

National centre for Performing Arts has been conducting the series named “Vistaar.” It is a dance outreach program aimed at building exposure towards the different dance forms through specially curated sessions covering various topics related to Indian folk and classical dance. Through these sessions NCPA intends to showcase India’s rich performing arts cultural heritage to the audience. The interactive sessions are usually for an hour, conducted by experienced dance artistes. 

The session conducted by Ms. Aditi Yadav, introduced students to the vibrant spirit of Indian folk traditions through movement, rhythm, and storytelling. Using the popular devotional song Vittal Mauli, Aditi Yadav guided children through expressive folk dance techniques while also helping them understand the cultural significance behind the music and movements.

The workshop was designed as an immersive cultural experience. Students enthusiastically participated in the choreography, learning synchronized group formations, hand gestures, and energetic footwork associated with Indian folk dance traditions. The atmosphere inside the school transformed into one of celebration, creativity, and artistic exploration.

Speaking about the initiative, Aditi Yadav emphasized the importance of making art accessible to children from all backgrounds. She shared that dance has the power to build confidence, discipline, emotional expression, and cultural awareness among young learners. According to her, introducing performing arts in schools can positively shape a child’s personality and encourage creative thinking from an early age.

The Vistaar Series by NCPA aims to extend the reach of Indian arts and culture beyond traditional performance spaces and into educational and community environments. Through collaborations with artists and educators, the initiative seeks to nurture appreciation for India’s artistic heritage among younger generations. 

Students at the Vakola BMC School responded with visible excitement and curiosity throughout the workshop. Many of them experienced structured dance training for the first time, making the session both educational and memorable. Teachers and school staff also appreciated the initiative, noting how activities involving music and movement help students become more engaged and expressive.

The use of Vittal Mauli added a devotional and cultural depth to the workshop. The song’s uplifting energy encouraged students to connect emotionally with the performance while understanding the community spirit often reflected in Indian folk traditions. 

Mumbai has increasingly seen collaborations between cultural institutions and educational organizations focused on arts outreach programs. Workshops like these play a significant role in ensuring that classical and folk art forms remain relevant and accessible to younger audiences in urban spaces.

Aditi Yadav’s contribution through this initiative reflects the growing movement among artists to use dance not only as a form of performance but also as a medium for education and social impact. By bringing folk dance into classrooms, the workshop highlighted how art can create joy, confidence, and cultural connection among children. 

The event stood as a reminder that even within everyday school spaces, music and dance can inspire powerful moments of learning, unity, and self-expression.

Written by Anushree Devarashetty, Student at Ved Institute of Performing Arts

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