Born out of Shakti Arts, founded in 1995, by Anna Gautama, is Shakti Academy, launched last night at the Hindu Temple in Normanton.

Based on dance as a medium of expression, the new Academy brings together Arts, Culture, Education and Health – promoting cultural and personal development.  It will provide a wide-range of workshops and activities for groups and individuals, including:

• Faith Assemblies, Asian Weddings, Ethnic Food Tasting, and Festivals
• Rangoli, Diva making, Festive Cards, Mehndi, Story-telling and Dance Workshops
• Bolly ‘N’ Bang Dance Fitness, and chair exercises.

Shakti Academy is partnering with other local organisations, and is looking to extend that further.

There are opportunities for everyone within the community, across all age ranges, to be involved, or to work with them in developing an event, or service within the City.

Neema is enthusiastic to develop the Academy, and is keen to speak to people who share the same vision, or feel that they can benefit from the organisation, or wish to partner with her.

They will be performing at International Women’s Day in the Market Place, Saturday 11th March around mid-day.

More detail can be found on the Shakti Academy website, contact Neema on 07855 386299

A Prayer at the opening of the evening attended by the Mayor.

Neema presents Shakti Academy to an invited audience

One of the younger members speaks about why she likes dancing with Shakti

A member who has been involved for over 10 years returns from studying at Cambridge University

The Junior group perform a few routines

The junior group show off some of their delicate hand movements

Active and dynamic dancing performance

A photo-shoot, in Arboretum Park, for the Shakti Academy website.