CLEVELAND — Cleveland is known for its diverse events and cultures. That’s why the 44th Thyagaraja Festival returned to Cleveland. It’s the largest Indian classical music festival outside of India.

Srekala Bharath is an award-winning dance teacher from India.

“This is called ta lam. This is for rhythm. It’s known as nattuvangam, for rhythmic syllables, so that the dancer is clear. She’s got clarity to do her footwork when this is being played,” she said.  

She flew in from India to spread her knowledge and wisdom to dancers like Soorya Janakiraman, who was getting ready for the Margam dance performance.

They started with the blessing, then they practiced to perfection.

“She’s so good at her footwork. I’m very happy about it that her footwork is very firm,” she said.

Bharath said she began dancing when she was seven years old, but said dance is a way to connect with her upbringing.

“It is my prayers, it is my passion, it is my life,” she said. 

Janakiraman said Bharath’s teaching made an impact on her.

 “It’s been like a really incredibly way for me to stay in my culture, growing up in the united states and also like gain a community of other dancers,” Janakiraman said.

Janakiraman is going to school in Cleveland and finding her culture right in her backyard meant the world to her.

“Being away from home, it’s really nice to have that sense of comfort and being able to bond with people through dance, which is something I’ve done for such a long time,” she said.