Beneath the Banyan Tree and more...

Dance has been a central part of my life.  Training in bharatanatyam as a young girl in Cochin and later in Mumbai, I had no idea that one day dance would become the anchor in my life.  Since making my home in Canada in 1964, I was actively engaged in teaching, performance and establishing a training institution and professional dance company. Through my active involvement in the performing arts in Canada, I have come to realize that the arts are a powerful vehicle in society to communicate a nation’s stories, dreams and ideals; they help us understand our own culture as well as create a shared understanding and respect for other world cultures. Ms. Lata Pada in a reflective mood for MENTOR…