Forging Global Connections
At Silambam, we seek to increase the appreciation and understanding of Indian artistic traditions across cultural boundaries, through comprehensive arts education, outreach, and exceptional arts programming, and by creating opportunities for young artistes to develop, perform, and collaborate.
The ancient language of the Indian classical arts forms the bedrock of Silambam's programming. The intricate footwork, sculpturesque poses, captivating facial and body language, and breathtaking costumes of our classical dance forms go hand in hand with the beautiful melodic and percussive elements of our classical music styles.
Learn more about the origins of Silambam Houston, and about our founder, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, here.
We believe in passing on the rich and ancient artistic heritage of India in its most pristine form, through classes at our Arts Academy.
We also believe in harnessing the immense versatility of Indian arts to connect with diverse audiences, through our unique Dance Company productions.
And we believe in educating audiences and enriching communities through workshops, demonstrations, master classes, and other Outreach activities.
News and Events
Our last ArtStream concert for 2023-2024 is on May 26 - and features Acharya Choodamani A Lakshmanaswamy in an interactive performance titled ‘Beyond Gender’! Click here for details and ticket reservations.
Silambam returns to the Miller Outdoor Theater in June, with ‘The Baroque-Carnatic Connection’ - a cross-cultural exploration of the commonalities and distinct flavors of Western baroque and South Indian classical music and dance traditions.
A vibrant and interactive live musical conversation between world-class Carnatic and baroque musicians provides an unique auditory experience, with a striking visual dimension added by professional South Indian classical ( Bharatanatyam) and Baroque dance ensembles, embellished by period costumes and jewelry.
Join us in this unique artistic conversation bridging eastern and western classical dance and music from the Baroque era! Click here for details.
We are thrilled to welcome Mamatha Muralidharan to the faculty, who will add Mohiniattam classes to our slate of arts education offerings! We also continue to offer classes in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Carnatic vocal, Carnatic violin, Hindustani vocal, Harmonium, Mridangam, Tabla and Konnakol, as well as Yoga. Click here to register for 2024-2025 - deadline is July 15!
The dancers of the Silambam Houston Dance Company recently went on tour - to Chennai, India! We were thrilled to have been invited to perform in the Chennai Margazhi Music and Dance Season, the holy grail for Indian performing arts. Please see our Margazhi season schedule here!
Silambam has been designated a Houston Cultural Treasure! We are one of 11 organizations in Houston to receive this prestigious designation. This is a national initiative of the Ford Foundation, called 'America's Cultural Treasures', with the regional effort spearheaded by the BIPOC Arts Network And Fund (BANF)
From BANF: "To be designated a Houston Cultural Treasure, organizations had to demonstrate leadership through cultural production, community advocacy, and a history of community connectivity that uplifted and inspired Houston’s communities of color. These organizations have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fortify and elevate the BIPOC arts ecosystem in our city." Learn more about this initiative and the 11 organizations here.
Our student showcase, Pragati Maarga 2024 will be on June 23, 2024, and will feature student performers of all levels, presenting short pieces in the Indian classical dance forms Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, as well as vocal and instrumental Indian classical music and percussion.
Our yoga classes with Adrienne McNees - a certified, experienced, and sought-after yoga practitioner and teacher in the Pearland area - are on Monday nights. More information here!