Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA)

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The Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA) is a vibrant community of dance professionals dedicated to advancing Indian classical dance in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. IDEA supports dancers as artists, ensuring they are fairly compensated, respected, and connected through collaboration, professional development, and advocacy. Members benefit from umbrella insurance, access to nonprofit venue rates, and a collective voice to effect positive change.

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Initially, the biannual IDEA Dance Festival served as the centerpiece of the organization, showcasing classical dance from India. Today, IDEA has evolved to a Gala and Awards recognition format, celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of the Indian dance community while continuing to provide opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional growth.

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IDEA serves over 4000 students across 60 schools and companies, enriching the cultural landscape and providing educational opportunities for Americans interested in South Asian dance traditions. The organization maintains an artistic database, offering lecture demonstrations, master classes, workshops, and performances by local and visiting artists from India.

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The organization is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Directors, each specializing in one of the six classical dance styles represented locally: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi. Patron members generously support IDEA’s mission, sustaining programs that elevate Indian classical dance and nurture its practitioners.

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Since 2016, under the leadership of Shruthi Mukund (CEO) and the assistance of resident staff, Krishnaveni Gurrapu (Managing Director) and Lakshmi Babu (CFO), IDEA has doubled its budget, expanded its online presence, and launched programs including virtual professional development conferences, the Resilidance International Dance Festival, Abhinaya Salon Series, Silverscreen Dance Festival 2023, and collaborations with Black Rock Center for the Arts for Holi celebrations. 

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IDEA remains inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of the Indian dance community, continuing through its programs, performances, and Gala celebrations to connect, support, and uplift Indian dance educators and artists while fostering professional excellence and enriching the cultural landscape for audiences throughout the region.