With every step of every dance, these dancers learn more about the folklore behind their history. Through the Eternal Steps Foundation, these dancers are awarded scholarships and can seek more opportunities.
Junior Soumika Annam hasn’t always loved dancing, but the more she learned about classical dances, the more she wanted to be involved.
“At first I didn’t really like [dancing] because it made me super uncomfortable,” Annam said. “But as I got to know the art more, and I got to be involved with the community, I started loving it. It became such a big part of who I am as a person.”
Annam went on to found the Eternal Steps Foundation. It’s purpose is to give dance students a path to pursue their goals in dance and to further their dance career.
“We started a nonprofit because we saw a lot of dance students not really having opportunities to pursue programs where they could further their dance education.” Annam said.
“Our organization allows passionate dancers to attend dance academies while also spreading the word about what classical dance is and its importance,” Cofounding senior Nithya Avala said.
Annam and Avala feel confident in leading the foundation because of their years of experience.
“I’ve been doing classical dance for the past ten years, ” Avala said. I’m currently working towards my Arangetram, which is like a graduation from dance. I feel like this qualifies me to play a part of the organization.”
As an up-and-coming nonprofit, the organization hopes to hand out scholarships in coming months.
“The nonprofit itself is still new, but we do have a GoFundMe that is set up,” Annam said. “People are donating slowly, so we’d like to give out a scholarship in the next few months or so. “
One of the most important parts of dance is the performances and recently they had a performance at a temple in plano and had a great time. To gain recognition for the nonprofit, the organization attends performances, and recently attended one at a temple in Plano.
“My favorite thing is to actually perform, and spread the word about our nonprofit,” Avala said. “A few weeks ago, we actually had our first performance and it was really good,” It was nice having people come up to us and congratulate us and take pictures.”
The Eternal Steps Foundation also aims to educate the community, helping them learn about traditional dances and the culture behind them, as well as giving dancers a way to express their heritage.
“I just want to say that everyone who’s involved in the nonprofit is really dedicated, and I’m so happy. I can’t wait to see where this goes in the future.” Annam said.
