Family Programs

Family Art Day

Event Information
Lenfest Plaza
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Advance registration is required.

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Center for Art Education
three Indian classical dancers in white and gold sarees perform Mohiniyattam with graceful poses and flowing fabrics against a solid black background.

 

This free, all-ages program features Three Aksha, a Philadelphia-based Indian classical dance company, in an interactive experience that blends hands-on artmaking with live performance.

Families will begin with a creative activity inspired by gesture, rhythm, and pattern, then participate in an engaging workshop and demonstration led by Three Aksha. Through their presentation of RASA—the emotional essence of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form from South India—participants will explore storytelling through movement, expression, and music.

The program includes:

  • An introduction to Indian culture and classical dance traditions
  • Opportunities to learn basic Bharatanatyam movements and create a short dance sequence
  • Exploration of expressive hand gestures and facial storytelling techniques
  • A live dance performance by Three Aksha, followed by a Q&A

Additional activities include dance figure coloring and a henna artist on-site (optional, $3–$5 per design).

The program is also part of PAFA’s lead-up to the Family Festival on June 21, where Three Aksha will return for a full performance.

✂️ Artmaking begins at 1:00 PM
🎟️ Advance registration required
🖼️ Museum admission included

Bring the whole family and experience the power of art and dance to connect cultures and spark creativity.


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About Three Aksha

Three Aksha is a Philadelphia-based dance company founded in 2003 by Artistic Director Viji Rao, dedicated to preserving and advancing classical Indian Bharatanatyam while fostering cultural understanding through performance, education, and creative movement. Rooted in the Kalakshetra tradition, the company is known for its innovative choreography within classical forms and for nurturing emerging artists from the greater Pennsylvania region. In addition to touring nationally and internationally, Three Aksha engages local communities through workshops, lecture-demonstrations, youth programs, and socially conscious initiatives that promote cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation.

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