Arts & Life Education Gurukul Ltd

Dance for Humanity

An Australian registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, founded by Nirmal Jena and Chitrita Mukerjee.

The program

Odissi: Dance for Humanity

Odissi: Dance for Humanity is a unique arts and life skills education program for young people experiencing financial distress. The program provides free and comprehensive training in Odissi dance and music, as well as life skills, to young people faced with financial hardship.

Nirmal and Chitrita are passionate about creativity, diversity, humanity and sustainability. This program is an expression of those values — serious, intensive training offered freely to those who could not otherwise access it.

The program spans several years. It is not a workshop series.

Who it serves

Young people who would otherwise go without.

  • Young people, primary cohort age 18 and over, experiencing financial hardship
  • Those unable to access arts training for financial reasons
  • Participants from Australia and India
  • Those from disadvantaged backgrounds

What's taught

Classical training and practical skills, both.

  • Professional instruction in Odissi Indian classical dance
  • Vocal music and drums
  • Financial literacy and sustainable living
  • Arts and event management — sound, light, stage design
  • Cross-cultural communication, marketing, resilience, leadership

How to apply

Tell us your story.

To be considered for the program, you will need to demonstrate financial difficulty, a passion for Odissi, and a willingness to commit to long-term training.

Referrals from relevant organisations are also accepted.

Get in touch

Partners

Working with organisations that share the mission.

  • National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

    Gavin Robins, Head of Movement

  • Ausdance NSW

  • Kurinji

    S. Shakthidharan, Director

  • Gamilaroi Aboriginal Elder & Mentor

Support the program

Donate to ALEG.

Donations to Arts & Life Education Gurukul Ltd support the Dance for Humanity program directly.

ALEG is a registered Australian charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia.

ABN: 85 661 952 414

To donate by Australian bank transfer, please contact us and we will provide the details directly.

Contact us about donating