Back in August, I had the privilege of attending a young dancer, Mihika Date's, Arangetram (debut recital) as a chief guest. Below are a few photos: 

I often think of the connections I have made with individuals in my community in NYC through the years through Bharatanatyam. This is one reason I am not sure an approach like mine can be scaled up or validated by certifications. 
From celebrating a friend's 90th birthday to another's 75th, my life and dance are enriched by the people I get to share this work with. 
In August 2026, I made a trip to Far Rockaway to belatedly celebrate my friend Carmen (Mickey) Alvarez's birthday. It is amazing to note that Mickey is one of the first people I met through LMCC's Su-Casa fellowship. Through joys, losses, and countless messages, our friendship has endured and is stronger. 
A few images are below! 

I am so looking forward to presenting with long-term learners "Timeless Sparks" ("Chispas Eternas") at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood in September 2026. More details to come soon!

Over the last several years, I have been working with Arts for the Aging, an organization based in the DMV area. I am their only virtual teaching artist, and it's been amazing to create connections with staff and participants entirely online. Below is a screenshot from a virtual workshop in March 2026. 
PC: Teddi Yoo 

In May 2026, I presented a session of dance, conversation, and some collective dance at the Mulberry Street Branch of the NYPL. It was a great evening, and folks had some really interesting questions and observations (e.g., " Are all pieces brand new?" and "Why do dancers not lip sync in Bharatanatyam?"
I am always in awe of people who have such interesting viewpoints - their participation makes my dance richer. A few images below (PC: Brian Baer):  

I live in a neighborhood where a significant proportion of individuals speak Spanish. Wanting to make Bharatanatyam accessible to them, in the fall of 2025, with help from Kylie Madhav, I provided Spanish narration to Bharatanatyam pieces.

• Venue: YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
• Video: Libby Lussenhop 
• Narrator: Kylie Madhav  

Kylie is narrating the piece in Spanish, and I am showing corresponding gestures. 

I was at the Westchester Square NYPL Branch in May 2026, and it was a reminder that sometimes, for whatever reason, the room just isn't full, and the audience isn't there. Still, I did my best and danced to one (very appreciative)  patron who called and invited over two of her friends. 
PC: Janet Goode

The adaptive Bharatanatyam sessions at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood have been my longest-running, and it has been great to see the power of the dance form to sustain interest over so many years. In September 2026, learners will present a show, with preparations in full swing. One of the learners is an educator, and helps the group by writing down gestures and the order in which they appear on a board, so that everyone can follow along and remember. 
Preparing for the show has been great because it is giving learners a timeline and a way to focus on specific pieces in detail. 
Below is an image by the board to commemorate this light moment (PC: CS Rani) 

PC: Scott Middleton

PC: Brian Moreno

Reporter Brian Moreno covered this event in the Canarsie Courier, link here.