In the Hindu religion, Ganesha is the beloved son of the gods Shiva and Parvati and a very good problem solver. 

Detail: Indian Dancing Ganesha
Detail: Dancing Ganesha, Indian, 9th century C.E. Light gray sandstone. 39 x 20 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches (99.06 x 51.44 x 20.96 cm). Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust. 70-45.

You might go to him when you have a big test or need help with a problem. Who do you go to when you need help?

Dancing

Ganesha is dancing here. Try to pose like him…how long can you hold it?

In traditional Indian dancedancers hold their arms and hands in different positions known as mudras, which have specific meanings.

Odissi dancers

Dancers tell stories by using these mudras. The “o” shape is the mudra for peacock which represents rewards for a good life.  

Watch the video to see a dance style called Odissi. Deblina and Himadri are telling a story of Lord Krishana. They are showing that he decorates his crown with peacock feathers and saying “look at his beauty.”

Several dance schools in Kansas City teach Bollywood, Folk Dance and Classical Dance. Students practice for years to master the dance styles.

Courtesy Nritya School of Bharathanatyam and Music, Dancers Kanishka, Stuthi, Saritha, Aishwarya, Snehe and Shalika, Musicians: Latha, Hema, Priya, Ganesh and Shiva.