Honoring Tradition, Inspiring the Future

Guinness Record-Holding Guru Kalashri Asha Gopal’s Arathi School Celebrates 45 Years of Indian Classical Dance in the Valley with Star-Studded Two-Day Gala

 Arathi School, a premier institution dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts, announces its landmark 45th-anniversary celebration gala on October 31 and November 1, 2026. Founded by the visionary dancer and educator, Guru Kalashri Asha Gopal, the school has spent nearly five decades serving as a cultural beacon, bringing the rich traditions of Indian classical dance to the local community.
Over its illustrious history, Arathi School has hosted world-renowned gurus and achieved global recognition, securing its founder-director Asha Gopal a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for presenting the largest number of arangetrams (graduation dance recitals). To date, the school has successfully graduated more than 260 dancers.

The 45th-anniversary gala promises an extraordinary weekend of world-class performances. The centerpiece of the celebration is a full-fledged musical production titled Chandralekha, choreographed and presented by the celebrated Dr. Sanjay Shantaram and his troupe.

Audiences will also be treated to spectacular guest performances, including a mesmerizing Odissi recital by the globally acclaimed ensemble Nrityagram, and a dynamic Kuchipudi recital by the distinguished Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay and her students. The festival will also shine a spotlight on local talent, featuring diverse Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak performances by artists from the Valley.
"When we started Arathi School, our goal was to plant the seeds of Indian classical arts here in the Valley," says founder Asha Gopal. "Forty-five years later, seeing our 260 plus graduates and the vibrant community we have built is a testament to the timeless power of these dance forms."

The two-day festival will take place on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the Scottsdale Arts Center. Please check the school’s Facebook page for information on ticket purchase and sponsorship opportunities