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Abhinaya Intensive with Sreelakshmy Govardhanan
Date and Time
October 8-9, 2026, 7-9pm
Organizer
Leela Foundation
Venue
Harmony District
Location
Morrisville/RTP
Address
10290 Chapel Hill Rd. Ste. 200, Morrisville, NC 27560
(364.8 mi)
Price
$250+
Description
The Abhinaya Intensive is a professional workshop focused on the nuanced art of expression in Kuchipudi. Hosted by the Leela Foundation, this session provides an opportunity for dedicated dancers to refine their practice under the guidance of renowned artist Sreelakshmy Govardhanan. This workshop bridges classical tradition with modern individual interpretation.
Participants will engage in focused training sessions centered on the Telugu javali Ekadunnavu Na Chakkani Sami, composed by Dharmapuri Subbarayar. Through this composition, attendees will explore technical precision, emotional depth, and storytelling techniques essential to classical performance. The curriculum emphasizes both the theoretical foundations and the practical application of abhinaya to elevate your artistic range and performance quality.
This intensive is designed for serious students and practitioners of Kuchipudi who possess a solid technical background. The atmosphere is professional, academic, and highly collaborative, fostering an environment where artists can engage in rigorous creative work. Whether you are seeking to master specific compositions or wish to refine your interpretive skills, this program offers essential insights. Secure your place today to advance your dance journey through this unique opportunity.
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Jaipur Literature Festival
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The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle.
Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues.
The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more.
The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region.
JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.
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Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
4521 Mial Plantation Rd
FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12!
Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping
📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610
🎟️ FREE admission
Enjoy a day filled with:
🔥 Fire show
🎨 Art activities
🥋 Martial arts class
🫧 Bubbles
🧘 Yoga and sound bath
🌲 Forest bathing
🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping
🍴 Food trucks and vendors
💛 Sensory yurt
🎤 Guest speakers
🏆 Tug of war
…and so much more!
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Parents Night Out: Kids Laser Tag Night
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Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU.
Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag.
Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted.
Details
Ages: 7 to 13
Time: 5 PM to 9 PM
Price: $49 per child
What's Included
-4 hours total
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-Large slice of pizza and a drink
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For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone
Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products
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Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.”
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Abhinaya Intensive
1018 Morrisville Pkwy., Morrisville, NC 27560
The Abhinaya Intensive is a focused workshop dedicated to the art of expression in Kuchipudi dance. Hosted by the Leela Foundation, this session offers participants a structured environment to refine their storytelling skills while grounding their practice in classical tradition. The curriculum centers on the Telugu javali titled Ekadunnavu Na Chakkani Sami by Dharmapuri Subbarayar. Attendees will work closely with renowned artist Sreelakshmy Govardhanan to explore the emotional depth and nuances required for this complex composition. Through disciplined training, you will gain technical insights into abhinaya and learn how to balance traditional constraints with authentic personal expression. This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers who wish to elevate their performance quality and deepen their connection to the repertoire. The atmosphere is professional and rigorous, fostering an environment of serious study and creative growth. We invite dedicated students to join this experience to enhance their artistic vocabulary and refine their interpretative approach. Secure your place to participate in this unique opportunity for intensive professional development and masterclass instruction.
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Setu - a Bridge Between
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Setu is a collaborative dance program that explores the commonalities between Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam. Hosted by the Leela Foundation as part of the Shastriya Festival, this event examines the living connections between classical traditions and modern artistic expression through both conversation and movement.
Attendees will experience a full-length evening program featuring acclaimed artists Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Shweta Prachande. Both performers will present individual recitals, showcasing the technical depth and aesthetic range of their respective dance forms. The program is designed to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary experience, offering a unique opportunity to witness high-caliber performances side-by-side in one cohesive evening.
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at Fayetteville St. block party; Ticketed concerts at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Raleigh
The 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a community celebration dedicated to honoring African American culture through the arts. Held in downtown Raleigh during Labor Day weekend on September 5 and 6, 2026, the event aims to unite and educate a diverse audience through meaningful cultural expression.
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Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham
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