LOS ANGELES: It was a joyous celebration of the 58th Indian Republic Day at the Yasmine Center Day Care in the San Fernando Valley. Dilruba Ali the Activities/Marketing Director had organized a two hour program of folk and classical dances for the enjoyment of the Indian seniors who attend the day care center thrice a week. It was interesting to see that other seniors, Iranians, Armenians, Koreans, and Chinese were among the audience.

The program began with some of the seniors singing the National Anthem of India, with fervor. Reshma and Shivani the dancing duo, who are Bhangra and Hip Hop artistes, took center stage to perform an ebullient Bhangra. They frequently volunteer for various causes and this event was just what they wanted to do to make seniors happy. Rachna Upadhyaya, who is the director and guru of Kathak Kala Kendra, brought some of her skilled and talented students (she has around 70 students) to present various Kathak classical dances. Some of the graceful and expressive dances featured the folk element. Another performer Kasturi Sukul demonstrated an introduction to Kathak.

Other dancers were the gorgeously attired Simi, Aditi, Mano, Nithika and Somya who held the audience spellbound. This was followed by Seeba Bhatia and Shagun Goyal, students of Rachna, performing a vibrant Bollywood number from the film Swadesh. Taking the stage for an energized filmi number Kajararey Rakshit and Seema Bhatia had the audience clapping and asking for more.

The program ended with a singing of Vande Mataram followed by impromptu dancing by the lively seniors. Dilruba Ali, the Marketing Director, thanked the "many volunteers who had helped to make the program possible. We do this seniors, for your enjoyment," she said to an enthused crowd. An excellent lunch was provided.