Cultural Centre of India

Padma Chebrolu —a performing artist of dance, teaching artist, and the artistic director of the Cultural Centre of India in Cincinnati, has been with CAA's Artists on Tour program since 1997 and in 2022 won CAA's Overture's Awards Art Educator Award. Chebrolu has received the 2021 Ohio Heritage Fellowship Award for Performing Arts from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC); the 2022 and 2023 OAC’s Master Artist award for Traditional Arts Apprenticeship for preserving the cultural heritage; the 2025 Governor's Award (OAC), and is represented on the OAC's Teaching Artist Roster. Chebrolu's artistic contributions to our Cincinnati community have been recognized by the Honorable Mayors' Mr. John Cranley (2019) and Mr. Aftab Pureval (2022), as well as earning a University of Cincinnati Distinguished Alumni Award (2026). She is on the advisory board of Ohio Dance and the board of Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.

Cultural Centre of India explores India's artistic cultural of dance and music and its rich history. Their program has been adapted to a virtual live session. See below for details.

Indian Culture Comes to You: Dance, Music & Art of India

Curriculum Connections: Culture/Social Studies, Dance, Diversity Awareness

Using dance, hand-language, and a wealth of visual aids, the Cultural Centre of India will expand on lessons in multiculturalism, history, religion, language arts, geography, and more. All participants dance and experience music, art, traditions, hand-language movements, costumes, jewelry, and more. In this interactive workshop, students engage in several fun and high-energy hands-on activities to fully experience the culture and ask questions to learn.

This in person or online workshop can take place in the school’s cafeteria, gym, classroom or via the hybrid version in a multi-media setting. Organizers can collaborate to plan out the best setup options to enrich the education setting as Cultural Centre of India is highly experienced in offering in person or online live workshops.

Recommended Ages: Grades K-Adult
Length: 30-60 minutes
Cost: $450 first session / $250 each additional
Max #Sessions per Day: unlimited

Passage of the River - Environmental Movie Released

Passage of the River is a deeply rooted environmental narrative and fictional movie that explores the connections between life, heritage and the natural world, set along the culturally rich and historically significant Ohio River. Celebrates the Ancient Indigenous and Indian Cultures. Features cast members from Native American, India and US. Genre: Environmental, Historical, Drama, & Bollywood.

The movie is dedicated to those who safeguard our rivers for clean drinking water for future generations. Supported by Ohio Arts Council, Augusta KY & New Richmond OH.

Dance films from this movie all together won over 50 International Film Festival Awards (Best Director, Best Nature, Best Environment, Best Wildlife, Best Music, Best Short Documentary, Best Experimental Short, Best Outstanding Social Impact Film, Best Worldwide Short, Best Musical Dance Film...) from about 10 countries (Costa Rica, Denmark, Greece, India, Serbia, South Korea, UK, Ukraine and USA).

Padma Chebrolu - Writer, Director & Producer

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More Info

Padma is an exceptional artist, arts educator, and community leader whose life’s work has been astounding,” she said. “As an internationally renowned leader in her field, Padma has had a tremendous impact on communities across the globe. Her artistry showcases the beautiful tradition of Indian dance, and her dedication as an educator ensures that new generations have the opportunity to learn from a true master of the art form.

Donna Collins, OAC Executive Director