Argentinian dancer Natalia Grosso decided to put on the fundraising dance festival Amor Por India when she saw the poor living conditions of many Indians.
“After living in India for a while I was able to see the crude reality,” Ms Grosso said.
“I had the chance to meet people in their daily lives, especially the culture and dancing. This is why I want to help them.”
Ms Grosso has organised an event that will be held 26 November at the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville.
“It’s a full day with different workshops – yoga, acroyoga, bellydance, Bollywood, salsa, flamenco and hip hop,” Mrs Grosso said.
The event will be a four-hour gala show, with performances of many different styles of dance.
Amor Por India means “love for India” in Spanish, a name Grosso chose because all money raised by ticket sales will go to the Spanish charity Vicente Ferrer’s Foundation.
“[Foundation namesake] Vicente Ferrer supported India 80 years ago, he made buildings in India and helped children… it’s an amazing organisation,” she said.
Ms Grosso said it costs about $260 to build one home in India.
“It’s a beautiful country but it needs help,” she said.
A ticket for the event is $35 and will give access to all workshops and the gala performance.
Wollongong-based professional belly dancer Tara Yasmin will perform at the gala.
“The community in this region’s pretty small and [Natalia] just asked if I’d be interested,” Ms Yasmin said. “It should be a fun day.”
Belly dancing will be one of the workshops run on the day.
“It’s got quite a big focus on body inclusivity and can be practiced by anyone.” Ms Yasmin said.
Ms Grosso said everybody is invited to participate in the workshops.
“Everyone is welcome: whether you’re family, whether you’re friends, whether you’re children,” she said.
“It’s an amazing day: good energy, good people with love and dance … showing love for India.”
