Classical dance teachers from the New England area nominated some of their students for the Lokvani Rising Stars in Dance award. The students had studied the classical form for years and performed Arangetram. Some were finalists at National competitions. While the teachers and their styles may be different, what is invariant is the hard work and dedication required on the part of each student who gives their commitment to an art form that requires several years of training. Given the number of Arangetrams that happen, sometimes people are not able to see the incredible hard work on the part of the student and the teacher to make this happen. To hold a solo performance for over two hours is mentally and physically challenging. Many give up before the Arangetram.  Lokvani instituted the Rising Star in Dance to recognize the effort and pay tribute to the student's effort. 

The award was given out at the event by Pallavi Nagesha, who started to learn dance after becoming mother of two children and runs her own dance school and Swathi Subramanian who conducts the Swaraag competitions for dance and music. 

At the event, students of Neena Gulhati presented Battu Nritya in Odissi style.

Students of Sunanda Narayanan presented a Thillana in Kamas Ragam. The recording was in the voice of the (late) Smt. Geetha Murali who was an icon in the dance world providing accompaniment to a large number local dancers. New England dancers feel the loss of the great intensely. The piece was a tribute this New England Legend. 

The evening showed that ancient classical art forms are alive and well in New England and thanks to the dedication of the teachers and students will continue to grow.