WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Spring is coming and with its arrival, South Asian Americans are celebrating Holi, the festival of colors. It's a massive event in South Asia, and here in Wichita, students at the Kalakrit School of Art are connecting culture with movement. This is tradition meeting joy. "To see them blossom into their own beautiful dancers. You know, that's something that is mine. And nobody can take it from me and I feel absolute joy," said Manasi Kulkarni, Founder and Artistic Director of Wichita-based Kalakrit School of Art. Kulkarni has been teaching the classical Indian dance form Kathak in Wichita for over 8 years. "Being able to share the joy of dance and this rich art has been a beautiful," said Kulkarni. On this day, the students are learning about Holi, the festival of colors. Kulkarni added, "it marks the arrival of springtime. So like the rainy season and the blooms and it signifies good over evil." For her, it's about taking the tradition forward. "For them to reach greatest heights that they can use their fullest potential in dance and whatever else that they pursue in the future," said Kulkarni. Celebrating the festivals and using Kathak as a form of appreciation and gratitude. "It just amazes me how connected we are to our culture, how I formed such a good bond with all of my fellow students who also learn with me," said Sneha Kamineni, dance student at Kalakrit School of Art. Another dance student Mounika Kasaraneni said, "coming back to the class every week again and again makes me feel more closer to my culture and it keeps me grounded." Keeping them all immersed in their culture, roots and identity. Kasaraneni added, "it brings me more happiness." And for Holi, they hope that you can learn more about South Asian culture, be it performance arts or the festivals. ...read more read less