This article was written by Milwaukee Volunteer Subarna Bhattacharya, and with the help of Milwuakee ACC Naveen Kodam, published in the newsletter Hi India, found in all the Indian Grocery stores in Milwaukee and Chicago. You can read the version published online here: http://hiindia.us/?p=12104
The reflections of the fifth Vibha Vibe witnessed the Centennial Hall of the Milwaukee Public Library being abound with excitement as it shone bright on the night of the 9th of March, 2013. The Milwaukee action center was responsible for organizing this unique multicultural entertainment extravaganza. This was the fifth year for Vibha Vibe and the energy in the room was palpable.
Vibha Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization registered as Help Them Grow Inc. in the state of New Jersey. This organization strives to educate, empower and enable every individual who wishes to make a positive difference in the life of underprivileged children in various regions of India and the United States. Vibe is one of the major fundraising events of the organization to raise awareness regarding the cause and is annually organized across different cities in the States; including Milwaukee, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Proceeds from Vibe 2013, Milwaukee will be directed towards a project called HEARDS in Andhra Pradesh, India (concerned with rehabilitation of child laborers) and Our Next Generation, Milwaukee (aimed at educating underprivileged children), a truly philanthropic endeavor.
The entire show was a mélange of bright costumes, mesmerizing performances, uninhibited enthusiasm and generous doses of talent, all well appreciated by a spellbound audience. The delicious Indian buffet at the event inception provided by the Mayura restaurant, Milwaukee was only fitting to the grand display of local talent that followed.
The crowd witnessed an assortment of acts from talented artists representing diverse global dance and music routines. The performances were a visual treat to savor. The energetic Bhangra and Jalisco performances by the UW School of Bhangra (Madison) and Escamilla entertainment, as well as the fusion dance by the Surma group from UW Madison were major crowd-pleasers along with the Kavkaz Russian dancers and the McMenamin Irish dancers who enchanted the audiences with their brilliant renditions. The ballet dancers from To the Pointe Performing Arts Center, the little wing dancers from Aarabhi School of Dance and the Trisha Middle Eastern dancers from Pat Kellar Dance Studio added that special sparkle to the night’s celebrations with their heartwarming performances. The solo performances of Jolie Williams from Innovo Physical Theatre, ShrishtiUpasanaSahoo’s classical Odissi rendition, the Lavani Marathi folk dance by PrachiLikhite and ArchanaBankar in addition to some fine juggling acts by Jon the juggler made for a fine amalgamation and complimented each other well.