Surati for Performing Arts’ original dance-theatre production celebrates India’s cultural vibrancy through music, storytelling, and dynamic choreography
Our Bureau
Cocoa, FL
Surati for Performing Arts (Surati FPA), a Jersey City, New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, presented a sold-out performance of its original dance-theater-musical production, “Glimpses of India,” at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse (HCVP) on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The 90-minute live performance was presented in partnership with Manav Mandir Temple and India Fest, bringing together families, community members, and arts supporters for a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and heritage.
Conceived, created, and directed by Rimli Roy, Founder & Artistic Director of Surati for Performing Arts, who also choreographed most of the dances, Glimpses of India is a family-friendly dance-theatre production that weaves Indian classical, folk, and contemporary genres with storytelling, musical theatre, and rich visual design. The production’s music included several original compositions by renowned composers and performers from India, Sumit Roy and Rajesh Roy, adding a deeply personal and powerful musical foundation to the show’s narrative arc.
A special performance was included at the end of the show by a Cocoa Beach local artist, Cathy. She performed “Lascia ch’io pianga” (Italian for “Let me weep”) a famous aria from George Frideric Handel’s 1711 opera Rinaldo, which is a scene from Surati’s other production Ramaavan – A Musical, where Sita’s soul laments for her beloved Rama.
“Glimpses of India is an invitation, an experience that honors tradition while making it accessible, exciting, and meaningful for audiences of all backgrounds,” said Rimli Roy, Founder & Artistic Director of Surati for Performing Arts. “We are grateful to the Cocoa community and Manav Mandir Temple and India Fest for welcoming Surati to Florida and making this evening such a memorable celebration.”
The featured artist team included: Harsha Harikumar, Jayanta Banerjee (Jay), Jonathan Power, Sonia Mukherjee, Kijana Lewis, Tatiana Bahoque, Thansi Thatipamula, Archana Krishna, Juliana Hassouna, Jamain Victor, Vidhya Dinesh, Ayaansh Dey, Suman Chakraborty, Sarath Thatipamula and Rimli Roy. Together, the ensemble brought energy, nuance, and artistry to a stage experience that highlighted India’s diversity through movement, music, and theatrical storytelling.
About Glimpses of India
“Glimpses of India” is Surati for Performing Arts’ original dance-theatre showcase celebrating India’s cultural richness through a mix of classical, folk, fusion, Bollywood, contemporary dance forms and live music, integrated with storytelling, musical theatre, and vivid stage visuals. A captivating journey that both entertains and educates audiences about India’s cultural heritage.
About Surati for Performing Arts
Surati for Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization based in Jersey City, dedicated to promoting Indian art and culture through performances, arts-in-education, and community engagement. Founded by Rimli Roy, Surati’s acclaimed productions and festivals— including Holi Hai and Ramaavan – A Musical — have been showcased at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and featured in CNN, NBC, and Vogue. Surati’s year-round programming is made possible by Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, Dance NYC, National Endowment for the Arts and New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund.
