Dancing for Joy
Jennifer Brantley ’15 performs Raqs Sharqi (colloquially known as belly dance) at the 2014 Austin College Diwali celebration or “festival of lights,” a Hindu fall festival celebrated at the College since 1998 when the Indian Cultural Association was founded on campus. Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Each year, between 250 and 400 students, friends, and family gather for the event, which includes performances from several students. ICA includes members of all ethnic backgrounds, and anyone is welcome to take part in the group’s events. Jennifer has been dancing for 16 years and is a member of a professional troupe in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Photo by Katie Barber ’18.
Jennifer Brantley—Sarah Wilhite Miles Memorial Scholarship, Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation Sponsored Scholarship