AWARD winning dance troupe Articulate from Bangalore in South India are expected to perform in front of almost 3000 people during their seventeen day Darshan (Vision) tour of North East England.

The troupe is made up of ten highly trained dancers, five of which are visually impaired. They are recognised as the world's first classical Indian dance troupe that consists of both blind and sighted performers.

The five blind dancers have endeavoured to overcome the twin problems of poverty and disability. Their dedication and devotion to the arts has given them a positive passageway to overcoming difficult times. The key message being conveyed is that disabled and able-bodied people can work together in situations where their similarities are recognised more than their differences.

The troupe's motto has always been "Anything is possible; just give us the opportunity!"

The troupe will visit schools, colleges and community centres across the North East as they aspire to motivate people with their amazing dance skills and courageous stories of conquering adversity.

They will also be working with some young disabled people from the North East during their stay.

Articulate have been brought to North East England by arts development organisation Kalapremi (UK), as part of their 25 year anniversary celebrations. The Stanley-based organisation prides itself in encouraging and empowering South-Asian arts across North East England, by bringing to the region a host of world class performers.

One of the founder members of Kalapremi has a deep connection with Articulate as Dr Sathya Nath, aged 63 is totally blind, the result of a serious road traffic accident over 30 years ago.

Instead of giving up, Mrs Nath and other members of the local County Durham community, used their knowledge and interest in the arts to help promote fine arts and culture from the Indian sub-continent, which is where the concept of Kalapremi was born.

The public will be able to witness the awe inspiring talents of Articulate as they headline Kalapremi's 16th Annual Ganesh Festival to be held on Sunday 28 September at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley, County Durham.

To find out more about the invaluable work of Kalapremi (UK) please visit their website www.kalapremi.org