Through Guiding Star Productions, Varun and Sonia Mahajan are leading children into the spotlight.

The couple started the dance company in 2004, less than 10 years after moving to Pittsburgh from India. Together, they are introducing Americans to an ancient art form that, in their homeland, is considered sacred. Dance gurus are treated as the physical embodiments of gods.

"Dance and music is an integral part to Indian culture," says Varun, of Franklin Park.

"It has a connection with the spiritual aspect of gods and goddesses. All of these dances that we teach originated from temples."

On Saturday, June 6, students at the Sewickley-based school will don elaborate costumes (all handmade in India) and take the stage at Ingomar Middle School for the Grand Annual Recital Ceremony.

All proceeds benefit North Hills Community Outreach.

Although they spent the majority of their lives in India, the Mahajans want to give back to local families in need.

"It's a unique experience for us to do something for an American charity," Varun says.

"We are citizens of this country now and we have some responsibility for the people here."

Wendy Gordon, director of communications for NHCO, was surprised and humbled by the outpouring of support.

"I can only say that we are extremely grateful that Guiding Star Productions selected North Hills Community Outreach to be the beneficiary of this event," she says.

"We rely on the generosity of others to enable us to fulfill our mission of helping those in poverty, hardship and crisis."

The Mahajan children, Jasmine and Jay, will perform in the show alongside Pine-Richland students Anya Chopra, Aiyana Chopra, Anya Prasad, Arya Prasad and Sonali Dadoo.

Anju Chopra, of Pine, says the recital is a great way for her kids to practice what they're taught at home and in school.

"Hats off to the schools and the teachers who are teaching them that you have to give back to the community," she says.

"Now they've got a platform where they can actually make it happen."

Act I will feature Kathak, a classical dance that is Guiding Star's specialty. Decked out in Angrakhas -- ornamental flared skirts -- the performers' become storytellers, conveying ancient tales through the movements of their hands, feet and facial features.

During intermission, audience members will be able to purchase Indian snacks provided by Flavor of India restaurant in Cranberry.

The second act emphasizes folk dances, such as Bhangra, a high-energy style that puts an Indian spin on American hip-hop.

Students, who range in age from 5 to 60, are proud that the moves they learned at Guiding Star will not only entertain people, but give struggling families a morale boost as well.

"I feel grateful," says Arya Prasad, a student at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School.

"I'm going to be a part of saving someone's life."