2026
Conducted for the Hindu Employees Resource Group (HERG)
Bringing the oral tradition into the professional sphere, I had the pleasure of leading an intimate workshop for my colleagues titled "Echoes of Heritage: Exploring Hindu and Indian Stories for Connection and Growth."
This session focused on using our shared cultural roots as a bridge to foster workplace belonging and personal resilience. By weaving together traditional narratives with modern professional perspectives, we spent a meaningful evening exploring how ancient wisdom can spark deeper conversations and strengthen our bonds as a team. It was a powerful reminder that storytelling is not just a performance—it is a vital tool for community, connection, and growth in every workspace.
Presented by Storytelling Toronto at Palmerston Public Library Theatre A wonderful afternoon spent breathing new life into "The Tale of a Tail." For this special concert, I adapted my original children’s story for a sophisticated adult audience, stripping away the book to let the oral tradition lead. The response was overwhelming—a reminder that a well-told story of wisdom resonates across every age, bridging the gap between the printed page and the living stage.
2025
Back by popular demand! Returning to the festival stage for another year of "The Teddy Bear Picnic." It was a joy to once again lead a high-energy session of rhythmic chants, clapping games, and interactive stories for a new group of children and their families. This performance celebrates the enduring power of play and the simple magic of gathering to share a story.
Bridging continents through the digital stage. I had the honor of presenting a specialized workshop on the Panchatantra for the Storytellers of Canada. Together, we deconstructed the five Tantras, tracing their journey from ancient manuscripts to the global oral tradition, and sharing insights on how to keep these "forgotten" classics vibrant for today’s listeners.
Honored to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month by bringing the vibrant world of Hindu mythology to life for the entire student body. Across three high-energy sessions, I shared stories of heritage, values, and ancient wisdom, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. It was a privilege to see the students engage so thoughtfully with these timeless narratives in an educational setting.
2024
A delightful afternoon of stories and more at the "Teddy Bear Picnic. Returning to the Toronto stage as one of three featured performers for this beloved family event. This wasn't just about the stories—it was a high-energy celebration of childhood, filled with rhythmic rhymes, brain-teasing riddles, and interactive clapping games. A joyful session that reminded us how stories, movement, and play can unite children and parents in shared wonder.
Shifting from the stage to the masterclass, I conducted this deep-dive workshop for professional storytellers. We explored all five volumes (Tantras) of the Panchatantra, tracing its historical significance and its fascinating migration across global cultures. It was a privilege to lead fellow artists through the complex layers and enduring legacy of these ancient Indian fables.
A beautifully spent afternoon sharing the light of Diwali with the next generation. Invited by the "Indian Storytelling Circle" community, I led a vibrant session of oral storytelling for children, bringing the ancient legends of the festival to life. It was a joyful celebration of heritage, heart, and the power of a well-told tale.
Bringing the oral tradition to the halls of history in the heart of Brampton. As a featured solo storyteller, I led a residency of performances that bridged the gap between the museum's exhibitions and the living breath of folklore. Over a high-energy schedule of three sessions per day, I transported diverse audiences to magical worlds through enchanting tales, lively rhymes, and joyful songs—turning the museum into a vibrant space of shared wonder and cultural connection.
2023
A proud milestone in my professional journey, recognizing my dedication to the craft of the spoken word. [Click here to explore my full award-winning journey and mentorship experience.]
A significant milestone in my journey as a recipient of the Emerging Storyteller Award. Performing for an adult audience at this charity concert was both a challenge and a joy. This event served as a vital practice session and showcase of my evolving craft, blending narrative with the themes of hope and wonder to support a meaningful cause.
Storytelling is an art form that speaks to the adult heart as much as the child's. In this online session, I performed the West African folktale "The Cow-Tail Switch." It was a powerful experience to explore the rhythmic complexity and deep philosophical questions of this traditional tale with a global audience of adult listeners and fellow tellers.
Stories aren't just for children; they are for everyone. In this session with MACA, I led a cross-generational workshop focused on the vibrant characters of the Panchatantra. From playful antics to deep-seated wisdom, we spent the afternoon exploring how these "forgotten" oral traditions can inspire and educate today’s listeners.
2022
An Award in Storytelling! Yes, you read it correctly. I(Laxmi Balaji) recently received the Emerging Storyteller Award with my mentor Mariella Bertelli from the organization of Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC), and I couldn't be more thrilled. This award is a recognition of my storytelling skills and potential, and it comes with an opportunity to perform a story at the annual conference of SC-CC.
This year’s conference took place in Sudbury from May 31 to June 4, and I was excited to share my story with fellow storytellers and enthusiasts. This is an opportunity to connect with others who share the passion for storytelling and learn from their experiences and perspectives.
What is Storytelling, you may ask….Storytelling is the act of sharing stories through spoken words rather than using written or visual mediums. It is a traditional and ancient form of communication that has been used by humans for thousands and thousands of years to entertain, educate and preserve cultural heritage.
Oral storytelling can take many forms, including personal anecdotes, rhymes, proverbs, riddles, folktales, myths, legends, and epics. Storytellers share a narrative with an audience, using their voice, gestures, and expressions to convey the story's characters, settings and emotions. The storyteller may also interact with the audience, asking questions or encouraging participation, making the experience more engaging. In recent years all around the world there has been a renewed interest in oral storytelling as a form of artistic expression, with storytelling festivals, workshops, and competitions.
One such organization is Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC), founded in 1993. Each year SC-CC holds a national conference across the country. The conference serves as a platform for professional storytellers and amateurs to exchange ideas, techniques and stories. SC-CC functions as the national representative for those involved in maintaining and practicing the oral tradition of storytelling in Canada. Storytellers of Canada – Conteurs du Canada is “devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring learning and creativity through the art of storytelling”. SC-CC encourages the participation of all people, by recognizing storytelling as a common root to all cultures, making strong, positive efforts towards regional and cultural inclusion.
I have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. It is a way to connect with people, to share experiences, and to inspire others. Through oral storytelling, we can explore different worlds, learn about different cultures, and gain new insights into the human experience.
Sharing one's cultural heritage with others is a wonderful way to promote understanding and appreciation among different communities. As such, my future plan is to spread my culture and other cultures by telling folktales and mythological stories to the community. Through storytelling, I aim to showcase the beauty and richness of various cultures and inspire others to explore and learn more about them.
I am honored to have Mariella Bertelli as my mentor for the SC-CC Emerging Storyteller Award. She is an experienced storyteller, committed to the art, active in Canada and abroad. I feel incredibly fortunate that she accepted my offer to mentor me. Her wisdom and guidance extend far beyond the scope of this conference, as she imparts valuable life lessons about the art of storytelling.
I am grateful to the SC-CC for recognizing my work and giving me the opportunity to perform at their annual conference. This award is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving and promoting this art form for future generations.
Clearly, storytelling is not just a hobby or a passion - it is a way of life. I am constantly looking for new stories to tell, new ways to improve my skills, and new opportunities to connect with other storytellers. The Emerging Storyteller Award is a validation of my journey so far, and it inspires me to keep exploring and growing as a storyteller. I hope some of you will join us in discovering and pursuing this enduring art form.
Article Written by: Laxmi Balaji
Bringing the ancient art of oral storytelling to a local stage. In this intimate community gathering, I shared the vibrant traditions of Diwali, not through a book, but through the rhythmic, living breath of our ancestors. It was a moving reminder of the power of our forgotten oral traditions—seeing a small group so deeply inspired by a story told heart-to-heart.
This was the moment everything changed—the true turning point where I stepped "beyond the pages." Before this festival, the line between reading a book and oral storytelling was a blur; afterward, I saw stories through the heart of a teller. It was here that I discovered the living, breathing magic of the spoken word, a realization that forever redefined my craft as an educator and author.