Schoolchildren across Calderdale and beyond have been captivated by the imaginative gestures that the dancers use to tell stories from their traditional roots.

And it is thanks to a Halifax mum – former teacher Shantha Rao – that the rich artistic heritage of India is delivered to the doorsteps of schools, community groups and performance venues.

Shantha, who was born in India but moved to Yorkshire with her doctor husband 22 years ago, has developed her company, Annapurna Indian Dance, from humble beginnings.

Now based at Dean Clough, Halifax, she draws on a wealth of experienced and beautiful dancers whose dexterity can tell a tale in rhythm rather than rhyme.

Artistic director Shantha, who also uses colourful puppets in her dance and storytelling, says: "Most of the dancers are trained in India and have Indian heritage. Indian philosophy runs in their veins.

"It is a cultural thing, rather than religious. Dance is regarded as the highest form of expression in our culture and the dancers are respected. Some do not get married, they sacrifice their lives for dance. They have powerful messages to give to people."

Shantha has also reached many people through a story she wrote – Krishna and Kaliya – which was published by education resources company Scholastic in the spring.

In the colourful brochure, she presents the story of a pure river that was tainted by the presence of snake king Kaliya, leading to the near-destruction of the surrounding wildlife until Kaliya is banished by a young boy, Krishna.

"The snake is an allegory – the story is all about industrial waste and how we pollute the water," she says.

Her latest success is the performance across West Yorkshire of Dances From the Distant Lands, a project funded by West Yorkshire Grants.

Shantha says: "Dances from the Distant Lands is a unique education project with the aim of introducing pupils to the joyful spirit of India, to raise inter-cultural awareness and to promote racial harmony through dance.

"It attempts to bring the true flavour of the rich traditional dances and stories of India, with demonstrations of its many different popular dance styles, ranging from classical to folk with accessible storytelling and stunning costumes."

Twenty schools across the county have been visited by dancers as part of the project, including Carr Green Primary School, Brighouse and Tuel Lane Infant School, Sowerby Bridge. Pupils have seen four differing traditional dance styles, including the lively "karagam" dance, performed outside the temples of southern India during the annual harvest festivals. "I am extremely proud of the project," Shantha says.

It was well received by schools, with Carr Green reporting: "We all thoroughly enjoyed the performance and workshops. Great for children of all ages."

And David Wright, head teacher of Shay Lane Primary School, Wakefield, said: "At the end of their performance they asked me if they could have some more time and, of course, I said 'yes'.

"Little did I realise that the consequence of that reply was that I would be dancing an Indian dance with the other teachers! The children thought it was hilarious and I have to confess we all enjoyed doing the dance."

Annapurna Indian Dance has performed at prestigious venues including London's National Gallery and principal dancer Devika Narendra Rao (no relation to Shantha), based in Leeds, performed at the Commonwealth Games baton ceremony in front of the Queen in October.

Now Shantha is looking forward to a busy 2010, which she hopes will allow her to develop the cultural link between her birthplace and her adopted home even further. "I am looking for partners to support me. Annapurna is a local company going national and Calderdale should be proud of it," she says.

• Schools or organisations can contact Shantha on 01422 365103.