The Sa Dance Company

The Sa Dance Company

An Indian American Dance Experience.

The Sa Dance Company [Sa] is a pioneer in contemporary Indian dance. Comprised of an all female ensemble, Sa blends the essence of Indian and American stories and movement to create a transformative audience experience. Sa’s productions celebrate the rich tapestry of the Indian-American identity centering themes of womanhood, community, and the journey of the female spirit. They honor the past, reflect on present society, and pave the way for future generations.

By crafting a contemporary folk form, Sa’s performances transcend boundaries, merging both classical and contemporary influences to create a unique and distinctly Indian-American dance idiom. Sa’s work resonates on a deeply emotional and spiritual level, uniting and immersing audiences through the universal language of dance. With sold-out shows across the country, Sa brings a diverse audience into the realm of performing arts.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Payal Kadakia, Sa Dance Company stands as a cultural beacon within the South Asian community. Sa’s name, derived from Indian classical music, signifies the foundational note of the octave, symbolizing its commitment to blending ancient traditions with modern narratives. Sa’s work is a celebration of identity, community, and the boundless possibilities of human expression.

Website: sadancecompany.com 

Repertory: 

RISE
 

 A work in four movements that progresses through the life journey of an Indian woman; it encompasses the joyous aspirations of her youth, the tensions created by the expectations of society and the limitations of her circumstances, the strength she needs to recover from physical and emotional toll, and ultimately the hope that reemerges from channeling love, community, and compassion in a new direction.

RISE is a love letter to the grandmothers, aunties, and mothers who, with unwavering determination and limitless generosity, continue to show the way and empower each new generation of women to nourish and perpetuate the remarkable bond of sisterhood that unites them.

...they danced with irresistible good humor and high energy...breathtakingly pretty with combined stamina, skill, and wonderful glee." 

-Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times

With grace and elegance, and rhythms old and new...The Sa Dance Company embodied the story of America and the very spirit of the biggest Diwali reception ever hosted at the White House"

-President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

The choreography fused classical Indian movement with contemporary expression, earning a standing ovation."

-Forbes