SONIA SABRI COMPANY

Contemporary dance, Contemporary South Asian dance , Indian classical dance, Live music, Performance, Kathak

SIZE OF COMPANY
3–10 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to middle-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Sonia Sabri

Musical Director
Sarvar Sabri

Manager
Kat Bailey

ARTISTIC POLICY
Sonia Sabri Company presents the classical Indian dance of Kathak in a new light, without diluting its purity and integrity. Through integrating contemporary inventions and ideas into productions, the company intends its work to be exciting and relevant to audiences of all ages, experiences and cultural backgrounds. The company is committed to presenting the work with live music wherever possible. Artistic Director Sonia Sabri was recently recognised for her commission for The Place Prize for Dance 2006.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
'A fine dancer, intense and intelligent… Sabri’s work is brimming with promise.' The Times

‘Cool, sharp brilliance…one of the greatest talents of contemporary Indian dance.’ Ballet Tanz

'The leading light in the revival of Indian classical dance.' Birmingham Post

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Parallels A dynamic programme ranging from fresh, funky contemporary Kathak (guest choreographers Shobana Jeyasingh and Lisa Torun) to intimate classical dance with live music. (90 mins plus interval, 1 dancer, 3 musicians, 6 on the road.)

Nisbat A modern classical celebration of the joyful energy of Kathak, with live music inspired by the spirit of Gypsy folk and the passion of Qawwals. (90 mins plus interval, 4 dancers, 4 musicians, 10 on the road.)

Rekha A programme of classical solo Kathak dance in Sabri’s acclaimed personal style, with live music. (90 mins plus interval, 1 dancer, 3 musicians, 5 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
Workshops and lecture demonstrations that offer insight into the history, tradition and technique of Kathak dance and music. Creative residencies can also be presented. The company has experience of working with all ages and abilities including those with additional needs. Theme-based workshops around productions are available, including dance and music with influence from Islamic traditions including Quawwali and Sufi poetry.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2007 Eire (Rhythms & Beats), Germany (Parallels)
2006 Belgium (Nisbat), France (Chaturang)
2005 Germany (Red)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
From January 2008