Sonia Sabri Company was formed in 2002 with the desire to present the North Indian classical dance style of Kathak in a new light, without diluting its essential 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.

Sonia Sabri Company was established to present this classical dance form in a new light, through: Presenting traditional classical Kathak in new spaces and contexts, and to new audiences Developing a distinctive, contemporary style of Kathak which speaks to the here and now.

These approaches form the two main strands of the Company’s work, and exist side by side in a mutually enriching relationship of tradition and classicism to innovation.

Classical

“The music and dance was superb, but in addition, Sonia’s rapport with the audience and ability to explain the performance and teach the audience about Kathak was exceptional.” Promoter, Assembly Rooms, Stroud

The company believes in raising the profile of Kathak by presenting classical Kathak in new spaces and contexts, enabling audiences of various social and cultural backgrounds to experience the dance through accessible performance, education and outreach.

Sonia Sabri Company explores and brings to the fore aspects of classical Kathak which are less well known in the UK, exploring the Sufi and Persian flavours within the dance, and performing to rare compositions in Hindustani classical music.

Contemporary

“In the right hands, Kathak can even be funky” Birmingham Post

Sonia Sabri Company seeks fresh new ways of presenting Kathak by challenging and reinventing the form, developing a distinctive, fresh style, informed by contemporary experience, with diverse inspirations.

SSCo believes Kathak is a living artform which can be reinvented and developed, like a language, to say new things and engage with new issues. While retaining the essential purity and integrity of the style, current inventions and ideas are introduced by dialogue, rather than fusion with other disciplines. Kathak is reinvented and developed from within, enhancing its dance vocabulary and capacity for physical and emotional expression. This results in a fresh, funky and acclaimed style that is accessible to modern, and contemporary dance audiences.

The company also revisits traditional features, such as live music and musicians, in a contemporary context, collaborating across musical traditions, and developing physical as well as rhythmical interactions between musicians and dancers on stage.