Jun 6 2018, 04:06 PMFestival, Kathak, Performances, Sonia Sabri, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

The Festival vibe!

There is nothing quite like the thrill of performing on a stage in front of an audience. Unless of course that stage is outdoors! It is so special to be able to perform at an outdoor venue or festival where often the audience are within touching distance of you performing and the atmosphere is upbeat and full of energy.

The ambiance of a music festival sparks a light inside anyone watching. The energy pulsating through the crowd is almost tangible and unites everyone there in perfect harmony. If you've ever been to a festival, you will know what we mean. A good festival experience will consist of meeting people you never normally would, listening to the sweet melodies of music you've never heard before and making wonderful memories you can keep with you for the rest of your life.

At Sonia Sabri Company we have been lucky enough to perform at a variety of festivals around the world and come rain or shine, alfresco events are unique and offer a fantastic experience both for the performers and the audience. All the hard work and hours of rehearsal are worth it when you catch a glimpse of members of the audience enthralled and captivated by your performance.

Our outdoor events often incorporate the basics of Kathak, which give audiences an insight into this joyous and rhythmic Indian dance. Footwork, spins, rhythmic choreographies and the art of storytelling through mime, gesture and facial expressions are often explored accompanied by live music on a variety of instruments! The beat of the drums is infectious and it is wonderful to see young and old clapping along or tapping their own toes in time to the music. The melodies seem to hang in the air and the special bells worn around the dancers feet add an ethereal note to the performance. It always feels so special to be able to introduce the energy of Kathak to a new audience.

At SSCo music and dancing go hand and hand. Without the music there would be no dancing. The infectious melodies of Kathak encourage audience members to feel and move to the music, it is very much a two-way relationship with the performer and audience feeding off each others’ energy.

Not all performances take place in glorious sunshine, however, and evening performances or performances at dusk can also add a haunting undertone or highlight the passion in an individual or group display. The atmosphere can be even more intense and uplifting as the sun slowly sets and the music echoes through the darkness.

The feeling of looking out from the stage and seeing a crowd of people all having a wonderful time is amazing and one of the best feelings in the world. We are looking forward to new and exciting performances this summer that will hopefully thrill and entertain no matter what the weather!

If you are interested in catching a live performance by Sonia Sabri Company or would like more information on booking SSCo please email
info@ssco.org.ukor call 01216223135.

Lisa Godsal

Comments

SONIA SABRI COMPANY'S KATHAK AND TABLA CLASSES CAPTURE THE FUN OF INDIAN MUSIC AND DANCE

Nov 14 2017, 12:21 PMBirmingham, Company Classes, Sonia Sabri, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

Bored with the standard gym workout class and searching for something more creative and exciting than Tai Chi in the park, I came across Sonia Sabri's Kathak and Tabla classes. I wanted something that was going to engage me, excite me and keep me entertained long after. Sonia Sabri Company host a variety of different classes for all age groups, covering the beauty and energy of Indian music and dance.

I was excited to attend my first class, ready to learn more about the intricacies of Kathak dance. Kathak is a North Indian dance style that is known for its graceful and fluid movements and its rhythmic footwork. This particular dance is specialised and honed by internationally acclaimed artist, teacher and choreographer, Sonia Sabri, who not only shares her skills and knowledge in class but adds a new perspective to an already inspirational art.

Sonia Sabri Company capture the grace, fluidity and fun of Kathak dance.

I was also excited to learn about Tabla Percussion as well, which is also offered alongside the Kathak dance class. The Tabla is a culmination of two drums, a treble and a bass that are played whilst you are on the floor. This is just as exciting and immersive as Kathak with the group class syllabus being spread between learning basic strokes, speed control and rhythm from Sarvar Sabri, who is a well- renowned Tabla master.

The immersive nature of the Tabla is taught by world-renowned maestro, Sarvar Sabri.

The best thing about these sessions is that you don't even need to have any experience in either art, as they are taught in a friendly and open manner. However, what you will come away with is a new found knowledge of Kathak and Tabla and maybe even an urge to try it again. The classes are held in Digbeth, Birmingham, only a short 10 minute walk away from the bustling centre of Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central Station.

If you would like to try a session and are interesting in having some fun and learning a new art, then contact Melanie Lewis at 0121 622 3135 or get in touch by email at mel@ssco.org.uk.

Lisa Godsal

Comments (1)

KATHAK AND TABLA CLASSES

Aug 29 2017, 12:19 PMBirmingham, Company Classes, Sonia Sabri, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

DID YOU KNOW...?

Working in Marketing for Sonia Sabri Company can be full of surprises. Some days are spent working on a laptop completing all of the admin jobs, and other days are spent 'out and about' meeting staff of other venues to make sure that everything's looking organised for the next event.

Take for instance; Saturday 26th August, 2017. This was my first time since joining the company (from the beginning of August) in which I spent the entire day not only helping out at the Lok Virsa (South Asian arts and crafts event), but also in watching such amazing performances and workshops!

The day was full of so much energy and the artists all looked wonderful in their colourful clothes!

There were so many routines that the dancers had learnt. It must have taken them hours of practise, and they must have given up so much of their own time to rehearse for such an exciting event.

It makes you think how and where this all begins!

In fact it all starts right here! Yes, here in the studio space of Sonia Sabri Company in Digbeth, Birmingham.

These fantastic dancers that displayed their skills have and continue to develop their Kathak dance skills through weekly classes. Some have gone into these sessions with very little experience, and some with no experience at all!

So, it doesn't matter if you have danced for years or have no idea of dance. These weekly classes are open to everyone!

Not only that, but there's also classes on offer for tabla too! Again, no experience is necessary!

So, why not come along and join in and have fun?

If you'd like to find out more about these exciting classes, then check out the link below and enrol today!

And who knows, YOU maybe performing in the next Sonia Sabri Company event too!

http://www.ssco.org.uk/learning/learning/classes.html

(Image above by Sonia Sabri Company)

Lisa Godsal

Comments

Jul 3 2017, 02:35 PMDastaan, Performances, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

Live in London!

On 26^th of June our fabulous group of musicians journeyed down to the British Library in London to perform DASTAAN.

Nerves were in the air but we are proud to announce that the performance went fantastically!

The audience loved the mixture of live music and film and we got some wonderful feedback:

‘Brilliant blend of instruments; voices and film’

‘I loved watching the performers riff off each other and show their talents’

‘The musicians and instruments were wonderful and poetic’

The next performance of DASTAAN will be at Wirksworth Festival in September!

Keep checking our news feed for more details on how you could see this truly inspiring performance!

Lisa Godsal

Comments

Sonia Sabri Company at the Alchemy Festival 2012

Mar 15 2012, 05:49 PMAlchemy, Sonia Sabri, Sonia Sabri Company, Southbank Centre, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

For the third year running, Sonia Sabri Company returns to the Southbank Centre’s Alchemy festival with a unique programme of performance and workshops:

Lok Virsa: Without Borders

Tuesday 17th April 2012, 6pm

The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre

Free event

Lok Virsa simply means the 'heritage of the people'. It is this beautiful simplicity that Sonia Sabri Company celebrates, bringing together the arts of music, poetry and dance rooted in the lands of the Indian subcontinent.

India and Pakistan share a rich and robust cultural heritage, which even today unites the people of each country, despite modern borders and political differences. This living heritage has spread across the globe, influencing much of our contemporary arts today: a testament that physical or any form of segregation does not affect the spirit of the arts and culture. In fact, it is the arts that enable us to rise above material matters and celebrate our existence, beyond what words can describe.

Internationally acclaimed Sonia Sabri Company invites some of the most inspirational artists originally from Pakistan to collaborate on a unique interactive presentation especially for the Alchemy festival. Lok Virsa features a rare chance to see traditional folk song, music and dance from different regions of Pakistan, with a guest speaker to give an overview of the current arts scene. Lok Virsa is hosted by the UK’s leading Kathak artist, Sonia Sabri. Find out more at the Southbank Centre's website.

Workshops (free events)

Pakistani Folk Dance Workshop

Saturday 21 April 2012, 11am and 4pm, The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre

Learn the moves of traditional folk dances from the subcontinent that influence much of the dance styles today. This workshop is fast, energetic and packed with lots of fun! Suitable for anyone with an interest in dance.

Calligraphy Workshop

Saturday 21 April, 12.00pm, Foyer Bar, Level 2, Southbank Centre

Urdu calligraphy is an art widely admired for its beauty, and the skill and creativity required of the artist. Have a go at learning the basic techniques or Urdu calligraphy and create a piece of craft that you can show off. Spaces are limited for these free workshops and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Folk Song and Rhythms of Pakistan

Led by Sarvar Sabri and Aasia Suman

Saturday 21 April, 1pm & 4.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre

Have an interest in singing or playing a percussion instrument? This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the essence of folk songs from Punjab and Multan and how to play the regional upbeat grooves with technical flair which makes this genre stand out from the rest. If you have good vocal chords and/or percussion instruments please do bring them along!

Musharia: Poetry Recital

Saturday 21 April, 2.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre

This is an intimate and interactive session, where you can hear some of the UK's finest poets share their humorous, romantic and topical poetry. You can also share your compositions and take part in discussions. A mushaira is a beloved part of the culture of Pakistan and North India, and it is greatly admired by participants as a forum for free self-expression. Open to all who have an interest in Urdu and Punjabi poetry, ghazal and nazam.

Unknown

Comments

Sonia Sabri Company are Associate Artists of mac, Birmingham

Dec 13 2010, 01:53 AMCompany Classes, Kathakaars, Kathakbox, Opportunities, Performances, Sonia Sabri, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

We're very happy to announce that Sonia Sabri Company have been invited to be Associate Artists at mac, Birmingham. Since Sonia attended her very first Kathak class as a child at mac, it has been a creative home from home for her, and this new relationship will form the basis of some very exciting work in the next few years.
Our first major project at mac will be rehearsals for our brand new production, Kathakbox, a meeting of dance and urban culture. Sonia and fellow artists will be hard at work in the studio from December through to February, and they will be blogging themselves about the artistic process each week. The premiere of Kathakbox will take place in the theatre at mac on 16th, 17th and 18th February 2011. We hope to see many of the friends of the company who have supported us through the years at these performances, more information on Kathakbox will follow soon.
Sonia will also continue to teach her regular Kathak classes at mac, and this Autumn Sarvar Sabri too will join the mac team as tabla tutor. For more information on these and mac's other courses check out their website, links at the end of this post.
In the Spring, mac opened its doors once more after an intensive building project and refurbishment programme. If you haven't been down to check out the lovely new spaces, familiar friendliness and quality arts programme, what are you waiting for? www.macarts.co.uk

SSCo

Comments

Sonia Sabri Company at NAAD festival of Kathak Dance

Apr 22 2010, 02:56 PMClassical, Festival, Kathak, Performances, Sonia Sabri Company, Ustad Sarvar Sabri

Come and join us at the Bhavan Centre on XYZ

SSCo

Comments