The mission of the Dance Festival is to present Indian dance through its multiplicity of forms and expressions. The festival will explore the complexities of aesthetics, sensibilities, issues and perspectives while celebrating rich tradition in Indian dance and nurturing exciting new dimensions developing in the Indian, American and global contexts.

The festival is a first of its kind in New York that seeks to bring together dancers sharing movement, heritage and inspiration from the Indian subcontinent. It will feature artists from India and the South Asian Diaspora and the presentations will range from traditional classical repertoire to contemporary, modern and post-modern works that are inspired by India or Indian dance vocabulary.

Goals and Objectives

• Provide a platform for choreographies with high standards of artistic excellence.
• Reach diverse audiences and develop appreciation for Indian dance
• Provide a forum for interaction and dialogue between dancers, dance scholars, writers and critics.
• Provide a platform for emerging dancers to perform & develop professionally
• Highlight new works of established artists
• Provide a forum for exchange between Indian and non-Indian dancers, choreographers and dance companies
• Develop credibility for the Indian performing art forms within the broader dance and performing arts community