Programming
At the core of the Company’s artistic vision is the enduring belief that dance is a powerful medium to communicate the magic, beauty and mystery of life. Dance has an unlimited power to act as an agent for change in society, reflect the pluralism of our lives and transcend the borders of culture, religion and ethnicity.
2025 | MOMENTUM
This series serves as a conduit, inviting distinguished South Asian dance and music artists from across the globe to share their craft with local audiences. This series is a manifestation of our commitment to uniting the global arts community with our local patrons. Kalangan becomes the stage where artistic brilliance converges with eager minds. It's our platform, carefully designed to weave the rich tapestry of classical Indian dance and music into the hearts of our broader community. Through these immersive experiences, we aspire to cultivate an enduring appreciation for the profound beauty of these timeless art forms.
HORIZON SERIES
Emerging Artists Performance Series
Launched in the fall of 2012, this double-bill performance series is a dedicated platform, illuminating the brilliance of talented artists trained in diverse classical and contemporary South Asian art forms.Each captivating performance graces the hallowed stage of the Sampradaya Theatre, providing emerging artists with a unique opportunity to shine in a professional venue. Here, they perform before an audience of up to 100 individuals, their artistry woven into an unforgettable tapestry of creativity and expression. The Horizon Series is a vibrant canvas that continuously renews itself. With each scheduled event, we unveil new artists, breathing life into the stage with fresh perspectives and boundless potential. To date, this series has borne witness to over 10 mesmerizing performances, showcasing twice as many emerging artists, each a rising star in their own right.
KALANGAN SERIES
World of South Asian Art
This series serves as a conduit, inviting distinguished South Asian dance and music artists from across the globe to share their craft with local audiences. This series is a manifestation of our commitment to uniting the global arts community with our local patrons. Kalangan becomes the stage where artistic brilliance converges with eager minds. It's our platform, carefully designed to weave the rich tapestry of classical Indian dance and music into the hearts of our broader community. Through these immersive experiences, we aspire to cultivate an enduring appreciation for the profound beauty of these timeless art forms.
2023 | MOMENTUM
Sampradaya Dance Creations was delighted to present Momentum 2023, a mesmerizing presentation festival that gracefully showcased the diversity and richness of South Asian dance forms. This grand event provided a captivating platform for artists to share their artistry with a global audience, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance. Momentum 2023, featuring amazing artists including Padmabhushan Narthaki Natraj was not just a festival; but a celebration of South Asian dance in all its splendor. Over the course of this remarkable event, audiences were treated to an array of performances that masterfully blended tradition with innovation. Each graceful movement and captivating act resonated with the rich cultural heritage of these timeless art forms, transcending borders and captivating hearts. As we reflect on the splendor of Momentum 2023, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Sampradaya Dance Creations. This festival served as a testament to the unending wellspring of creativity within South Asian dance, where tradition and innovation danced harmoniously on a global stage.
DISPELLING DARKNESS
Embark on a transformative journey with us through Dispelling Darkness, a multi-disciplinary two-year project that brings together artists and survivors of sexual violence to engage deeply with South Asian communities. This pioneering initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Creative Engagement Fund, a vital resource provided by the Ministry of the Status of Women and administered by the Ontario Arts Council. At the heart of Dispelling Darkness lies a profound mission: to inspire dialogue on consent, dismantle rape culture, champion gender equality, and ultimately prevent sexual violence and harassment. Our project is a beacon of awareness and a conduit for healing. It is an opportunity for artists and survivors to join forces and work in tandem to promote lasting change. It unfolds in the vibrant communities of Brampton, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Malton. Here, artists and survivors come together in a meaningful union, employing diverse artistic mediums such as storytelling, puppetry, and dance/movement to tackle the urgent issue of sexual violence and harassment. Through this fusion of art and dialogue, participants explore ways to eliminate these problems from homes, workplaces, and the broader community. Sampradaya Dance Creations proudly collaborates with a dedicated team of community partners, including Sawitri Theatre, Sharada Eswar, and the Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS). Together, we are committed to dispelling the darkness that shrouds these critical issues, illuminating a path towards a safer, more equitable future.
2022 | SANKHYA
We were thrilled to announce that the world premiere of Sankhya in October 2022 - A Dance Symphony of Numbers left audiences spellbound. This mesmerizing creation delved deep into the captivating realm of numbers, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, poetry, and philosophy. Sankhya transcended the boundaries of traditional dance, offering a unique and enchanting experience that married movement and mathematics. Through graceful choreography and evocative storytelling, this groundbreaking work took audiences on a journey through the mystical world of numbers, where each step and gesture told a profound tale.
2022 | THE TAGORE PROJECT
Sampradaya Dance Creations presented The Tagore Project by Tanveer Alam & Atri Nundy in May 2022, an enchanting evening where two accomplished dancers delved deep into their memories, reminiscing about a time and place far away. Finding solace and inspiration in the timeless music and poetry of Indian Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, they embarked on a heartfelt journey through their personal histories. Seeped in nostalgia, they paid homage to the rich Bengali culture that had nurtured them, relishing each moment of their exploration. Through their individual practices of Kathak and Bharatanatyam, they skillfully wove their recollections into the present, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonated with the audience.
2022 | FAMILY DAY ARTS FEST
We celebrated the Family Day weekend by immersing ourselves in the arts and bringing back a sense of homecoming through an in-person experience with our cherished audience. The festival, a free event, featured some of the most significant names in and around the City of Mississauga, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness. The Canadian Arabic Orchestra, All Nations Indigenous group, Frog In Hand Contemporary Dance, Kaleidoscope, Adishankara Academy of Performing Arts (Mala Pisharody), Regatta Kala Kendra (Harikishan Nair), and Tanveer Alam, along with the talented dancers at Sampradaya Dance Creations, came together to offer an extraordinary weekend of performances. On the 19th and 20th of February 2022, our audience joined us for an evening of exceptionally special performances, where art transcended boundaries and connected hearts. It was a celebration of the arts, a reunion with our audience, and a reminder of the profound impact that creativity can have on our lives.
2021 | DANCE ADVANCE RESIDENCY
Sampradaya Dance Creations announced the DanceAdvance Residency in August 2021 , an exceptional 16-week online choreographic residency designed to mentor five talented dancers from across Canada who are deeply engaged in South Asian classical dance practice. This unique program aimed to cultivate distinctive choreographic methods within the realm of Indian classical dance forms. Over five months, participants embarked on a transformative journey guided by seasoned mentors, whose expertise and insights illuminated new pathways to create dance and discover their own unique artistic voices. Applicants were selected based on their expression of interest, which encompassed their training and performance history, a compelling motivation for joining the residency, and the potential impact on their dance careers.
2021 | ANVESANA
Anvesana stood as a testament to this artistic exploration. It brought together four exceptionally talented artists who, amid the challenges of the pandemic, spent the past six months shaping their visions into powerful expressions. Commissioned by Sampradaya Dance Creations, this festival was a celebration of the unique artistry and creative genius of each participant. It was a collective voice of hope, echoing a future where shared values of humanity and solidarity prevailed. In the face of adversity, these artists harnessed the transformative power of their crafts to illuminate the path forward. Anvesana invited audiences to witness the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of art in times of crisis. This remarkable journey showcased how art transcended uncertainty, allowing the human spirit to soar. The four senior artists, including Bijayani Satpathy presenting "Call of Dawn" in Odissi, Aditi Mangaldas presenting "Lost in Forest" in Kathak, Rama Vaidyanathan presenting "Moving Boundaries" in Bharatanatyam, and Methil Devika presenting "Ahalya" in Mohiniyattam, collectively painted a portrait of strength, creativity, and the enduring power of art.
2019 | MOMENTUM
In the vibrant journey of Sampradaya Dance Creations, Momentum 2019 emerges as a pivotal initiative, celebrating our 30th Anniversary. Building upon the fruitful outcomes of our 2015 Symposium, "Beyond Boundaries: Imagining New Futures for South Asian Dance in Canada," Momentum 2019 continued to fuel an essential dialogue concerning the future of South Asian dance in Canada. Over an exhilarating weekend, Momentum 2019 convened visionaries, artists, and thought leaders from across the nation. Keynotes, panel discussions, immersive workshops, captivating film screenings, and awe-inspiring performances filled the agenda. The symposium served as a dynamic forum, sparking animated discussions and fostering exchanges that were long overdue in the Indian dance sector. With the invaluable support of our partners in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Ottawa, we transformed Momentum 2019 into a multi-city phenomenon. This allowed us to extend our reach and engage with diverse communities across the country, strengthening the bonds of our shared passion for Indian dance and culture.
2015 | NATIONAL DANCE SYMPOSIUM
As part of our 25th Anniversary celebrations, SDC orchestrated a momentous three-day dance symposium and festival. This extraordinary project was dedicated to exploring innovative visions for the future of the new generation of artists within the realm of South Asian dance across Canada, with a particular emphasis on fostering self-directed careers. The symposium and festival offered a rich tapestry of experiences. It encompassed enlightening panel discussions, immersive workshops, thought-provoking film screenings, and mesmerizing performances. These presentations featured a diverse array of artists, ranging from emerging talents to mid-career creators and established luminaries.
2012 | CHOREO INTENSE
In the fall of 2012, the Sampradaya Dance Centre came alive with the vibrant energy of ChoreoIntense. This captivating event unfolded over three weeks, from October 1st to October 19th, and served as a creative haven for aspiring choreographers. Three talented participants engaged in an immersive one-on-one experience with three seasoned monitors, delving deep into the art of choreography, technique, and style development. The first two weeks were dedicated to the intensive mentorship program, where participants worked diligently with their mentors. These mentors, Nova Bhattacharya and Brandy Leary from Toronto, along with Christopher Bannerman from the UK, shared their expertise and guidance to nurture the participants' choreographic skills. The climax of this artistic journey arrived in the third week, as each participant embarked on an independent exploration to craft a solo dance masterpiece. These works of art, born from weeks of dedication and inspiration, were showcased at the Sampradaya Theatre on October 19, 2012. ChoreoIntense was a collaborative venture with Sampad, England, symbolizing the harmonious blend of international creativity and artistic passion.
2009-2011 | DANCE INTENSE TORONTO
Dance Intense Toronto was a visionary project spanning three years, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This innovative venture, conducted in partnership with Sampad, England, and York University, unfolded over two weeks each summer, from 2009 to 2011. It represented an unprecedented initiative aimed at introducing, cultivating, and sustaining a distinctive choreo-residency program, benefiting emerging and mid-career professionals in the realm of South Asian dance. The overarching goal of this project was to empower South Asian dance artists on their journey towards self-directed careers, guiding them as they carved their unique path within the mainstream dance milieu. Each year, the program brought together an esteemed lineup of master teachers from across the globe. These luminaries generously shared their wisdom and passion, offering an intensive schedule of classes, workshops, and enlightening lectures. DanceIntense 2009-2011 was more than just a project; it was a transformative experience, where dance artists were equipped with the tools and inspiration needed to thrive in their artistic endeavors.
2010 | LEADERS OF TOMORROW
In 2010, a transformative initiative took root under the visionary guidance of Piali Ray from Sampad, UK. The Leaders of Tomorrow project, conceived and developed during this year, marked a significant milestone in the realm of South Asian arts in Ontario. This multi-faceted endeavor spanned several sessions, unfolding from June to September 2010, and encompassed a wide spectrum of cultural leadership projects. The Leaders of Tomorrow project was designed to empower and inspire. It brought together a cohort of 10 South Asian artists and arts administrators, igniting their potential through a series of enriching workshops and seminars. These sessions served as a melting pot of creativity, fostering mentorships between seasoned artists and emerging talents across diverse disciplines such as theatre, dance, film, and visual art. Furthermore, the project delved into the intricate landscape of career placement for artists within the industry, charting pathways for their future success