SSCo's Blog

Youthink - NEW young people's project at The Drum, Birmingham

2012-02-23T06:34:00.001-08:00

Calling 13 19 year olds for

YOUTHINK

Do you have a passion for performing?

Are you a dancer, singer or actor living in Birmingham?

YOUTHINK needs you!

Sonia Sabri Company is recruiting young performers for a new dance theatre project focussing on issues surrounding community & identity.

Aspiring producers, designers, directors, script-writers, musicians and dancers are needed for the YOUTHINK project which runs from February-May 2012 to create a spectacular performance at The Drum Arts Centre.

To find out how you can get involved, call Sonia Sabri Company on 0121 622 3135 or

email: education@ssco.org.uk

Our 2011 highlights

2012-01-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

Kathakbox

After two years of research and development, SSCo created its most successful collaborative work to date including artists from Contemporary, African and Hip Hop genres and toured nationally and internationally. SSCo was the only small –mid scale company to tour the most number of UK performances in 2011 and the success of Kathakbox extended to being shortlisted for the prestigious London Dance Awards. It’s a must see - so catch the last few shows in the Spring if you can. You can find more details on Kathakbox here.

“A riot of sight and sound...witty...an artistic feast, as rich in cultural diversity as it is in humour...” Londonist

Ekalya

Alongside developing urban kathak and touring Kathakbox, Sonia and Musical Director and Tabla maestro Sarvar Sabri created a new work within the classical idiom which continues to tour in 2012. Ekalya: meaning ‘solo’ or ‘the one’ is a beautifully intimate crafting of solo dance and live music. ‘The captivating Sonia Sabri, accompanied by an ensemble of musicians presents a journey through the varied moods, rhythms, and intricacies of her uniquely personal style of Kathak.’ Audiences have been enthralled and mesmerized.

“Wow wow wow - thank you all for your delightful and uplifting exploration of human wonder in dance and rhythm - if only every Friday night felt this good!” Audience member

Alchemy

For the last two years, Sonia has been invited to curate, host and perform interactive performance – lectures for the Southbank Centre's Alchemy festival. In 2010, SSCo presentedWhat is South Asian Dance? featuring guest artist and Bharathanatyam virtuoso Mavin Khoo. This provided a ravishing insight to the classical dances of India with projected visuals and performances with live music, including a magnificent duet between Sonia and Mavin. Why do South Asian Dance?, the title of last year’s presentation explored the reasons why Kathak and Bharathanatyam, Britain’s two most popular classical dance forms still resonate with audiences and students today and especially within a populist culture. SSCo conducted a research with over 150 students and the enlightening results were presented in the event. Some of Sonia’s Kathak students and guest Bharathanatyam artist Anusha Subramanyam with her students were invited to perform a variety of short excerpts celebrating the uniqueness of each style. The event was a huge success with an audience in thirst for more.

Milapfest’s Dance India

Milapfest invited Sonia to UK’s most successful and prestigious Indian dance summer school. Legendary artists and teachers from India teach students from UK and abroad at Liverpool Hope University as part an intensive 10 day training course in Kathak, Bharthanatyam and Odissi together with evening performances by the artists. Sonia was the only British dancer to be invited to deliver a lecture-demonstration and perform with Live music as part of a double bill with India’s foremost Bharathanatyam dancer Priyadarshini Govind. The show was a sell out and SSCo received a rapturous standing ovation.

"Assertive...elegant...Sabri is a master of her form" Dance Europe

Education

Sonia Sabri Company delivered a range of workshops in early years settings, community groups, schools and in HE and FE institutions. Some of these ran alongside the Kathakbox and Ekalya performances and others independently.

Sonia specifically delivered choreographic workshops, masterclasses and residencies nationally and internationally. Some of the UK highlights include The Place Summer course, Surrey University, Cambridge University and The Royal Ballet School. A two- year project for a young carers run by Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal in partnership with Gem Arts culminated into a fantastic performance at the Brewery as part of an Indian arts festival.

“I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful teaching of my group last week. The students were so reluctant to try this ‘new’ thing and it was so delightful for me to come in and see them engaged, smiling and DANCING!” Faculty of Education, Cambridge University.

Moving On symposium

Sonia was invited to be a keynote speaker at CICD’s Moving On Symposium at The Curve, Leciester. As she was already booked for a performance of Kathakbox in Plymouth, Sonia presented a pre-recorded talk to the symposium about her experiences of establishing herself as an artist. It was received very well and notably complimented by many, one of which said “she’s a rock star!”.

NEW: Kathak classes in London!

2012-01-30T04:24:00.000-08:00

FREE TASTER KATHAK CLASS

and enrolment for future classes

Saturday 11th February, 12-1.30pm and 2.30-4pm

The Broadway Studio, 11 Springbridge Mews, Ealing W5 2AB

For info and bookings call: Katie on 07951 762652

Kathak dance originates from the northern region of the Indian sub-continent and is rich with storytelling through mime and gesture, and vibrant with rhythmic moves, fast footwork and spins. It is one the most popular classical dances from India and has influenced other dance styles such as Bollywood and Contemporary.

Sonia Sabri Company (SSCo) is the UK’s pioneering Kathak dance company of international repute presenting the dance form in a new light. SSCo creates ravishing productions for performances in UK and abroad, as well as training young people to become high quality and professional dance artists. SSCo offers Kathak classes and workshops across the country and is delighted to run classes in London led by one of the company’s talented dancers.

Satveer Pnaiser is a classically trained Kathak dancer. British born, and trained by the leading Kathak artist Sonia Sabri, she has been working for Sonia Sabri Company for 9 years performing nationally and internationally and teaching company classes, workshops for schools and festivals. Satveer is an experienced and dedicated teacher, committed to sharing the joy of dance with others as well as generating new life and ambition to the art through student participation and creative collaboration.

Upcoming performances: Kathakbox

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Join us for the Spring 2012 leg of the tour of Kathakbox, which has been wowing audiences and critics across the UK and internationally:

"Kathakbox is a pleasure from start to finish. It creates a positive and energetic atmosphere where we are all one and dance is a joyous means of expression and fun." Laura Dodge, Dance Europe

"A clever interweaving of two distinct art forms, bringing out the subtle nuances of their mutuality... making us all feel a part of the unifying Kathakbox." Graham Watts, Dancing Times

Hope to see you soon at a venue near you:

Thursday 1st March at 8pm

Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE

Box Office: 01865 812 150

http://www.pegasustheatre.org.uk/shows/kathakbox/

Monday 5th March at 7.30pm

South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA

Presented in association with Asian Arts Agency

Box Office: 01344 484 123

http://www.southhillpark.org.uk/5201/shows/sonia-sabri-company-kathakbox.html

Tuesday 22nd May at 7.30pm

Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG

Presented in association with Sampad

Box Office: 0121 704 6962

http://www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk/Arts/Kathakbox/3542

Saturday 9th June at 7pm

Special double-bill featuring Kathakbox and classical Kathak production Ekalya

Kala Sangam, St Peters House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4TY

Box Office: 01274 303340

http://www.kalasangam.org/

Happy New Year!

2012-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sonia Sabri Company would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! 2012 is due to be an exciting year for us as we celebrate the company's 10th birthday. We are planning our celebrations and will have an announcement about a special programme to make soon, so please watch this space!

We are also happy and proud to have been invited by Arts Council, England to be a National Portfolio Organisation from April 2012, and you can read more about that on ACE's website.

We'll be adding more news here soon, and remember you can always keep up with us on facebook and twitter.

Kathakbox vox-pops!

2011-10-31T04:03:00.000-07:00

Touring the UK and internationally in 2011-12, Kathakbox is our new production which brings together Kathak dance, hip hop, contemporary dance, beatbox, tabla vox and spoken word. We asked some of of our audience members at the Corsham Festival, Wiltshire; The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough; and The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton what they thought of the show. As you can see, people of all ages and backgrounds are loving it!

With thanks to Shan Bansil for additional filming and Dawn Jackson for editing.

Ekalya: classical Kathak performance on 6th October 2011

2011-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sonia Sabri Company present: Ekalya
Thursday 6 October 2011 7pm
Priory School
39, Sir Harry’s Road, Birmingham B15 2UR
Tickets £7.50 (Advance) £ 10 (at the Door)
Tel: 0121 440 4103 Email: enquiries@prioryschool.net
light refreshments will be served

“full of vibrant energy...uplifting and highly enjoyable” (Londondance.com)
Ekalya (meaning ‘solo’ or ‘the one’) is a beautifully intimate crafting of dance and live music from Sonia Sabri, a leading light in the world of Indian Kathak dance.
Kathak is an exhilarating dance experience: an astounding display of precise footwork, eloquent gesture, rapid turns and intricate, heart-pounding rhythms. Internationally acclaimed for her electric stage presence and distinctive personal style, Sonia revisits the classical roots of Kathak in a high-impact performance which embraces a rich, joyful spirit and builds to a heart-pounding rhythmic crescendo.
This stunning production features evocative live music from an ensemble of musicians including sitar, vocal, and tabla from the world renowned maestro Sarvar Sabri.
“Such an incredible musicality, it was impossible not to gaze in wonder and adoration…An uplifting crescendo of music and dance” (Dance Europe)

Dance & Music classes - Autumn 2011

2011-09-12T03:49:00.000-07:00

Sonia Sabri Company’s dance and music classes are an exciting opportunity for people of all ages and experiences to discover the joy and versatility of Indian dance and music, with acclaimed professional performers and teachers.
Classes take place at mac (Midlands Arts Centre), Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. All classes start week beginning 12th September, and each term lasts for 12 weeks. To book, call mac on 0121 446 3232 or visit www.macarts.co.uk

Dance Classes

Join the company on an exploration of the joy of Indian dance! Students will have the opportunity to perform; take grade examinations through ISTD; and opportunity to be recruited by Kathakaars dance and music company led by Sonia Sabri.

Creative Indian Dance

Combining techniques from Indian classical Kathak, folk, contemporary and Urban styles, set to modern Indian fusion. Develop good technique, posture, and confidence, and grow into a versatile dancer. These classes are ideal for children, and can also be enjoyed by mothers alongside their children.
Saturday 12 – 1pm
Age: 8+ Level: Beginners
Tickets £75.00 (£63.00)
Book online here

Kathak Classes

Kathak is a rich, diverse and rewarding art form which is enjoyable to learn and develops grace, control, posture and above all confidence. Develop skill, ability and an understanding of this richly diverse north Indian dance style. Classes will look to create new dance pieces, inspired by other cultural references.
Saturday 1 – 2pm
Age: 8+ Level: Beginners/Improvers
Tickets: £75 (£63)
Book online here

Music classes

Tabla classes

The tabla consists of a set of two drums, treble and bass, and originates from Northern India. In these lively group sessions you will learn basic strokes, rhythm and speed control. The class is taught by renowned performer, composer and teacher Sarvar Sabri.
Wednesdays 7pm-8pm
Age: 8+ to Adult Level: Beginners/Improvers
Price: £85 (£70)
Book online here
Advanced classes and private tuition are also available upon request. For further information please contact Sonia Sabri Company on 0121 442 6742 or email info@ssco.org.uk.

Kathakbox nominated for a London Dance Award – support us!

2011-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sonia Sabri Company has been nominated for the London Dance Award for it’s hugely successful touring show Kathakbox. In order for us to win, we need as many ‘likes’ or ‘tweets’ as we can get. Please support us by visting the link below, scrolling down to Kathakbox and ‘liking’ the review.
http://www.londonfestivalfringe.com/general/awards2011/dance/
Many thanks from the Kathakboxers!

Check out the Kathakbox trailer!

2011-06-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Let us know what you think!

Kathakbox: Views and Reviews!

2011-05-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

We're getting some fantastic feedback for Kathakbox on the road, here's a taster of what people have been saying so far...
Press:
"Sabri devises a dialogue between forms that is at once familiar and new; and by introducing these forms to one another without allowing one to take over from the other, the piece makes a light and playful comment on cultural identity and difference. As Sabri’s own final rap puts it: “You, me, him, her, we are what we are.” Above all, Kathakbox looks like it’s heaps of fun to perform. During the extended body percussion section, in which all seven performers slap arms, legs and torsos to produce a tub-thumping beat that gets the audience clapping and whooping along, they looked like they were enjoying themselves so much I felt like jumping up onstage to join them. Sabri herself is cute as a button and full of vibrant energy, and dancers Amayra Fuller, Suzanne Grubham and Nathan Fuller all easily engage the audience. A very complete piece, with dance, music, spoken word and set all working together to support the theme, Kathakbox is at the same time uplifting and highly enjoyable."
Lise Smith, londondance.com. Full review here

"The rhythmical complexities combined with...traditional Indian singing would put many modern hip-hop artists to shame. Kathakbox used the idea of needing a racially aware society and made it its own. Sabri asked us to define our own identities regardless of race in what can solely be described as creative genius."
Redbrick. Full review here
"It was an outstanding evening to say the least, Kathakbox performance had been an amazing mix of a variety of arts, cultures, dances. The event which took place at Abu Dhabi Theater on the 26th of February, is still in our minds!...What makes Kathakbox stands out from the crowd is that it moves you to another planet where no music instruments are used, its only the power of our human bodies. It layers complex Indian rhythms and tabla- vox with the verbal dexterity of multilingual poetry."
Abu Dhabi Zoom
Audiences:
"Inspiring show, cutting edge and brave. Some important commentary about multiculturalism and social cohesion as well. I particularly enjoyed the fusion of music, rhythmic words and dance and the clever merging of disparate dance-styles, that appeared to take every performer out of their "comfort zone" and challenged them to integrate their familiar style with other dance styles. A difficult project that was executed excellently, yet the performance remained entertaining an accessible. Loved it!"
"Amazing performance last night at Abu Dhabi, congratulations to all the artists, loved the 'jugalbandi' part."
"I was one of the lucky few to get a brief preview of the upcoming Kathakbox performances that will be taking place in the UAE this week...in brief, it’s an awesome modern artistic production, by Sonia Sabri and Company, that combines “movement, gesture, expression, music and the spoken word”... Very cool stuff if you ask me and much more than what I had expected."
Whose-sane, Abu Dhabi
"It was very interesting to see the similarities between the different dance styles, and how at the end they are able to express the same things, the show was like a Rosetta stone giving you the keys to understand each dance style. For me that I have never seen Kathak before it was a great way to get to know it, appreciate it and get curious to see and learn more about it."
Omar-paint, UAE
"basically acknowledging differences within our current British culture but emphasising the common human threads that fundamentally conjoin us"
"the whole performance was a collaboration...really clever and extraordinary. It was a really diverse show."
"Different, fabulous!"
"One of the best dance companies I've seen."
"Excellent. A breath of fresh air!"
"Innovative & inspiring."
"The dancers were amazing! There was so much going on!"
A big thank you to all of our wonderful audiences who are really taking the show to heart, we look forward to seeing more of you soon at our forthcoming dates.

Q & A with Sonia on londondance.com

2011-04-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Sonia Sabri
Check out a brand new Q&A with Sonia about Kathakbox, Alchemy, hip hop, NPO and more on:
http://www.londondance.com/content.asp?CategoryID=3904
And don't forget we are performing Kathakbox at The Place, London on 7th May! Details and bookings here:
http://www.theplace.org.uk/?lid=8639
Hope all of our friends are having a wonderful Spring, see you at a show soon!

Sonia Sabri Company are Associate Artists of mac, Birmingham

2010-12-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

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

Baithak House

2010-04-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

A new venture about XYZ,

Sonia Sabri Company at NAAD festival of Kathak Dance

2010-04-22T06:56:00.001-07:00

Come and join us at the Bhavan Centre on XYZ