A NEW VIRTUAL WORLD 

Online Dance Classes with Sonia Sabri Company

by Aakanksha Rawat

Sonia Sabri Company shifted all their classes online at the very first lockdown in March 2020 and has been delivering classes to all their students virtually ever since. With the world of dance coming to a stop to as we know it, if it weren’t for these online classes I would have really struggled to find my groundings. Not only did they give me something to focus on but also provided me with a way of temporarily forgetting about the chaos going on  outside.

This new virtual interaction has definitely been a blessing in disguise. Not only has the company managed to continue forward with their existing students but also gained many new students from across the globe.

 Alongside these classes we had some brilliant opportunities to meet and learn from some incredible international artists in the form of workshops, which otherwise would have been difficult to accommodate. Being able to connect with people on a global stage from the comfort of our homes has definitely opened up a new world of opportunities.

Sonia Sabri Company constantly made sure their students feel a sense of achievement and belonging in this dance community. The company has been very proudly spotlighting their student’s achievements across their social media pages. Being a part of this community and looking out for each other has supported my emotional and mental health massively.

Although I do miss being in the studio and cannot wait to dance in a proper studio again, I am really grateful to these virtual platforms and would love to carry on with these even when the world returns to normality. 

The sheer reach and exposure of technology has had a huge impact not only on the company but also on students and participants who otherwise could not have been part of our classes and workshops.

I look forward to all my classes and eagerly wait to join workshops organised by Sonia Sabri Company. They are definitely the highlight of my day! 

This experience has also enriched my dance journey. My dance teacher, Sonia Sabri asked me to send an entry for an online series by Gen Next, a discussion and support forum for Indian Classical dancers which came into existence during the lockdown. With the help, support and blessings of my teacher I was able to feature in their ‘Glimpses of the Future’ series. 

Alongside this, I have also been given the opportunity to lead a company class and dance workshops for young children under Sonia’s guidance and monitoring which is really helping me grow and learn as a dance student.

I feel extremely blessed to be a part of such a diverse and renowned company and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us, regardless of the uncertainties, and hope that we all emerge stronger and more connected.