About Akademi

Our mission

Our mission is to inspire audiences and change lives by creating and nurturing excellence in classical, contemporary, popular and participatory South Asian dance.

Our work

Founded in 1979 by the legendary Tara Rajkumar, Akademi has been taking South Asian dance to unexpected places ever since. In that time, we have redefined the parameters of the art form itself. We have inspired audiences, developed artists and changed lives. Our passion burns brighter than ever.

We are dynamic and future facing. We connect South Asian dance with the wider contemporary arts sector. We engage with social, political and cultural agendas to achieve real impact. We embrace the plurality of classical, contemporary and commercial South Asian dance styles.

Rooted in our local community but active across the UK, we have a global perspective with worldwide connections. Our pioneering work contributes significantly to Britain’s international reputation for innovation in South Asian dance.

Our Impact

Over the last 3 years: