Heritage Performance Commission

In a time when live performance is precious, Akademi is excited about pioneering a new initiative that sits at the intersection of choreography, community and performance.

This commission involves responding to an Akademi heritage object through a choreographic solo, and through a workshop plan aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils. The three artists are working together as a new team to deliver their solos and workshops at a number of primary schools in 2021.

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Generously supported by:

The Artists

Sophie Holland

Sophie is a Dance Artist based between London and Northamptonshire. She trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and has since worked as a freelance performer, maker and teacher. Alongside teaching Contemporary dance, Sophie works on Akademi’s Dance Well project, delivering South Asian dance sessions to older adults.

Hiten Mistry

Hiten is a Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, choreographer and an enthusiastic facilitator, working in education, health and community settings. His teaching focuses on technique, body conditioning and dance history. As a choreographer he explores the versatility of Bharatanatyam form, yet maintains its integrity. He is the Artistic Director of East Midlands company Bharata Natyam Leicester.

Jaymini Sahai

Combining grace, strength and elegance, Jaymini Sahai began her Kathak training in 1983 with Nilima Devi MBE, she gained her diploma in Kathak in 1995 and since then she has been performing nationally and internationally in both professional productions and community events. She regularly conducts school and community related dance work and continues her Kathak training under the renowned Kathak artist, Padmashree Pratap Pawar MBE.

Mansi Dabral Uniyal (Trainee Artist)

Mansi Dabral Uniyal is a London based kathak dance artist and teacher. She runs her own academy, and and is a faculty member of Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She has worked with Watford council on various community projects involving young children. Mansi received an Exceptional Achievement Award from Mayor of Ealing for her contribution to dance in the UK. Her recent work ‘Kanyaa – the daughter’ was based on gender equality and the pivotal role of women in the world, and was showcased at Leap Festival 2020 in Leeds, supported by SAA-uk.

Mansi will be shadowing the three Lead Artists during their workshop delivery.