About Akademi

We make vibrant, fascinating, and meaningful South Asian dance. We use the compelling power of storytelling, rhythm and gestures to create deeper connections with each other and our wider world. Care is at the centre of all that we do. Akademi has been the beating heart of South Asian dance in the UK, since 1979.

We are known for our world-class dance performances and groundbreaking wellbeing programmes. Our work is for everyone, and we bring our work to you. You can find us in everyday places from theatres, parks, shopping centres and festivals to hospitals, care homes and schools. Through the captivating forms of South Asian dance like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, we bring joy, inspiration and hope to people’s lives.

The artistic community we work with are our collaborators and partners. We engage with internationally recognised dancers, choreographers and artists to nurture the future generation of South Asian dance form leaders. We collaborate with environmental, science and health specialists to share stories of the societal and scientific issues of our world today.

Since Akademi’s formation by renowned South Asian dance performer and teacher Tara Rajkumar OAM, and the work of Artistic Director Mira Kaushik OBE from 1988–2019, we have grown into the UK’s leading dance organisation dedicated to developing South Asian dance at the highest level.