Sonia Sabri
South Asian Mentor
Sonia Sabri is amongst the brightest and most inspirational of British born dancer-choreographers working in the twenty-first century. Creating work that spans from the presentation of classical roots of Kathak to explorations of contemporary approaches, her productions reflect an appreciation of Western and Eastern cultures. She has created a fresh, unique style of Kathak by reinventing it from within, by pushing boundaries and generating work that is original in concept and exciting and relevant to today’s audiences. As a dance artist, she is acclaimed for her enchanting stage presence, grace and musicality that enthral audiences both nationally and globally.
She has secured an international reputation for collaboration
across dance styles and art forms including work with pioneers Sarvar Sabri,
Sir Trevor Nunn, Richard Alston, Lea Anderson, Shobana Jeyasingh, Nitin Sawhney, Rose English, Jonzi D, and several others.
In addition, Sonia is a teacher of Kathak and regularly undertakes various workshops, lecture- demonstrations and residencies in both national and international venues. She is accredited by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She is also the Artistic Director of youth dance company, Kathakaars.
Sonia’s innovation within her form has been highly acclaimed in the contemporary dance world through several commissions some including The Place Prize, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, Channel 4, Tanzhaus, ARTE, Phizzical Productions, Manasamitra, South Bank Centre, and for London Olympics 2012 through Cultural Olympiad’s 'Encompass 360 digital dance' project.
She is a recipient of the Bonnie Bird New Choreography Award, Lisa Ullman Choreography scholarship, and was selected for Dance UK’s 2014/15 Mentoring programme. Sonia was nominated for the Asian Women of Achievement Award and for the London Dance Awards. Recently she won the Eastern Eye ACTA Award for Dance. Sonia is an Associate Artist of one of UK’s most celebrated arts centres, mac, Birmingham.
