“The choreography was an impressive blending of the strength inherent in the technical aspects of the form and the exuberant emotions that exist in the stories being told…Her [Sonali Skandan] charisma on stage permeated every piece and drew the eyes of the audience as she shifted her gaze in conjunction with the movement.”
– Annie Woller www.eyeondance.org
About Jiva
Jiva was formed in 2007 in New York City by dancer Sonali Skandan and musician Bala Skandan. Jiva’s mission is to develop and present new voices in the classical arts of India and increase appreciation and accessibility of these timeless arts for all communities.
EDUCATION
About Jiva
Jiva was formed in 2007 in New York City. Through innovative performances, classes, workshops, lecture demonstrations and a strong arts-in-education base, we strive to encourage the growth of the classical arts of India in the US.
Jiva’s mission is to develop and present new voices in the classical arts of India and increase appreciation and accessibility of these timeless arts for all communities.
EDUCATION
EVENTS & NEWS
JIVA DANCE COMPANY
Jiva Dance is a critically acclaimed dance company based in NYC and is under the artistic direction of Sonali Skandan. Jiva Dance strives to present work that is inclusive, universal and challenging and explores the intersections of classicism, modernity and experimentalism. Jiva Dance holds the belief that tradition is a continuum of evolution and aims to invigorate classical works with a freshness and unique voice.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Akshara Music
Building new forms on the foundations of Indian classical music, Carnatic musician, composer, and educator Bala Skandan formed Akshara Music Ensemble in 2008, assembling New York’s strongest voices in Indian classical music to explore the crossroads of the traditional and the contemporary. Skandan’s original music expresses classical Carnatic (South Indian) ragas and talas through the forms of world music, jazz improvisation, and modern composition, creating a music as dynamic and diverse as New York City itself.