Seeta Patel Dance

Seeta Patel Dance contributes something vital, political, beautiful and urgent to the world through dance and performance.

Spearheaded by award-winning choreographer and dancer Seeta Patel, the Company creates live stage performances which focus on classical Indian and contemporary dance and dance theatre. The company’s choreographic output is deeply influenced by Patel’s roots and training in Bharatanatyam, with each production mining its rhythms, musicality and expression in a unique way.

Live dance theatre productions are supported by Audience Development, Outreach, Advocacy and Talent Development, which is a cornerstone of Seeta Patel Dance’s vision. The Company prides itself on providing an aspirational environment where young people in the dance sector can see the true value of the art form and its place in the world, supporting artists through workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and apprenticeship programmes. By exposing them to a professional practice, giving them better tools to support their personal and professional development and showing them the possibilities within the sector, Seeta Patel Dance commits to improving the richness of the dance landscape.

The Company is currently in the creation phase of The Rite of Spring, a reimagining of Igor Stravinsky’s iconic ballet in the Bharatanatyam dance style. After a critically successful tour from 2019-2022, the work is currently being developed with an extended cast and full orchestra for a performance run at Sadler’s Wells in 2023 and tours later in the year across the South West and Manchester.

Seeta Patel Dance is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, and enjoys an international presence and a strong reputation within the dance community. The Company plans to continue to extend its reach worldwide and its mission to introduce new audiences to classical and contemporary Indian dance.

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

Artistic Director Seeta Patel, started her journey at the age of 10 as Bharatanatyam student, and by the age of 23 had transitioned to becoming a full time professional dancer. As an independent artist, Seeta has been very lucky to work with numerous talented choreographers, companies and collaborators over the years which has given her a diverse experience and creative inspiration. Now as the Artistic Director of Seeta Patel Dance, she looks forward to growing the pool of wonderful people The Company can work with across the globe.

Seeta is passionate about creating work that enriches artistic conversations and explores different ways of seeing the world and approaching ideas. She uses her creativity to challenge ‘othering’ for a more equitable society, socially conscientious action, discourse and provocation to address wider global issues.

Seeta’s story and the stories she shares are one reflection of this ‘global’ world. Seeta Patel Dance aims to inspire many people from different walks of life to champion diversity in the arts and contribute to a more equitable artistic landscape. The Company is committed to empowering others to follow their creative journeys with honesty, integrity and flair.