Ajna Dance Company

For Educators - Bring Ajna to your school!
2024-05-09 | NY
Ajna was founded with the mission of celebrating diversity and fostering cultural inclusion through Indian dance programming for students of all ages and backgrounds. We offer dance programs to students in public, charter, and private schools, and community-based organizations.
OUR PROGRAMMING FOCUSES ON THE FOLLOWING CORE PRINCIPLES:

Exploring identity, community and creative potential
Celebrating diversity & fostering cultural inclusion through the arts
Developing life-skills such as teamwork, self-discipline and respect for others
Building confidence and social emotional learning (SEL) through learning, creating and performing Indian dance
Exploring culture, history, geography and the South Asian diaspora through dance and music

We offer a unique way for children to learn about the global and historical significance of dances from India and the Indian diaspora in a way that is fun and relatable. Students learn dance technique and work on choreography but also develop a deeper understanding how dance and specifically Indian dance is used as a means of expression and communication. *Due to Covid19 we have transitioned to also providing our arts education programs virtually! Many of our school partners have successfully transitioned to virtual dance residencies, workshops and after-school classes. Please get in touch so we can help share dance, movement, culture and fun with your students.*

DANCES OF INDIA ASSEMBLY (IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL OFFERINGS)
Our highly popular ‘Dances of India’ assembly is a great way to introduce a larger group of students to Indian dance and culture. The lecture-demonstration format touches on concepts in geography, history and social studies in addition to dance and movement. The assembly is great any time of the year but popular during the celebrations of Diwali (the festival of lights) in the fall and Holi (the color festival) in the spring.
The lecture-demonstration assembly (45–60 minutes) includes:

Introduction to Indian dance, movement and culture
An interactive explanation and demonstration of classical (Bharatanatyam & Kathak), folk (Garba, Dandiya, & Bhangra), and Bollywood dance, highlighting the significance of storytelling in these art forms
Active audience participation in learning facial expressions, hand gestures, basic movements, rhythmic counting, and more
Authentic & artistic Indian dance performance by Ajna dance artists in cultural costuming
Concludes with an interactive dance lesson where students (and teachers!) learn a short piece of Bollywood choreography

DANCE RESIDENCIES
Ajna’s dance residencies provide the opportunity for students to get a truly in-depth experience of Indian dance and culture and culminate in a final performance by the students. In addition to learning dance technique and working on choreography, students learn in detail about the historical and cultural context of the dance. Residency program details:

Bollywood, classical and/or folk dance residencies
6, 8, 10, 15 week residencies for 1-5 classes per day
Includes an introductory planning meeting between the Ajna teaching artists, school administrators, and classroom teachers
Emphasis on dance technique, creativity, choreography, increased cultural awareness and developing confidence
Culminate with a spectacular student performance complete with staging and cultural costuming
Ajna dance residencies are customized to fit a school’s or organization’s schedule and budgetary needs.

STUDENT WORKSHOPS (IN- PERSON AND VIRTUAL OFFERINGS)
We also lead classroom workshops for individual classes, grades, or small groups of students or faculty. We can come in for a single period or more and share an interactive session of Indian dance. These programs allow for a more detailed interaction between the teaching artists and students and can vary in focus, depending on the goals and objectives of the group. Popular for:

When classes are studying India or Asia
The festivals of Diwali (fall) and Holi (spring)
May for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

PARENT ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOPS (IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL OFFERINGS)
We love getting parents and the community involved in our work and up and dancing! We offer a 45-60 minute parent workshop with an overview of our Indian dance programming for students and an interactive dance lesson including a short choreography that is guaranteed fun.

A SAMPLE OF OUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION:

PS 20
PS 182
Success Academy Williamsburg
Nord Anglia International School
The Katmint Learning Initiative

PS 244
PS 107X
Success Academy Fort Greene
The British International School
Hommocks Middle School

PS 7
PS 19Q
Success Academy Harlem
The Brooklyn Friends School
Deerfield School

PS 3
PS 253Q
Bronx River High School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Iona College

PS 4
IS 77
Lakewood Elementary School
Metropolitan Montessori School
Hunter College (CUNY)

PS 115
PS 166
Bronx Little School
The International Preschools
Suffolk Community College

PS 69
MS 124
Wilton High School
Allen-Stevenson School
Keene State College

PS 192
PS 316
Mott Hall Charter School
Bank Street School for Children
Ramapo College

FOR MORE INFORMATION, BOOKING, OR TO REQUEST A QUOTE PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM : https://www.ajnadance.com/contact/

Interactive Bhangra Workshop with Ajna Dance
2024-05-05 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 10520, United States
Join us for an exhilarating Bhangra workshop hosted by Ajna Dance Company.
Dive into the colorful world of this joyful folk dance originating from Punjab, India, and Pakistan.
Learn the signature moves and get ready for a lively, interactive session suitable for the entire family. Balle balle!
Free and open to all, but space is limited and registration is required

Celebrate Holi with Ajna Dance at Brooklyn Children's Museum
2024-04-06 10:00 - 17:00 | Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11213, United States
Celebrate Holi at Brooklyn Children’s Museum! Together with Ajna Dance Company and The Culture Tree, get ready for our annual celebration of springtime, renewal, color, and play!
Known as the “Color Festival,” Holi originated in India and is now enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Come hungry and ready to play as we celebrate a day of art, dance, food, music, and wonder that will make your whole family feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of India (or Trinidad or Guyana).
And it wouldn’t be Holi without color powder. We’ll be taking over neighboring Brower Park with pounds of color powder to throw in the air. Make sure to wear WHITE for color powder play and secure your tickets and powder early for this unforgettable day!
There are three Celebrate Holi sessions, each 2.5 hours long. The performance line-up is the same for each session, and each culminates in color powder play—rain or shine!

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2024-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | NY
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2024-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | NY

Ajna Dance Ignites the Festivities: Captivating Performances at Diwali Celebration
2023-11-08 16:00 - 20:00 | Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, New York, New York, 10011
Step into the enchanting world of Ajna Dance as we set the stage ablaze with our captivating performances at the Diwali Celebration. Embrace the spirit of the Festival of Lights as our talented dancers illuminate the night with their dynamic choreography and infectious energy. From traditional folk dances to contemporary fusion pieces, our repertoire showcases the rich diversity of Indian dance forms, weaving together centuries-old traditions with modern flair. Join us in commemorating this joyous occasion as we spread happiness, light, and harmony through the universal language of dance.
Whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or experiencing Indian culture for the first time, our performances promise to enchant and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on your Diwali festivities.
Let Ajna Dance be the highlight of your celebration as we dance our way into your hearts, illuminating the spirit of Diwali with every step.

Tune In to PIX11 for a Spectacular Diwali Celebration with Ajna Dance Live
2023-11-07 10:45 | NY
Mark your calendars and set your alarms because Ajna Dance is bringing the magic of Diwali straight to your screens! Join us for a spectacular live performance on PIX11, airing Tuesday, November 7th at 10:45 am. Experience the vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and heartwarming spirit of Diwali as our talented dancers light up the stage with their mesmerizing choreography. From traditional classics to contemporary fusion, our performance promises to be a feast for the eyes and a celebration for the soul.
Whether you’re tuning in from the comfort of your home or catching us on the go, don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the joyous festivities of Diwali with Ajna Dance. Gather your family and friends, and let’s make this Diwali a truly unforgettable experience together!

Ajna Dance Company Dazzles at The Jamaica Dance Festival
2023-06-03 19:00 | NY
In a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic excellence, Ajna Dance Company graced the stage at The Jamaica Dance Festival, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Led by the visionary Minila Shah, Ajna Dance brought the vibrant rhythms and colorful traditions of Indian dance to the heart of Jamaica. From the intricate footwork of Kathak to the spirited movements of Bollywood, each performance was a mesmerizing display of skill and passion. The fusion of Indian dance forms with the rich cultural tapestry of Jamaica created a truly unforgettable experience, resonating with spectators and leaving a lasting impression.
Ajna Dance Company’s participation in The Jamaica Dance Festival not only showcased their remarkable talent but also fostered cross-cultural connections and appreciation for the universal language of dance.

Ajna Dance Company Wows Audiences at Astoria International Cultural Fest
2023-04-30 12:30 - 16:00 | The Street Fair On Steinway Street
Astoria came alive with vibrant colors and infectious rhythms as Ajna Dance Company took the stage at the Astoria International Cultural Fest. Led by the dynamic Minila Shah, Ajna Dance mesmerized the crowd with their captivating blend of Indian classical and contemporary dance styles. From graceful Kathak to energetic Bollywood routines, each performance showcased the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
The audience was left spellbound, applauding Ajna Dance Company’s talent and artistry. Their unforgettable presence illuminated the festival, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness their spectacular performance.

Ajna on Good Morning America for AAPI Month
2022-05-17 08:00 | NY
Ajna Dance Company recently made a dazzling appearance on Good Morning America! This prestigious platform showcased the incredible talent and artistry of Ajna Dance, highlighting our unique blend of Indian classical and folk dances.
Founded by the visionary Minila Shah, Ajna Dance Company has been captivating audiences with our vibrant performances for years. From traditional Kathak to energetic Bollywood routines, Ajna Dance brings a rich tapestry of Indian culture to the stage.
Our appearance on Good Morning America not only recognizes our talent but also serves as a testament to the universal appeal of our art.
