Akademi return to the Southbank Centre from 24th - 25th November 2009 for a fourth year to present Daredevas 2009, a platform for up and coming South Asian dancers. This year, six artists - Mukti Shri (Kathak), Sooraj Subramaniam (Bharatanatyam), Shreya Kumar (Bharatanatyam), Khavita Kaur (Odissi), Arunima Kumar (Kuchipudi) and Devika Rao (Yakshagana) - will collectively perform five different dance styles in six pieces of work. With their origins spanning four countries, each artist is free to present one traditional and one innovative piece, offering a taster of their extraordinary skill in one spectacular night.

"For the past 30 years Akademi has been a springboard for introducing new talent to the world of dance in the UK. This year's ensemble is exceptionally talented and will delight audiences for a long time." Mira Kaushik, Artistic director, Akademi

This cast of dancers is influenced by and uses styles ranging from Bharatanatyam and the folk theatre style of Yakshagana to classical ballet, storytelling and contemporary dance. Previous Daredevas have included Yamuna Devi (now working with Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company), Shamita Ray (her most recent choreography was staged at Edinburgh Festival and at The Place, London), Seema Patel (recently showed work at ROH2), Saju Hari (currently dancing with Akram Khan Dance Company) and Shane Shambhu.

Akademi is a pioneering organisation that works to encourage excellence in the practice of South Asian dance in Britain, and is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. www.akademi.co.uk

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