Multi-award-winning dance artist and choreographer Sonia Sabri has announced a full programme of events and performances for the first half of 2022 to mark the start of the 20th anniversary year of Sonia Sabri Company.
The programme, which will be extended across the year, features the co-creation of a large-scale outdoor production which will receive its world premiere in March marking the launch of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. The six-month Festival will shine a global spotlight on creativity in the West Midlands that will sit alongside the Commonwealth Games.
Also featured is a nationwide tour of the company’s first dance production for children; three world premieres including a visually stunning live music, theatre and art installation piece touring to key cities; a concert displaying the talent of a new generation of upcoming dancers and musicians; a community art development programme as well as the launch of an innovative brand-new musical ensemble.
The 20th anniversary celebrates the music and dance company’s continued passion to collaborate with professional performers and choreographers, develop new talent in the UK and create work relevant to modern diverse audiences inspired by Indian and British culture.
Wolverhampton born Sonia Sabri, based in Birmingham is an Associate Artist of the Curve theatre in Leicester her company is an Associate Company at Birmingham Hippodrome.
In a year where Birmingham will be hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the opening of a six-month-long cultural festival that will attract visitors from across the UK and internationally, we look forward to welcoming new audiences and participants to our celebratory programme that will entertain, promote debate and showcase this wonderful City.”
Over the last 20 years, Sonia Sabri Dance Company has reached a global audience of over 7 million with over 16 students going on to enjoy a professional career in dance.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Sonia Sabri Artistic Director and choreographer, Sonia Sabri Company said, “I’m so immensely proud to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sonia Sabri Company during a year when my hometown of Birmingham will be the focus of a cultural festival and the Commonwealth Games.
“I’m particularly proud to have been invited to be Associate Choreographer for Motion house’s Wondrous Stories which will see Centenary Square light up with over 250 performers for an extraordinary dance-circus performance.
“As well as our exciting 20th-anniversary programme we continue our commitment to training the future generation of female dancers.
“As a British Asian female choreographer, it is important to me to promote equality within the dance world where female dancers are valued. All too often so many talented dancers are pressured by their families to give up their dance training.
“Through our continued commitment, our global classes and workshops for professionals, online and face to face, have provided a professional platform to encourage those talented women to pursue their ambitions with many going onto a professional career in dance. Never give up!”
For further information on performances, classes, workshops dates and times please go to www.ssco.org.uk/
