Our students share their experiences of Akaar 2026
Finding Form Through Akaar: My First Kathak Journey
Tvisha Manjunath Bhat – Kathak & Singing Student
Akaar, organised by the Sonia Sabri Company, is an annual showcase that brings together students, and artists within South Asian dance and music. It is designed by the company as a space to present carefully created pieces, where detail, structure, and creativity come together on stage. The word “Akaar” itself comes from Sanskrit, meaning form or shape, which reflects that idea of creating something thoughtful and well-constructed.
Being part of it this year, especially for the first time, has been an experience that is genuinely difficult to capture in words, not because there is little to say, but because of how much it has meant to me. It has been far more than simply working towards a performance, it has shaped the way I understand Kathak, discipline, and what it really means to grow as a dancer. Rehearsals were where this journey truly began, and they quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of the entire experience. They required a level of focus, patience, and consistency that was at times challenging, but that is exactly what made them so rewarding.
What stood out most to me was the way Sonia Ma’am approached teaching us the piece that we performed. Rather than expecting us to simply memorise choreography, she guided us towards understanding it, constantly linking new movements back to what we had already learned. This made everything feel connected and purposeful, so that the choreography was not just a sequence of steps, but something structured and intentional.
As rehearsals progressed, I became increasingly aware of how deeply rooted Kathak choreography is in technique. Every movement depended on control, posture, clarity in footwork, and a strong sense of rhythm, and it became clear to us all very quickly that nothing in the piece existed without reason. At the same time, it was fascinating to see how different compositions fit within the choreography, each one bringing its own structure and flair while still contributing to the whole picture. Learning in this way also made me far more spatially aware, as I began to understand not only my own movement, but how it related to others around me and to the stage as a whole.
Throughout this entire process, Sonia maam’s support was constant, and it made a difference that is difficult to fully describe. There was always a sense that she believed in us and genuinely wanted us to improve, which naturally encouraged me to push myself further. She is a source of inspiration not only because of her own ability, but because of the way she teaches and carries herself. During the weekend of the show especially, simply being around her brought a sense of reassurance and confidence, as though her presence grounded us and allowed us to trust in everything we had worked towards.
The costume process was another aspect that added a completely different dimension to the experience. Seeing everything come together, from the fabric to the overall presentation, made the performance feel more real and complete. The way the material moved, the flare created through spins, and the flow of the dupatta alongside the choreography all contributed to something that felt visually as well as technically considered. It made me realise how much attention to detail Kathak requires, not only in movement but in how it is presented.
Alongside this, the guidelines provided by the company were incredibly detailed and thoughtful, reinforcing the idea that Kathak is not something to be approached casually. There is a level of respect, discipline, and care that underpins every aspect of it, and being part of this process made that clearer than ever.
On the day of the performance, the dress rehearsal brought everything together in a way that felt both exciting and nerve wracking . Being in the actual space, in costume, and moving through the piece as a complete run allowed all the individual elements to finally connect. Then, just before going on stage, receiving blessings from Sonia ma’am became a moment of quiet focus, reminding me that what we were about to perform was something we had built with dedication and intention.
The atmosphere throughout the show, and more generally within the company, is something that continues to stay with me. There is a certain energy that exists, one that balances seriousness and discipline with genuine warmth and encouragement. Backstage, this was especially clear, as everyone supported one another in a way that made the environment feel calm, focused, and reassuring rather than overwhelming.
The role of the team at the Midlands Arts Centre also cannot be overlooked, as the way everything was organised contributed so much to the overall experience. The performance ran smoothly, and the lighting in particular added another layer to the piece, highlighting movements and formations in a way that enhanced the choreography and made it feel even more immersive.
Being surrounded by such skilled Kathak dancers, as well as artists from other disciplines, was deeply inspiring in a way that went beyond simply watching performances. Observing how they carried themselves, both on and off stage, revealed a level of composure and presence that felt just as important as technical ability. There was a sense of dedication in everything they did, but also a clear enjoyment of their art, and that balance was something that really stood out to me.
After the show, there was a feeling that was difficult to define, somewhere between fulfilment and almost a quiet restlessness. While there was a sense of accomplishment, there was also a strong desire to continue, to improve, and to be part of something like this again. It did not feel like an ending, but rather the beginning of something that I wanted to keep pursuing. Preparing for Akaar also strengthened my commitment to my riyaaz. Working towards something real made every practice session feel more purposeful, and it allowed me to see both the effort required to improve and the satisfaction that comes with that effort.
Looking back, Akaar has been a truly unique and fun filled experience for me. It has deepened my understanding of Kathak as an art form, strengthened my discipline, and allowed me to be part of an environment that is both supportive and inspiring. More than anything, it has changed the way I think about growth, not just as a dancer, but in the way I approach learning and dedication as a whole. It is something I will carry with me for a long time, and I know with certainty that it is not where my journey ends. Bring on Akaar 2027!!
From Lab Coats to Ghungroos: Finding My Rhythm at Akaar
Dr. Neha Yadav – Kathak and Classical Bollywood Student
By day, I navigate the precise world of scientific research, but it is through Kathak that I truly discover the chemistry of life. My journey with the Sonia Sabri Company reached a breathtaking crescendo at Akaar, where the discipline of the classroom transformed into the euphoria of the stage. Stepping into the spotlight, the stress of the lab evaporated, replaced by a vibrant sense of vitality and grace that only dance can provide. Under the perfectionist guidance of Sonia Ma’am, I’ve learned that while science explains the world, it is the stage that makes me feel alive within it. Performing for the second time felt like coming home to a different world—one where every beat of my heart found its match in the rhythm of my feet. Akaar isn’t just a performance; it is my soulful escape, a beautiful reminder that I love, love, love being on stage.
From Practice to Performance: My Akaar 2026 Experience
Samarth Kumar – Tabla Student
I am very grateful to my teacher Sabri Sir and Sonia Sabri Company for the opportunity to take part in Akaar 2026. This was my fourth time performing at Akaar, and each experience has played an important role in my growth as a tabla artist.
The rehearsals were focused and productive, and practising in person as part of an ensemble was especially valuable. It helped me improve my timing and coordination, and I benefited greatly from observing and learning from others throughout the process.
Performing on stage was an exciting and rewarding experience. It gave me a clearer understanding of how to stay composed and relaxed while playing. I felt more confident than in my previous performances, which allowed me to concentrate more on the quality and expression of my playing.
Overall, I truly appreciated the chance to perform again and to showcase the progress I have made.