Upasana Dance Company, founded by Saveeta Sharma in 1995, is a prominent dance company in Ottawa dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education of Indian culture through various dance forms such as Kathak, Odissi, and Saveeta's own innovative style of contemporary dance. The company houses the Upasana School of Dance and the Saveeta Sharma Dance Company, both of which focus on producing exemplary traditional and collaborative works in classical Kathak and Odissi.
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Upasana aims to increase public awareness of Indian classical and contemporary dance by bringing together dancers, choreographers, and gurus from around the world. The company's mission is to maintain a high standard of excellence in dance, train future generations of dancers, and garner support for Indian dance at local, national, and international levels.
In addition to its regular dance productions, Upasana presents the Professional Dance Series featuring local, national, and international artists. The company also hosts annual student productions and community outreach programs to engage with audiences and promote cultural exchange through dance.
Saveeta Sharma Dance Company, a branch of Upasana founded in 2008, showcases original works that blend traditional and contemporary dance styles to explore Canada's diverse cultural landscape. Through powerful and innovative choreographies, the company delves into culturally significant and sometimes controversial themes to create unique dance performances.
With a focus on research, development, and education in Indian classical and contemporary dance, Upasana Dance Company is committed to fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the arts within the community. Through seminars, workshops, and collaborations, the company continues to push boundaries and create new synergies in the world of dance.