Aṣṭa Alliance

Aṣṭa Alliance The name of our organization stems from the Sanskrit word “Aṣṭa” (pronounced Ashta) - meaning the number “8”.

Aṣṭa Alliance aims to improve the quality of Vancouver's art community by providing a space for engagement with the rich classical performing arts traditions of India. This number is significant for our organization because it symbolizes the eight Indian Classical dance forms that have originated from various parts of the Indian sub-continent, namely Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Ma

nipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya. These dance forms are rooted in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts. Even though these dance traditions are the foundation of all modern styles of Indian dance, they are often overshadowed by the convenient accessibility and commercial nature of modern dance styles. In 2017, Aṣṭa Alliance was founded by 5 University of British Columbia students, driven by their shared interest for dance. Now, as a registered not-for-profit organization, we serve as both a platform to bring awareness to the Indian Classical Dance traditions in Greater Vancouver through sustained community engagement, as well as provide local dancers an opportunity to share their rigorously cultivated dance training. Organising several events through the year, including an annual show that incorporates both the intellectual and performance aspects of Indian classical dance traditions, Aṣṭa Alliance is a sophisticated and unique channel that aims to bridge the gap in Vancouver to acclimate the community to the rich artistic traditions of India.

Please note the location change for our next 'Intro to Indian Classical Dance' lecdem, featuring Kathak with Akshaya Sur...
05/21/2026

Please note the location change for our next 'Intro to Indian Classical Dance' lecdem, featuring Kathak with Akshaya Surve.

Have you ever experienced the history and artistry of Indian Classical Dance?

Come learn about this culture of movement with the Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver and Aṣṭa Alliance!

The third program in this ongoing series will highlight Kathak with expert performer and educator Akshaya Surve.

Akshaya Surve holds a Visharad (bachelor’s degree) in Kathak from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and she began her journey in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Shridhar Parkar, later continuing her studies with Guru Mayur Vaidya.

She has performed extensively across India and internationally, including in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, and Oman. Based in Vancouver since 2022, Akshaya is the founder of Akshaya Kathak Academy, where she is dedicated to teaching and promoting Kathak.

📍 VPL Kitsilano Branch 2425 MacDonald St. Vancouver V6K 3Y9
📅 June 6th
🎟️ Free Admission | Registration is necessary: https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6a03af82e8af4a2f00721996

This program is presented through our dance division, Aṣṭa Alliance, in partnership with Vancouver Public Library, and is generously funded by VPL Foundation donors.

Catch our second Intro to Indian Classical Dance session exploring Manipuri with Arno Kamolika on May 16th. Free registr...
05/05/2026

Catch our second Intro to Indian Classical Dance session exploring Manipuri with Arno Kamolika on May 16th. Free registration: https://www.icmsv.org/icdintro2

Have you ever experienced the history and artistry of Indian Classical Dance? Join us and for an afternoon of discovery and movement!

We are honoured to present Intro to Indian Classical Dance: Manipuri with Arno Kamolika

Manipuri dance rises from Manipur like a living poem, where every movement flows with quiet grace and devotion.
It brings to life the divine love of Krishna and Radha, weaving rhythm, emotion, and storytelling into a mesmerizing performance.

Arno Kamolika, who began her dance career as a student and practitioner of Manipuri dance, will walk us through her personal journey in dance through demonstration and discussion.

Come for a short live performance and a rich conversation about where this dance comes from, what it means, and how it moves. No background in dance required, just an open mind!

📍 VPL Fraserview Branch: 1950 Argyle Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 2A8
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Registration is necessary: https://www.icmsv.org/icdintro2

This program is presented through our dance division, Aṣṭa Alliance, in partnership with Vancouver Public Library, and is generously funded by VPL Foundation donors. ​

vancouverevents ICMSV AstaAlliance VPL

Join us this Saturday at Sahabhāva for an Odissi presentation by Sudhesna Mohapatra! Tickets start at $20: www.icmsv.org...
04/27/2026

Join us this Saturday at Sahabhāva for an Odissi presentation by Sudhesna Mohapatra! Tickets start at $20: www.icmsv.org/sahabhava

Come join us on April 25th as we open our ‘Intro to Indian Classical Dance’ series with Vancouver Public Library! Part o...
04/09/2026

Come join us on April 25th as we open our ‘Intro to Indian Classical Dance’ series with Vancouver Public Library! Part of our relaunch with ICMSV - Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver 🙌🏾 this month: introducing Odissi with Sudhesna Mohapatra

Have you ever experienced the history and artistry of Indian Classical Dance? Join us and Aṣṭa Alliance for an afternoon of discovery and movement!

We are honoured to present Intro to Indian Classical Dance: Odissi with Sudhesna Mohapatra!

Odissi carries over 2,000 years of history, rooted in the temples of Odisha in Eastern India. Though it nearly vanished, its revival over the last fifty years has restored its place as the most ancient of India's classical dance traditions, backed by archival evidence spanning centuries.

Leading this exploration is Sudhesna Mohapatra, whose deep dedication to studying and performing Odissi has shaped her into a compelling voice for the form. Her work brings together the sculptural stillness of temple architecture, the grace of lasya (fluid movement), and the force of tandava (dynamic, powerful energy) into a single, living art form.

Come for a short live performance and a rich conversation about where this dance comes from, what it means, and how it moves. No background in dance required, just an open mind!

📍 VPL Fraserview Branch: 1950 Argyle Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 2A8
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 12:00–1:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Register below:
https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69b06e4a491b809c6f1f78d8

This program is presented through our dance division, Aṣṭa Alliance, in partnership with VancouverAṣṭa Alliancery, and is generously funded by VPL Foundation donors. ​


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