Jiva Performing Arts

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Jiva Performing Arts preserves the artistic legacy as passed down and creates new works that affirm the relevance, vitality, and freshness of South Indian classical arts. .

Jiva Performing Arts is dedicated to preserving the rich artistic traditions of South Indian classical music and dance while nurturing bold, contemporary creations that speak to today’s world.

Founded in 2007 by renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Sonali Skandan and Carnatic musician and composer Bala Skandan, Jiva Performing Arts is rooted in the desire to share the timeless beauty and depth of Indian classical arts with a global audience. Based in New York City, Jiva comprises a professional, all-female dance company (Jiva Dance), the Akshara Music Ensemble, and a School that offers comprehensive training from the beginner to professional levels.

Jiva’s mission is to amplify new voices within the classical arts of India and make these forms accessible and engaging to diverse communities. By honoring tradition and encouraging innovation, Jiva reimagines how these ancient art forms can thrive in contemporary contexts. Through performance, education, and artistic development, we strive to affirm the vitality and relevance of South Indian classical arts in today’s society.

In New York and beyond, Jiva has presented work at prestigious venues such as the Smithsonian Institution, Juilliard, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, NYU Skirball, Symphony Space, Dixon Place, Queens College, and the 92nd Street Y. With a reputation for excellence and a strong, supportive community, Jiva has become one of the most visible and respected South Asian arts organizations in NYC.