Spanda: The Resonance of Movement and Spirit

Leela Foundation and SIFAA are proud to present Spanda Dance Company and Leela Samson.

September 13, 2025

Location TBA

Tickets Coming Soon

This fall, the Triangle will witness an evening of rare grace and power, a confluence of tradition, innovation, and spiritual rhythm. The Leela Foundation and South Indian Fine Arts Academy (SIFAA) proudly present Spanda: The Resonance of Movement and Spirit, featuring the internationally acclaimed Spanda Dance Company, led by the legendary Leela Samson.

More than a performance, this event is a celebration of cultural memory and artistic evolution. It's an invitation to step into the timeless world of Bharatanatyam, reimagined through the contemporary lens of ensemble choreography, primal energies, and universal themes.

Spanda: Dance Beyond Boundaries

Founded in 1995 by the visionary Bharata Natyam artist Leela Samson, Spanda (meaning "resonance" in Sanskrit) was born out of a desire to break away from the solo-centric tradition of Bharata Natyam and explore the dynamic power of group performance.

Rather than centering on a single dancer, Spanda’s ensemble structure emphasizes the collective, a tapestry of synchronized movement, shared energy, and spiritual dialogue. The choreography often draws from pre-Vedic texts that explore nature, sound, and the elements, focusing not on divine characters but on the essence of being.

Spanda’s work is a seamless conversation between the abstract and the symbolic, the ancient and the modern. Their performances remain rooted in the classical vocabulary of Bharata Natyam, yet pulse with contemporary relevance, defying gender norms, celebrating inclusivity, and invoking universal human emotions.

Leela Samson: A Life in Devotion to the Arts

To witness Leela Samson in performance is to witness a lifetime dedicated to discipline, expression, and artistry. A revered dancer, choreographer, and teacher, her contribution to Indian classical arts is immeasurable. She has held several esteemed positions including:

• Director of Kalakshetra Foundation (2005–2012)

• Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (2010–2014)

• Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (2011–2015)

Leela Samson’s accolades, Padma Shri, Kalaimamani, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and others, stand as a testament to her mastery and her impact on the cultural landscape of India and the world.

Why This Event Matters

Spanda: The Resonance of Movement and Spirit is not just a performance, it is a cultural bridge. By hosting artists of this caliber, we bring the depth and complexity of Indian classical dance to new audiences and deepen the community’s engagement with the arts.

Presented with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, Town of Cary, and United Arts of Wake County, this event is part of a broader vision, to celebrate global heritage, inspire artistic curiosity, and make world-class art accessible at a local level.

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Join Us

Be a part of this transcendent experience. Come witness a dance that speaks to the soul, a performance that honors the past while moving boldly into the future.

Let movement become meditation. Let spirit find its resonance. Let Spanda move you.