Dances of India ~ Sharing the power and beauty of dance through performances, education, cultural presentations and outreach activities

The 9th Annual St. Louis Dance Festival,

sponsored by Dances of India, on May 30th

and 31st, 2008, at Wash U's Edison Theatre

For the past 30 years, Asha Prem, the Artistic Director of the Program, has been instrumental in both introducing St. Louis to this ancient art and breathing new life into the traditional dance patterns and styles.

“St. Louis is very fortunate to have a dancer and teacher of this quality here, making available to the community at large on of the oldest forms in world history.”

Sally B. Bliss
Executive Director,
Dance Saint Louis

Welcome to Dances of India, Missouri’s premier Indian Dance Company. Based in St. Louis and headed by Asha Prem, a pioneer in breathing new life into this ancient traditional art, the company is celebrating its 30th year.

Dances of India believes in the power and beauty not simple of Indian dance, but of dance itself! The company believes Indian dance can enchant as well as educate all members of the community, from children to senior citizens, from underserved minority communities to the population at large.

Established in the early 1970’s in St. Louis. Dances of India is the oldest Indian dance company in Missouri. It is a minority organization created to preserve the rich tradition and heritage of East Indian arts and culture. Dances of India hope is to broaden the knowledge of East Indian traditions in St. Louis through classical/folk dance performances and workshops while engaging in multicultural outreach activities in minority and underserved communities.

The annual season of formal concerts of classical and folk East Indian dances
Dance performances, demonstrations and cultural presentations for school age children primarily form the minority community
Outreach activities at cultural centers, community centers, senior citizens homes
Sponsoring and coordinating a collaborative dance showcase featuring more than 23 dance companies.