A challenging and generous space to dance.
Going to a dance class can be scary! Unscary Saturdays are inclusive classes open to all ages and abilities, from professional dancers to untrained enthusiastic movers. The aim is to dismantle the unhelpful pressures and sense of intimidation that can often be felt in dance spaces.
This is a chance to try out dance styles that you’ve always wanted to give a go but felt too scared OR that you did long ago but feel out of practice with now. Come with a keenness to explore movement and an openness to try stuff. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a participating adult.
In this session, Kavya Iyer will introduce the basics of Bharatanatyam in a way that feels approachable and intuitive. Together, we’ll explore key elements such as movement phrases, rhythm, and storytelling – not with the aim of perfecting them, but to understand and experience the form. The session will also open up conversations about what Bharatanatyam is, its history, and why this classical Indian dance form might still speak to the world we live in today.
Expect a mix of learning and sweating it out, working individually and as a group, and playful explorations of expression and movement. Come curious and experience Bharatanatyam beyond its stereotypes.
In the Roof Studio
Tickets
Pay what you choose
£10 / £13 / £15
Free tickets for under 16s
Free tickets for support Workers, Carers and PAs
This session will be BSL interpreted by Jadeaana Odle.
Photo Credits: Justice in Motion (Image of Kavya above), Aperture Muse (Image of Kavya below).
About Kavya IYer
Originally from Kolkata, Kavya is a London-based dance artist, maker, facilitator, and programmes producer at Akademi. Her journey with Bharatanatyam began over 26 years ago in India under the guidance of her mother and Guru, Sujatha Ramalingam. While still rooted in this classical dance style, her practice has grown to embrace contemporary themes and explorations of the form. She delights in stretching tradition to ask new questions, spark curiosity, and find connections with the world around us. Kavya is also passionate about Bhangra, Bollywood, improvisation and yoga which are a huge part of her movement practice.
Beyond the studio, Kavya is equally inspired by books, conversations, travel, and languages—all of which seep into her creative work. Blending rigour with play, she approaches dance as both art and inquiry: a way of celebrating joy, making meaning, and opening up South Asian dance for everyone to experience.
ACCESS AND AMENITIES AT SDS
Siobhan Davies Studios is mostly accessible, with lifts to all floors. There are two accessible parking spaces available on site which can be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is also available nearby on West Square and Garden Row (for a full map visit the Southwark Council website). Our main door is power assisted.
Amenities include:
- Changing facilities*
- Communal showers*
- Toilets / wheelchair accessible toilets
- Kitchen: tea and coffee making, fridge, and microwave
- Snack Bar: We have a small selection of bars, drinks and food available to buy from the front desk.
- Shops: The closest shop is Superway Supermarket on Garden Row (4 min walk), the closest supermarket is Sainsbury’s on New Kent Road (7 min walk). We also recommend the Art Cafe which serves sandwiches, jacket potatoes and meals (3 min walk).
* Our changing facilities and showers are not fully accessible. Our closest publicly available and fully accessible changing facility is at The Castle Centre, a leisure centre 0.3 miles away from the studios. You can find full details of their features here.