Episode 58
#58. Most Popular of 2022: Skiing in a Saree: How South Asian Dance Builds Community and Connects Cultures
Divya Maiya gives us a peek into the world of South Asian dance. She is the co-founder of the South Asian Arts and Theater House — SAATH — based in Minneapolis, MN.
More than Bollywood and Bhangra, she looks at how dance can be a fun way to build community across and beyond the South Asian diaspora. And, she talks about breaking stereotypes, appreciating cultural traditions and the motivation for her own #SareeAdventures.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- About the Roots of Various of South Asian Dances
- How Dance Can Tell the History and Culture of a People
- How Dance Can Build a Diverse Community among and beyond the South Asian Diaspora
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Divya Maiya is a saree adventurer and co-founder of SAATH, the South Asian Arts and Theater House in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
New to town, she originally sought dance as a way to meet people. Today, SAATH is home to a diverse arts community. It includes, Asian and non-Asian dancers who come together for performances and informal classes. Most of all, it offers a fun way to connect to the cultural roots of South Asian arts and the people who share a passion for it.
SAATH is a 501c3 non-profit organization that celebrates “cultural diversity and social harmony in our communities through the joyful medium of dance, performing arts, and related South Asian cultural traditions.”
Divya Maiya also serves as the President, Executive Director and Artistic Director of SAATH (formerly named Bollywood Dance Scene). She is a techie and social media influencer who has a passion for travel and photography.
LINKS:
- South Asian Arts and Theatre House
- YouTube - South Asian Arts and Theatre House
- Instagram - South Asian Arts and Theatre House
- Twitter - South Asian Arts and Theatre House
- Instagram - @divyamaiya
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:
01:17 - Topic: South Asian Dance
02:36 - Defining South Asian Dance
05:47 - Influence of African Culture on South Asian Dance
06:45 - Dance and Cultural Exchange among South Asian Diaspora
09:19 - What is South Asian Dance in American?
14:41 - Challenging Stereotypes
15:58 - #SarreeAdventures
18:50 - What about the Second Generation?
19:43 - Art and Social Commentary
20:38 - Despite the Haters
20:53 - Forming Community and Starting with a Small Group
22:36 - Not Just Bollywood Dance Scene
23:30 - Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?
25:13 - Creating Community Where You Are
29:48 - How to Get in Touch with SAATH
30:43 - Family and Joke Ahead
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