Akademi to be supported by Seven Islands Vintage to Transform Historic Westminster Hall as part of Arts in Parliament 2012 | Festival News

South Asian dance organisation Akademi, sponsored by Seven Islands Vintage, is the only dance organisation invited to take part in the Arts in Parliament programme
Details announced for 5 July headline performance (6.30pm, Westminster Hall) to be followed by a private reception (by invitation only) in the Jubilee Room, hosted by Seven Islands Vintage
Arts in Parliament is an innovative and unique programme which brings art, music, dance and poetry into the iconic setting of the Houses of Parliament, and will take place throughout June - September 2012
Headline performance from Akademi Tickets (FREE) now available: HERE

London-based South Asian dance organisation Akademi will be transforming the historic 900-year-old interior of Westminster Hall in a performance spectacular this July as part of Arts in Parliament - a programme of unique performances and exhibitions staged in Parliament to welcome the world to the 2012 Olympic Games. Akademi’s contribution has been made possible by the generous support of Seven Islands Vintage, a new premium, single malt scotch whisky launched earlier this year in the UK.

On 5 July Westminster Hall will be brought to life as Akademi unveil a site-specific dancework created for the occasion. Choreographed by Gauri Tripathi, Southbank artist-in-residence whose previous roles include working alongside Akram Khan, together with Nathaniel Parchment and Shivani Sethia, the piece ‘Maaya’ will feature 12 artists from a variety of genres. The finale will be performed by Priyadarsini Govind, one of India's most talented and acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancers.

Mira Kaushik, Artistic Director of Akademi said: ‘It is a tremendous honour to be representing UK dance at this wonderful initiative.

‘In 2012 London will become the focal point for a great cultural exchange, and it is these values that are central to the ethos of Akademi. The two new pieces we will be devising will have at their heart Akademi’s commitment to pioneering new visions of dance performance in new spaces, celebrating the cultural variety of London and using dance as a vehicle for social change.

‘We are particularly delighted to be supported by Seven Islands Vintage, a luxury brand that is inspired by the very best of Indian culture. Our dancers will celebrate the synergy of our partnership and will also take inspiration from the seven stages of the luxury drink’s own brand essence.’

Using the essence of Seven Islands Vintage as their inspiration, dancers will create a fusion of both classical and western dance forms, transforming the hall to incorporate the vibrant aesthetic values of Indian culture. Unravelling cascades of fabric will aide the dancers’ fluidity as they explore the space to create visions of serenity and tranquility, through bursts of colour and swirling movements.

Anand P Nair, Chairman, Ryan 50 Scotland Limited that owns the brand Seven Islands, said: "Furthering our legacy as global patrons of art, we are extremely happy to support Akademi and Arts in Parliament in their celebration of the Olympic Games in London. The showcase of contemporary British Indian dance - Maaya a performance - is, as our drink, a fusion between India and the UK. Forming these connections between the world and the UK is in the very spirit of the Games.

“2012 is an important year for London and was also the chosen city for the launch of our luxury brand, Seven islands Vintage single malt scotch whisky, in Central London. We have a great appreciation of the arts and this reflects in our brand that is inspired by the art and architecture, and the colour and fabrics of contemporary India."

Frank Doran, Special MP for British Dance and Member of the Arts in Parliament Advisory Board, said: ‘We wanted a dance company which could optimise the opportunity of dancing in Westminster Hall – and Akademi already has an outstanding pedigree of producing work in inspiring and iconic spaces around London, including Somerset House and Trafalgar Square. But Akademi’s participation at Arts in Parliament is also an important representation for British dance during the Olympic year – and a chance to showcase a British-South Asian cultural fusion in such a historically important location.

Westminster Hall is the oldest building in the Palace of Westminster. Since the 11thcentury, it has played a central role in the life of the nation now lending it a unique significance as the location for Parliament’s celebrations in 2012. In this Olympic year, this is a fantastic opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to participate in a historic event.

The 5 July performance will be followed by a second community dance event on 10August, celebrating the South Asian dance which exists in British communities and highlighting the use of dance for social benefit. The second performance, also in Westminster Hall will involve many participants from community organisations from London and the UK.

Tickets for both events are FREE. For more information and booking details, go to http://www.parliament.uk/artsinparliament

Akademi in 2012

Akademi (www.akademi.co.uk) is the leading organisation working with choreographers and dancers to produce and develop South Asian dance in the UK. The organisation innovate a rich year-round programme of work, from large-scale outdoor spectaculars to intimate productions for unusual spaces and venues.

Akademi piece one of Mayor of London Presents events during Summer 2012

In partnership with Theatre Tol, Akademi will be staging acclaimed production ‘Bells’ in different locations during July and August as part of Showtime, presented by Mayor of London and London 2012 Festival. Showtime is a free outdoor arts festival giving all Londoners the chance to enjoy world class entertainment and culture on their doorstep. For more information visit www.molpresents.com/showtime.

Further 2012 Highlights:

‘Big Dance’ performance in Granary Square, Kings Cross (7 July)

Camden Olympic Torch Relay event in Granary Square, Kings Cross (26 July)

Odissi Ensemble ‘Kalpavriskha’ at Kings Place (15 September)

Akademi presents Srishti at Kings Place (16 September)

For further details of all Akademi events visit www.akademi.co.uk