Sankhya Dance Company

Mumbai

Sankhya Dance Company is a Mumbai-based Bharatanatyam ensemble founded by Vaibhav Arekar, known for blending classical tradition with contemporary themes and philosophical depth.

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About Sankhya Dance Company

Sankhya Dance Company is a prominent Bharatanatyam ensemble based in Mumbai and Pune, founded in 2009 by Vaibhav Arekar. The company is recognized for its distinctive artistic approach that seeks to discover “modernity within the classical,” combining traditional Bharatanatyam vocabulary with contemporary themes and narratives. Under the co-direction of Sushant Jadhav, Sankhya has developed a strong visual and theatrical identity, integrating movement, lighting, and design into its productions.

The company’s repertoire reflects a wide thematic range, including productions such as Abhangaranga, The Voice of Tagore, Four Seasons, and Shiva – Facets of Him, alongside major works like Shrimant Yogi and Viyoga. Known for its technical precision and expressive depth, Sankhya emphasizes a holistic training approach that includes body conditioning, rhythm, abhinaya (expression), and philosophical inquiry. Its performances have been presented at major festivals and venues across India and internationally, contributing to the evolving discourse of contemporary Bharatanatyam.

Beyond performance, Sankhya Dance Company actively engages with the wider arts community through festivals and educational initiatives. It organizes platforms such as the Sindhu Dance Festival and interactive programmes like SAMWAAD, fostering dialogue and accessibility within classical dance. With a focus on dance as a “way of life,” the company continues to shape a new generation of performers while maintaining a strong connection to both tradition and innovation.

History

Founded in 2009, Sankhya Dance Company emerged from Vaibhav Arekar’s vision to bridge the gap between institutional dance training and professional stage performance. Drawing from his long association with Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, Arekar established Sankhya as an intensive, performance-oriented platform where dancers could develop artistic maturity through practical experience.

The name “Sankhya” is derived from one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy, symbolizing the union of Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter). In its early years, the company gained recognition through national and international tours, including performances in Europe, and through works like Narmade Har Har. The collaboration with Sushant Jadhav further expanded its theatrical scope, introducing refined lighting and stagecraft.

Over time, Sankhya has evolved into a leading contemporary Bharatanatyam ensemble, marked by thematic productions such as Debotar Grash, Naama Mhane, and Shrimant Yogi. Its recent work, Viyoga: Fragments of Light, reflects engagement with modern themes such as urbanization and digital identity. Through sustained artistic exploration and institutional initiatives, the company continues to contribute significantly to India’s classical dance landscape.