Daredevas, produced by London's Akademi in conjunction with the South Bank Centre, presents the cutting edge of South Asian dance with two different programmes featuring fresh, emerging UK-based artists. With one evening representing the classical South Asian vocation and the other focusing on contemporary choreography, some of the most promising among a new generation of dancers demonstrate the scope of their artistry at the Purcell Room on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 September at 8pm.

On Tuesday 20 September, contemporary dance takes the focus as Seeta Patel (Mavin Khoo Dance), Magdalen Gorringe, Saju Hari (Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company), Amina Khayyam (Sonia Sabri's Red) and Shane Shambhu (Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company) present original choreography based in classical Asian techniques with a modern twist.

On Wednesday 21 September, Patel is joined by Anwesha Ahmed, Kakoli Mishra, Kali Dass (Henri Oguike Dance Company), Kripa Iyer and Quincy Charles for an evening featuring kathak, bharatanatyam and odissi disciplines.

Founded in 1979, Akademi (formerly known as Academy of Indian Dance) continues its mission to encourage South Asian dance in Britain. Its work is modern and holistic, informed by the traditions and rich heritage of South Asian dance and driven by the needs of South Asian dance artists in the UK. Led by Mira Kaushik, Akademi produces innovative, large-scale dance events and works with imaginative performance venues to allow the widest possible audience for South Asian dance throughout the country. Previous successful collaborations between Akademi and SBC have been the landmark Coming of Age (2000) and Escapades (2003).

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