About Us - LA Dance Synergy

The LA Dance Synergy (LADS)

Steeped in South Asian tradition, we clearly understand that dance and music bring communities together, promotes health, and is an expressive medium that has a unique and effective way to convey meaning, emotion, and cultural values of people. LADS is uniquely positioned to create a safe space (psychological, physical, and emotional) for all to access and experience the power of dance in daily life that is free from judgment. We assert that everyone is a dancer, and that to dance is to:

Heal
Grow
Connect

In fact, the World Health Organization (2019 / 2020) declared that Physical Activity, including dance, significantly contribute to individual well-being and has a positive influence on social connectedness (Duberg et al., 2020). It has also been proven that people not engaging in physical activity are at 20%–30% increased risk of death when compared to individuals participating in such activities (Bull et al., 2020).

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However, despite this, 80% of the world’s population does not participate in physical activity (Bull et al., 2020) Dance classes and Dance / Movement Therapy (DMT), however, have demonstrated having greater positive impact on health. It has been established that traditional Indian dance substantially improved the locomotor skills of children with Down syndrome than that of neuromuscular exercises (Raghupathy et al. 2022). Moreover, Tao et al. (2022) used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to meticulously review empirical studies conducted over 20 years and found that dance is stronger alternative to traditional physical activity. Tao et al. (2022) study further demonstrated that dance provides physiological and psychological benefits to healthy as well as medically compromised populations. There is also strong statistical evidence that dance interventions can induce neuroplastic changes in healthy older participants, leading to improvements in both motor and cognitive functions (Meulenberg et al., 2023). Koch et al. (2019) mata-analysis of 41 control intervention studies (all empirical/quantitative research) found strong evidence that Dance/Movement Therapy decreases depression and anxiety and increases quality of life and interpersonal and cognitive skills, whereas dance interventions increase (psycho-) motor skills.

LADS program developers, facilitators, and teachers have over 35 years of hands on experience in healthcare and dance. We are uniquely experienced in combing dance and healing as Medical Doctors (MD), Occupational Therapists (OT), Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapists (BCDMT), Psychologists, Chinese Medicine Practitioners, and Acupuncturists.

Moreover, we are exclusively positioned to develop and implement educational program, innovative performances, and outreach programs that engages in global cultural exchange and simultaneously promote healing, unity, and community wellness. LADS has elite access to world class artists in India through our alliance with:

Nrityodaya Kathak Academy (NKA) in Los Angeles, United States Established in 1989, is a sanctuary of the arts devoted to preserving the culture of Kathak dance and classical Indian art. The academy is dedicated to educate, research, and bring diversity to the community through innovating dance and performance.
National Institute of Kathak Dance (AKA Kathak Kendra) in New Delhi, India Premier dance institution for the Indian classical dance form, and a unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. Established in 1964, the institution is dedicated to Kathak, Indian classical music (Vocal) and Pakhawaj and Tabla.
The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, India. Premier cultural institution. Established in 1969, it was the first multi-venue, multi-genre cultural center in South Asia. The NCPA is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich and vibrant artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, literature and photography, as well as presenting new and innovative work by Indian and international artistes from a diverse range of genres including drama, contemporary dance, orchestral concerts, opera, jazz and chamber music. Today, the NCPA hosts more than 700 events each year, making it India’s largest and most holistic performing arts center.

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Our Goals and Objectives:

1. Consistently striving to evolve the field of dance through innovative choreography, offering culturally informed performances and building alliances across dance forms and cultures globally.

2. Offering scholarships to increase equitable access to dance education through grants and fundraising.

3. Continuously being involved in conducting and / or supporting performance based expressive movement research and its impact on our local communities and society at large.