Her vision for the inaugural Jamestown Dance Festival is giving a platform where different global dance forms can be seen, so local residents may not have to travel to major cities to see performances.

“This is a place where we are bringing the world to Jamestown,” Burman said.

Along with her company, Sukanya Burman Dance (SBD), the fest will feature performances from award-winning dance companies, Barkha Dance Company, Biodance, and Soles of Duende.

The festival, spearheaded by SBD, and co-presented with The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, will expose people to a weekend full of other kinds of cultural dance performances, workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions beginning Saturday at the Reg. JDF is aimed at showcasing global dance genres through unique collaborations with dancers, artists, and musicians, the festival strives for pay equity in the arts and seeks to make dance accessible and affordable, fostering a robust artistic community. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, 60% of the featured artists are artists of color, embracing a range of cultural dance forms and contributing to gender and geographic diversity, Burman said.

Sukanya Burman Dance is a contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director and choreographer Sukanya Burman. Submitted photo

The festival’s main venue is The Reg, located at 116 E. Third St.

The workshops, she said, will focus on rhythm work, percussive dance, and understanding rhythm.

“It’s good for musicians. It’s good for dancers and actors, so all three disciplines can come and should come and experience (the workshops),” Burman said.

Burman said the film screenings will take place at the Student Union at Jamestown Community College, and the Robert H. Jackson Center.

Here is a list of the dance companies:

BARKHA DANCE COMPANY

Based in New York City, Barkha Dance Company is led by Kathak dancer and choreographer Barkha Patel. With performances at venues like Jacob’s Pillow, Joyce Theatre, and Lincoln Center, her work blends traditional Indian classical dance with contemporary elements, earning her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Juried Bessie Award.

SOLES OF DUENDE

Soles of Duende is a trio from New York City, uniting the dance forms of Tap, Flamenco, and Kathak, and the group was nominated in 2023 for the Bessies “Outstanding Breakout Choreographer” award. Comprised of Amanda Castro, Arielle Rosales, and Brinda Guha, the group members celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds and shared passion for music and dance, creating powerful and joyous performances that transcend disciplines.

BIODANCE

Directed by Missy Pfohl Smith, Biodance is a contemporary repertory company from Rochester. Known for its multidisciplinary collaborations and site-specific works, Biodance addresses social, political, and environmental issues through dance. The company engages with the community through performances, benefit concerts, and dance education programs.

SANDIP MALLICK

A Kathak dancer, Sandip Mallick trained under luminaries like Pandit Birju Maharajji and Pandit Chitresh Das. With a postgraduate degree in dance from Rabindra Bharati University, he has performed extensively in India and internationally, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and in the United States. He has won awards, choreographed ballets, and developed 64 types of basic Kathak movements. He teaches at his institution, NADAM, and conducts workshops globally, continuing to innovate and inspire in Kathak.

SBD

SBD is a contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director and choreographer Sukanya Burman. The company combines Indian diasporic dances and modern dance to explore compelling ideas and create shared visual experiences. With roots in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Modern dance, SBD tells stories relevant to today’s world through innovative movement.

The festival is supported by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Inc., New York State Council on the Arts, The Reg, Dance Force, Live CHQ, and Arts Services, Inc.

For more information on the festival, please visit sukanyaburman.com.