Khambatta Dance Company

For residents of Washington, especially those in the vibrant artistic landscape of Seattle and its surrounding neighborhoods like West Seattle, Khambatta Dance Company (KDC) is a cornerstone of contemporary dance and a bridge to global artistic exchange. Established in 1993 in New York and making Seattle its home in 2001, KDC is more than just a dance company; it's a dynamic force dedicated to connecting artists and audiences through the exploration of contemporary issues, emotionally resonant performances, and a collaborative process of dance creation.

At the heart of KDC's mission is a commitment to reaching out to the community in an inclusive manner. Through its signature program, the internationally acclaimed Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF), KDC unifies communities and celebrates Seattle's diverse neighborhoods by showcasing the work of over 150 local, regional, national, and international dance artists and more than 40 dance groups annually. This broad spectrum exemplifies the richness of human expression and the diversity of contemporary dance practices. KDC has a long history of making its work accessible, often through free, outdoor performances supported by local businesses and community organizations, reaching thousands of Seattle residents each year. Their programming ranges from site-specific pieces to full-length multidisciplinary productions and commissioned works, all characterized by split-second timing and athletic choreography that mesmerizes audiences. The company's work is driven by a philosophy that values storytelling, emotional depth, and a collaborative spirit, inviting audiences into the creative process.

Khambatta Dance Company is based at 5609 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126, USA. This location places the company firmly within the vibrant West Seattle area, making it readily accessible to residents throughout the city and surrounding King County. West Seattle is known for its strong community ties and thriving local arts scene, providing a supportive backdrop for KDC's activities.

The studio's address on 34th Ave SW is easily reachable by car, with street parking typically available in the neighborhood. For those utilizing public transportation, Seattle's bus system offers convenient routes connecting West Seattle to downtown and other parts of the city, making it feasible for dancers and audience members from various locales to access KDC's classes and performances. The company also frequently utilizes various venues across Seattle for its performances and the Seattle International Dance Festival, ensuring that its artistic offerings are spread across the city and remain accessible to a broader audience. KDC's strategic location allows it to be deeply embedded in the local community while maintaining its international reach.

• Contemporary Dance Performances: KDC produces and presents original contemporary dance works that explore a range of contemporary issues, characterized by athletic choreography, split-second timing, and emotionally resonant themes.
• Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF): KDC's signature program, an annual festival that showcases diverse contemporary dance practices from local, regional, national, and international artists and companies. SIDF unifies communities and celebrates Seattle's neighborhoods.
• Dance Classes for Adults: Khambatta Dance Company, in collaboration with eXit SPACE (a dance hub with studios in Seattle), offers a variety of open classes for adult dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced/professional. These classes often include:
  • Modern
  • Contemporary
  • Ballet (including Beginning Ballet and Contemporary Ballet)
  • Jazz (including Beginning Jazz and Contemporary Jazz)
  • Hip Hop (including Fundamentals and Movement Skills)
  • Tap
  • Burlesque Jazz (Beginning Burlesque)
  • Power Hour
  • Open Movement/Contact Improv Jam
  Classes are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, encouraging exploration and artistic growth.
• Workshops and Residencies: KDC frequently hosts workshops and residencies with visiting artists and choreographers, providing unique learning opportunities for local dancers.
• Collaborative Dance Creation: KDC's artistic process often involves collaboration, drawing audiences into the creative journey and fostering a shared experience.
• Touring and Outreach: The company tours nationally and internationally, cultivating networks with other dance artists and expanding its reach. It also focuses on making its work accessible through free outdoor performances.
• Youth Mentor and Leadership Opportunities: KDC occasionally provides opportunities for younger dancers to engage with the company and festival in a mentorship capacity.
• James Ray Residency Program: (Historically, 2017-2022) A program supporting Seattle-area dance artists with free rehearsal space, professional development consulting, and fully-produced performances, further investing in the local dance ecosystem.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities for community members to get involved with the Seattle International Dance Festival, including roles like ushers, box office assistants, and concessions attendants.

• Founders of Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF): KDC is the driving force behind SIDF, a major annual event that brings diverse national and international dance to Seattle, significantly enriching the local arts scene.
• Globally Recognized Company: KDC has toured extensively across three continents (including Brazil, Germany, India, Lithuania, and Mexico), showcasing Seattle's artistic talent on a global stage.
• Artistic Vision and Innovation: The company is known for its ambitious choreographic vision, inventive concepts, and emotionally resonant performances that often tackle weighty contemporary subjects.
• Inclusive Community Focus: KDC's mission emphasizes connecting artists and audiences in an inclusive manner, making dance accessible to a wider audience through various outreach efforts, including free performances.
• Collaborative Approach: The company actively engages in a collaborative process of dance creation, both within its own works and through partnerships with other artists and organizations.
• High-Caliber Dancers: Reviews frequently praise KDC's dancers as impeccable, well-trained, and possessing unparalleled coordination and timing, a testament to Cyrus Khambatta's choreography.
• Diverse Class Offerings: The wide array of adult dance classes (Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, etc.) caters to all experience levels, providing valuable opportunities for local dancers to hone their skills.
• Adaptability and Resilience: During challenging times, KDC has demonstrated adaptability, producing virtual and hybrid festivals and dance films to continue engaging its community.
• Commitment to Local Dance Ecology: Through programs like the former James Ray Residency, KDC actively supports and develops Seattle-area dance artists, fostering a robust local dance environment.

Address: 5609 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126, USA

Phone: (206) 552-0694

Mobile Phone: +1 206-552-0694

For residents of Washington, particularly those in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area, Khambatta Dance Company offers a unique and invaluable contribution to the local arts and cultural landscape. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, extending beyond just offering dance classes or performances.

Firstly, the presence of an internationally touring contemporary dance company right in West Seattle provides local audiences with access to world-class artistic experiences without having to travel far. The company's commitment to creating emotionally resonant and thought-provoking works ensures that performances are not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating. Secondly, KDC's role as the producer of the Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF) is a significant benefit to the local community. This festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing the diversity of dance from around the globe and within Seattle, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enriching the city's artistic dialogue. For aspiring dancers and those looking to stay active, the variety of open classes offered by KDC, in collaboration with eXit SPACE, provides accessible and high-quality instruction in numerous dance styles, catering to all levels of experience. This means locals can learn from and engage with the same caliber of artists who perform on KDC's stages.

Furthermore, KDC's inclusive approach and active community engagement, including free performances and support for local artists through initiatives like the former James Ray Residency, demonstrate a deep commitment to making dance accessible and beneficial to everyone. For individuals seeking to engage with vibrant performing arts, support local artistic endeavors, or pursue their own dance journey, Khambatta Dance Company is a profound local asset that continually enriches the cultural fabric of Washington.

Khambatta Dance Company

5609 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126, USA