About Us

Who We Are

Sampradaya Dance Academy

Sampradaya Dance Academy is a premiere dance training institution recognized for its excellence in the training of bharatanatyam technique, repertoire and rhythm theory.

Sampradaya is a Sanskrit word embodying an evolving tradition that represents an organic process of dynamic change as it adapts to shifting trends and influences.

Sampradaya Dance Academy’s vision of dance is continually inspired by tradition being the cornerstone of the art; where time-tested principles of training, theoretical knowledge, performance and creation are not compromised while exploring new pathways of making art relevant and accessible to all audiences.

Sampradaya Dance Academy firmly believes in the holistic training of the art form, where excellence in training is combined with best practices of dancer health, fitness and well-being as well as the development of personal attributes of confidence and creativity.

Sampradaya Dance Academy hopes to continue fostering a deep appreciation for Indian dance by inspiring excellence, self-confidence and creativity in an emerging generation of dancers.

History

Leading Indo-Canadian dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Lata Pada, established Sampradaya Dance Academy in 1990.

Since 1997, over 35 dancers have completed their training at Sampradaya Dance Academy and successfully completed their arangetrams.

In 2015, Sampradaya Dance Academy celebrated its 25th Anniversary. This momentous occasion was marked by the creation of an agreement with York University’s Dance Program. Launched in 2016-2017, this agreement acknowledges the Professional Training offered in bharatanatyam at Sampradaya Dance Academy and allows graduates from our program to apply credits towards an Undergraduate Degree in Dance at York University.

Founded with the vision of engaging future generations of Canadians in the rich classical dance form of bharatanatyam, Sampradaya Dance Academy has been and continues to be deeply committed to time-tested traditions of teaching, practice and performance. The Academy is committed to excellence in the teaching, practice and performance of the Tanjavur style of bharatanatyam

The Team

Lata Pada

Academy Director&Founder

Lata Pada (MFA 1996, York University), an accomplished bharatanatyam soloist, choreographer, and teacher, is the Founder and Academy Director of Sampradaya Dance Academy. Lata has trained for almost 40 years in the Tanjavur style of bharatanatyam with distinguished gurus Kalaimamani K. Kalyanasundaram and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan.

A recipient of the Order of Canada in 2008, Lata holds the distinction of being the first South Asian artist to receive this prestigious honour.

In 2011, Lata Pada was presented with the PravasiBharatiyaSamman from the President of India, the highest civilian honour for non-resident Indians.

In June 2012, Lata Pada was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal and honoured with the Legend’s Row Award in 2013.

An influential cultural leader in Canada, Lata Pada is a passionate advocate for the arts and has made a significant contribution to dance discourse through her participation in international conferences, writings, and interviews. A gifted and nurturing teacher, Lata Pada continues to bring bharatanatyam to residents of the Greater Toronto Area.