A classical south Indian Bharatanatyam dance concert featuring both folkloric and contemporary reflections on the power and plight of women.

Abhinaya Dance Company presents Shakti – female divinity, solos and duets by young artists from its Junior dance company. The central piece depicts the graceful yet fierce Goddess Shakti who wields weapons as she destroys the demons representing the evil of the mortal world.

Samudra Dance Creations presents excerpts of The Caged Bird Sings drawing its inspiration from the modern day feminist movement and Earth Speaks that invokes the voice of Mother Earth as a warning against climate change and environmental despoliation.

Founded in San Jose in 1980, Abhinaya Dance Company has been educating generations of dancers in the classical art form of Bharatanatyam. The company has been recognized for its innovative performances that present traditional as well as contemporary themes. Abhinaya has been awarded several grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, Hewlett Foundation, as well as the City of San Jose. 2020 marks Abhinaya’s 40th anniversary.

Samudra Dance Creations was founded by experienced Bharatanatyam choreographer/dancer Jyotsna Vaidee. Samudra is a Sanskrit term literally meaning the “gathering together of waters.” As the name implies we enable collaborations among freelance/professional artists in the San Francisco Bay Area and create awareness around cultural/social issues. Samudra Dance Creations seeks to represent and empower the Indian community operating in a Diaspora environment and also seeks to engage mainstream. Samudra has presented at several prestigious festivals including San Francisco Arts Festival (SFIAF), the PushDance Fest and the Ragamala Music Society of Canada.

San Francisco International Arts Festival is an annual event, founded in 2003 to celebrate the arts by bringing together a global community of artists and presenting innovative projects focused on increasing human understanding.

The 2020 Festival Program features over 35 art groups from the US and 7 other countries and includes performances across 6 disciplines, including Music, Dance, Theater, Comedy, Theatre, Cirque, and Performance Art.