Shiamak Davar

ABOUT SHIAMAK

The movement
behind the icon.

Founded by the legendary Guru of Contemporary Dance in India, Shiamak Davar, SDIPA is one of the world's largest and most respected dance education movements.

/ The Story

From stage to global stage — the evolution of India's Guru of Contemporary Dance.

One of the world's largest dance education movements.

Shiamak Davar on stage

Established with the vision of making dance accessible to all, SDIPA has transformed how dance is learned, experienced, and celebrated across India and abroad. At SDIPA, dance is more than performance — it's a form of expression, discipline, and joy. With a structured curriculum developed by Shiamak himself, students are trained across diverse styles including Shiamak's Bollywood Jazz™, Indo Jazz™, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Salsa, and more, emphasizing both technique and individuality.

SDIPA pioneered contemporary, jazz, and Indo-fusion dance styles in India, revolutionizing how the country viewed dance as both an art and a profession. Today the institute operates across major cities in India and abroad, offering structured training from hobby classes to advanced professional courses like the One Year Program (OYP) and the Advanced Training Batch (ATB). Through spectacular showcases such as Winter Funk, Summer Funk, and Monsoon Masti — and the Victory Arts Foundation — SDIPA continues to inspire millions to discover confidence, discipline, and creativity through movement.

04Countries
13Cities
67Locations
1M+Lives Moved
/ Philosophy

Have feet.
Will dance.

Rooted in Shiamak's belief that “Have Feet. Will Dance.”, SDIPA encourages people from all walks of life to discover the artist within. Each class nurtures confidence, creativity, and fitness through movement, creating an environment where everyone — from beginners to professionals — can learn and grow.

The spirit of dance eliminates all barriers of caste, creed, age, size, talent and social status. Have feet. Will Dance.

SHIAMAK DAVAR — THE TEACHER
Shiamak philosophy
Dance class
Dance performance
/ Vision

To make dance a universal language of expression, empowerment, and joy.

At SDIPA, our vision is to create a world where dance is not just an art form, but a way of life — accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. We envision a future where India continues to lead the world in dance education — blending cultural authenticity with global innovation, and nurturing artists who carry forward the legacy of the Shiamak style with passion and purpose.

Global movement
Global community
Global students
Shiamak legacy
Dance education
VAF
/ Legacy

The work continues beyond the spotlight.

With certified instructors and a global presence, SDIPA has trained over a million students and continues to shape the future of dance education. Guided by Shiamak Davar's artistic vision, the institute remains committed to using dance as a medium of transformation, inclusion, and self-discovery.

01  Provide structured, high-quality dance education rooted in Shiamak Davar's unique methodology

02  Make dance accessible to all — from children to adults, beginners to professionals

03  Promote inclusion and empowerment through Victory Arts Foundation

/ Founder Message

The stage is only
the beginning.

Shiamak's work has always moved between performance and possibility: helping people discover discipline, confidence, expression and joy through dance.

It's a circle of interaction. I give the audience love and energy. And they give it back to me. When I perform it is not from my conscious mind. It comes from higher up.

SHIAMAK DAVAR — THE PERFORMER
Shiamak Davar
/ The Journey of Shiamak Davar

From studio floors
to global stages.

1982

The Beginning of a Legacy

Commissioned by the Government of India to choreograph the Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies — marking his first national milestone in dance.

1 / 13
Dance programs
Dance class
Student performance
/ Our Programs

A range of learning experiences for every age and skill level.

SDIPA offers a range of learning experiences designed for every age and skill level.

01  Regular Dance Classes — for kids, pre-teens, adults, and seniors across multiple cities

02  One Year Program (OYP) — professional training for aspiring dancers

03  Summer Funk & Winter Funk — annual performance programs with professionally produced stage showcases

/ Achievements & Milestones

A legacy measured
in movement.

National Award for Best Choreography — Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), changing the face of Hindi cinema with the signature Shiamak Style.

Directed and designed the Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies in Melbourne (2006) and New Delhi (2010).

Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University, London (2011) — a first for an Indian choreographer.

/ International Presence

India's rhythm,
worldwide.

Established Shiamak Davar International across Canada, the UK, UAE, and Australia — spreading the joy of dance to thousands globally while nurturing artists who carry forward the legacy of the Shiamak style with passion and purpose.

04 countries

13 cities

67 class locations

“Every show must be one of a kind. Because, so is the audience always.”

Shiamak Davar — International Tours
International presence
Canada
Global community
/ Student Community

The class becomes
the community.

Join a Class →
Students

Students who arrive as beginners and leave with posture, confidence and stage energy.

Classroom

Classrooms that feel like rehearsals, friendships and a shared language of rhythm.

Performers

Performers learning discipline, expression and the courage to take up space.

/ Media Mentions

The press
takes notice.

Press Archive →

Film & Stage

Coverage of choreography, productions and stage spectacles that shaped popular culture.

Dance Education

Stories on the academy's training ecosystem and student community across cities.

Inclusive Arts

Recognition of Victory Arts Foundation and dance as a therapeutic medium.

/ Continue The Journey

Have feet.
Will dance.

Explore classes, programs and performances built around the movement legacy of SHIAMAK.

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