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.
ABOUT SHIAMAK
Founded by the legendary Guru of Contemporary Dance in India, Shiamak Davar, the Shiamak Davar Institute for Performing Arts (SDIPA) is one of the world's largest and most respected dance education movements.
From stage to global stage — the evolution of India's Guru of Contemporary Dance.
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™, Shiamak Style, 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 Dance Certification Program (OYP) and Intensive Courses - One Year Program for PreTeens and Teens (JOY), Advanced Training Batch (ATB). Through spectacular showcases such as Winter Funk, Summer Funk and style based batches like January Jam, Monsoon Masti and the Victory Arts Foundation, SDIPA continues to inspire millions to discover confidence, discipline, and creativity through movement.
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.”
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.
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.
Provide structured, high-quality dance education rooted in Shiamak Davar's unique methodology
Make dance accessible to all — from children to adults, beginners to professionals
Promote inclusion and empowerment through Victory Arts Foundation
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.”
SDIPA offers a range of learning experiences designed for every age and skill level.
Regular Dance Classes — for kids, pre-teens, adults, and seniors across multiple cities
One Year Dance Certification Program (OYP) — professional training for aspiring dancers
Summer Funk & Winter Funk — annual performance programs with professionally produced stage showcases
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.
Established Shiamak Davar International across Canada, the UK and the USA — spreading the joy of dance to thousands globally while nurturing artists who carry forward the legacy of the Shiamak style with passion and purpose.
“Every show must be one of a kind. Because, so is the audience always.”
04 countries
13 cities
67 class locations
Students who arrive as beginners and leave with posture, confidence and stage energy.
Classrooms that feel like rehearsals, friendships and a shared language of rhythm.
Performers learning discipline, expression and the courage to take up space.
Coverage of choreography, productions and stage spectacles that shaped popular culture.
Stories on the academy's training ecosystem and student community across cities.
Recognition of Victory Arts Foundation and dance as a therapeutic medium.
Explore classes, programs and performances built around the movement legacy of SHIAMAK
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