All Sikkim Dance Institutes’ Association formed to strengthen dance education

The All Sikkim Dance Institutes’ Association (ASDIA) was officially formed on December 30, 2024. The formation was the result of a meeting held at the Natraj Kala Kendra Dance Academy in Singtam, which brought together the proprietors and educators of dance academies from across Sikkim.

The primary objective of the association is to foster collaboration, ensure educational standards, and promote authentic dance practices in the state. The attendees of the meeting unanimously chose the name “All Sikkim Dance Institutes’ Association (ASDIA)” and declared December 30 as its official Foundation Day.

The meeting began at 11:07 AM with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Sushma Yonzone, the proprietor of Twist Ur Toe Dance Academy, Soreng. Mrs. Sumi Das Rai, the host and proprietor of Natraj Kala Kendra, greeted the participants with garlands. Mrs. Sushma Chettri, the proprietor of Step Dance Sensation Academy, led the proceedings, emphasizing the need for a unified body to standardize practices, authenticate institutes and trainers, and set frameworks for performance rates and accountability.

A session followed, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with each other, before diving into detailed discussions about the association’s legal, logistical, and structural framework.

The meeting saw the election of an executive body through a democratic voting process. The elected members are as follows:

President: Sushma Chettri, Step Dance Sensation Academy

Vice President: Passang Sherpa, Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy

Secretary: Komal Gurung, Tapashree Academy

General Secretaries: Neetu Dhamala (Dance Mantra Dance Academy), Gagan Diyali (Gagan Dance Academy)

Treasurers: Anu Pradhan (Danceshalla), Puja Gurung (Legion of Love Dance Academy)

Publicity Secretaries: Asna Pradhan (Dancers Dynasty), Pravesh Tamang (Music in Motion Dance Academy)

State Coordinator: Sushma Yonzone, Twist Ur Toe Dance Academy

District Coordinators:

Gangtok: Vivek Paswan, MJ Squad Dance Academy

Namchi: John Tamang, OMTRD Dance Academy

Pakyong: Purna Rai, PKK Dance Academy

Gyalshing-Soreng: Sanchahang Limboo, Sukhim United

Mangan: Abhijit Dey, Dream Dance Academy

The Advisory Board consists of key figures in Sikkim's dance education scene:

Head Advisor: Sumi Das Rai, Natraj Kala Kendra Dance Academy

Senior Advisors: Rakhee Gadaily (Taal Music and Dance Academy), Anjali Kulung Rai (Nrityanjali Dance Academy)

Deputy Advisors: Mahendra Bardewa (Pratibha Kala Kendra Academy), Viki Tamang (V Matrix Dance Academy)

Advisors: Sanjok Subba (My Dance Institute), Chanden Gurung (Himalayan Dance Academy), Mahesh Thapa (Hip Hop Era Dance Academy), Deenay Sunar (G Sharp Institute of Performing Arts)

The association will hold quarterly meetings, with mandatory attendance for all members, and has already initiated discussions on designing a logo, funding mechanisms, and event planning. A collective fund from member institutes will support ASDIA’s initiatives. Strict adherence to the association’s framework will be enforced to ensure discipline, professionalism, and the maintenance of high standards in dance education.