Amala Dance

Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, Executive Director of Amala Dance, began studying Bharatanatyam at age 7. For 20 years, Shaheen practiced the vintage Pandanallur Tanjore style under the guidance of Malathi Iyengar and was a principal dancer with the Rangoli Dance Company. Shaheen has also further explored Abhinaya (Bharatanatyam art of expression) with workshops offered by Bragha Bessell. In 2005, 2006, and 2008 Shaheen was honored with Lestor Horton Dance Award nominations for her performances in 'Ragamalika Varnam,' 'Kodhai's Dream,' and Jatiswaram (Kodhai’s Drearm). The Los Angeles Times described Shaheen's portrayal of Krishna in 'Kodhai's Dream' as "commanding" and her performance of the Jatiswaram as "a breathtaking finale showcasing [her] dexterity in accelerating cycles of intricate footwork, swift turns and sweeping arm gestures." When not dancing, Shaheen is a musician and singer/songwriter, having released 3 albums to date. Among her instruments, Shaheen plays guitar and sarod, a North Indian classical instrument, which she studies under the guidance of David Trasoff.