See how we transform lives through Kuchipudi through our Charity — with inclusive and intergenerational outreach healing through dance, and education in schools,community groups, health and wellbeing organisations prisons, hospitals, and more.
Over 1,000 community sessions delivered since 2020
At AKDC, our mission comes alive through a dynamic blend of performance, education, and community outreach. From captivating audiences across 50+ countries with classical and contemporary dance productions to nurturing future talent through mentorship programs, our work extends far beyond the stage. We’re deeply committed to creating inclusive experiences — bringing dance to prisons, hospitals, schools, and disability centers. As the founders of the UK’s largest Kuchipudi festival, we also create spaces for cultural celebration, dialogue, and exchange. Every initiative we take is rooted in impact, inclusion, and inspiration.
Dance and well being sessions
At Tihar prison , India ( Asia’s largest prison)
Arunima Kumar has pioneered programs in Tihar Prison, Asia’s largest women’s prison, where dance was used for mental health, self-expression and rehabilitation. Her groundbreaking work led to special legal permission for 25 inmates to perform outside prison — a historic first.
AKDC has delivered dance and movement therapy in collaboration with:
Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals
Terminally ill patients
Asian People Disability Alliance (APDA)
We provide tailored sessions for:
Terminally ill patients
Children with chronic illness
Dementia & Alzheimer’s residents
Project Katha – Intergenerational Connection
Launched during the pandemic, Project Katha is a digital storytelling and dance initiative that connected grandparents and children through folk tales and choreography. Narratives were shared by elders in India and performed by their grandchildren in the UK — healing isolation and nurturing heritage.
Impact:
Featured by BBC, British Council, and Indian Embassy UK
Dance and well being sessions – schools , colleges , community centres & corporates
London TCS Marathon 2025 – dance and well being session for corporates
Community Outreach
Programs include:
Partners:
Saatchi Gallery (Annual Diwali workshops)
RBKC Council, Camden Council, Bhavan Centre
British Airways Culture Program, TATA Consultancy
Dance for Disability & Inclusion
AKDC is a champion of disability-inclusive practice in the performing arts. We deliver adaptive workshops and performances with:
Programs include:
Projects:
Antardrishti – blind musicians + dancers
AVATARA – inclusive dance with wheelchair ballroom artists
Down the Road – digital dance short with learning-disabled artists
“Her workshops teach so much more than dance – they teach cultural empathy and joy.”
~ Primary School Teacher, Kensington
Interfaith & Cultural Harmony
AKDC uses dance to build bridges across faiths, nationalities, and identities. We’ve performed at:
Partners:
Scotland Yard Interfaith Events
Royal Commonwealth Society Ceremonies
European Parliament Brussels
Mayor’s Diwali & Eid Celebrations
YMCA’s Harmony Through Arts program
Interfaith events in London
Are you a school, community group or care home? Want to bring culturally rich, emotionally uplifting dance programs to your space?
Performance Testimonials
Arunima is one of Britain’s most acclaimed, award winning Kuchipudi dancer, teacher, choreographer and cultural leaders, promoting Diversity and Inclusion in South Asian arts and inter-generational community arts practice in the Britain. Arunima’s passion is commendable. She is a role model and an empowering figure to aspiring Kuchipudi dancers and young individuals
Arunima demonstrated spectacular skills in delivering a majestic depiction .. of the complex events leading up to Diwali moving many to tears, Due to the uniquely powerful choreography, this performance has subsequently been requested in the European Parliament, UK Houses of Parliament and the Guildhall
A visionary and cultural leader, she has created a network of Kuchipudi dancers across the UK and globally, spanning people of diverse age groups and backgrounds. As a mother, I am delighted to have my child in such a network where there is continuous learning with numerous opportunities for effective engagement in art. I can also say that it contributed to overall improvement in my child – increasing confidence and dedication.
I shears wanted to dance buty family couldn’t afford it . I was shy and didn’t have the courage to tell my parents I wanted it . I became a doctor . After 20 years, I had the courage to try a class with AKDC .. I saw them online and something inside me wanted it again . I am so glad . It changed my life . I can’t wait for Tuesday evenings to try the dance , sweat it out , learn so much and all the people in the class are so warm and welcoming . I’m not afraid and though I wish I did this many years ago , I’m grateful that I can still do it at 60 . My husband says I keep humming the songs . If you are at my age and afraid, please do try it . I feel stronger and It’s a beautiful feeling .
