‘We connect lives through dance’

After the inaugural edition of the Festival in August 2015, Dance Bridges Festival underwent a change in the organizational structure, expanding local & international partnerships and collaborations. Since September 2016 Dance Bridges Festival began to function as an independent organization- Dance Bridges with Dance Alliance Kolkata remaining as a supporting partner.

Dance Bridges was managed from September 2016- July 2025 by Founder Director, Vanessa Maria Mirza (Vanessa Mirza Creations) in consultation with Van Huynh Company (UK) and Anarchy Dance Theatre (Taiwan) who were a part of the International Artistic & Programming Committee. The Festival also has an International Advisory Board from dance, research and festival contexts & Organizational Partners & Sponsors (local cultural and dance institutions, international diplomatic missions and business enterprises). Commencing in August 2025 , Dance Bridges will be restructuring its programme under the artistic direction of Vanessa Mirza (UK/India).

Mission 

Dance Bridges is an international non-profit organisation believing in excellence, inclusivity, equality, diversity and the power of community; building alliances through a cutting edge biennale international dance festival and associated events; aiming to empower local communities to foster even greater creativity in Kolkata and beyond.

Vision

An international arts organisation well known for an exciting dance Festival, a thriving arts space and residency program, new commissions, with strong touring networks for dance and hosting events for the promotion of dance and contemporary culture in Kolkata and internationally.

What we do

• A 5-8 day Festival in August every two years in Kolkata
• Workshops
• Residencies
• Film Screenings
• Artist Talks
• Seminars
• MasterClasses
• Internships
• Special Projects
• Satellite International Events

Benefits

• Makes participation inclusive and accessible to new audiences and people of all socio-economic backgrounds by running events on a non-profit basis
• Encourages and empowers young dancers in their pursuit of a professional career
• Nurtures local and international talent through the residency project, internship training, workshops and opportunities of collaboration
• Imparts educative and fun experiences for everyone to encounter dance through various mediums and from different perspectives
• Builds long term relationships across cultures to enable ambitious artistic exchanges
• Enables the international community to experience the history, culture and creative atmosphere of a city like Kolkata and other places in India
• Enables job creation in the dance and performing arts sector to supporting artists and production team members involved in festival events.