About this Artist

Since 1999, Blue13 Dance Company has performed in the U.S. and abroad in its contemporary American dance style inspired by art forms of the Indian subcontinent. A first-generation Indian American, Artistic Director, Achinta S. McDaniel pulls precision, humor, and deep emotion from her ensemble to create work that challenges dated notions of what American dance is. Storytelling through dance is central to Blue13’s work, which is moody and prolific, ranging from radically joyous Bollywood dances to politically charged contemporary works, augmented by rhythmic complexity and play. Blue13 embodies the bridge between American dance and the Indian diaspora, connecting audiences through the power of aesthetically and culturally daring dance.

Blue13 has performed on stages around the world, offering communities direct participation through public interactive dance events and Bollywood, Bhangra, contemporary, and semi-classical Indian dance workshops. To translate dance into lasting societal contributions is in Blue13’s very DNA, as is the desire to empower, unite, and spread anti-racism, equity, and understanding through its work.