One of famous movie director Mira Nair's newest loves comes in the form of a budding Dance Company of South Asian dancers known as SA Dance Company. The New York based SA Dance Company, which is led by visionary and artistic director Payal Kadakia, has really stolen the heart of Mira Nair with its incorporation of a variety of Indian and contemporary dance movements and music from both Bollywood and America. 

At a performance at the famous Alvin Ailey dance space in New York City this weekend, the "Monsoon Wedding" director shared a few words on the SA dancers, "I fell in love with them a year ago when they performed at the Saakhi center. The first time I saw them, they were in black pants and white shirts, and the women came in all shapes and sizes. I loved that about them."

With their brightly colored outfits and creative and expressive dance movements there is so much to love about these dancers. The majority are of Indian heritage and have been raised in America. With a love for their Indian culture they have found a way to share this same passion with those who are fortunate enough to witness them on stage.

At their performance this weekend there was a fabulous Garba number that fashion designer Malan Breton said "reminded him of the flow of water" and a raas item with music by A.R. Rahman and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The last piece performed was a real treat with a mix of music that included Madonna's "Vogue." 

When Mira Nair first learned about SA she was so enchanted that she was compelled to take a dance class with Payal. "I once made the foolish decision to be taught by Payal and had it recorded. When I took the tape home, all my relatives could look at was Payal," the "Amelia" director said. 

Mira captured the soul of SA when she told the audience, "The Sa Dance Company danced with extraordinary passion, joy, dedication and focus." It's no wonder that these ladies had a packed house all week and an audience who fell in love with them just as Mira Nair did! 

Photo Courtesy: Sultan Khan