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Saba created Saba Dance Theater in 2001 in response to the events of September 11th. He felt compelled to communicate a message of tolerance so that fear would not translate into hatred; that disagreement would not lead to division but to understanding. To embody this message, it became necessary to work with a variety of artistic styles, forms and artists. For the venue, SDT chose an international establishment, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF). Thus SDT’s first season, “Dancing to Celebrate Life,” comprised a selection of works created and performed by multicultural artists to show the beauty, harmony and necessity of diversity. Founded as a culturally diverse, international organization, Saba Dance Theater’s board members and staff represent China, France, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Spain, and the United States, among other countries.
In 2002, SDT performed its first full-length presentation, “N.O.N.S.E.N.S.E.” As a result of the overwhelming
response to the show, Jacqueline Chambord, director of programming for FIAF, invited Saba Dance Theater to perform as
a Guest Company for its third season. An adaptation of “Sleeping Beauty” in 2003 brought tremendous attention
to Saba’s work and enhanced SDT’s reputation as “the next up-and-coming dance company.” Building on
this success, Saba Dance Theater received the first Bessie/Time Out New York Audience Award for best performance in
2003-2004 for “The Four Seasons.” |
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Photograph by Kristin Loeden © 2001–2005 Saba Dance Theater All rights reserved | |