In 2024, Navatman and Baila Society united to create a distinctly New York City experience — a powerful collaboration between two women-led arts organizations rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Afro-Latinx (salsa, Latin Hustle) and Indian (bharatanatyam, kathak, Hindustani and Carnatic music) art forms.

In this shared space, they are exploring how the collective energy of artists and students can foster stability, strength, safety, joy, and love within communities — particularly through the transformative power of artistic expression.

What began as a professional collaboration has since blossomed into something much more personal. As the two groups came together, they discovered unexpected connections and friendships. By witnessing each other’s perspectives and deep dedication to their art forms, they not only enriched their understanding of one another but also deepened their own commitment to their cultural practices. Along the way, they found that they had more in common than they initially imagined — and, in many ways, found a shared home in each other.

This collaboration is led by Ahtoy Juliana and Sahasra Sambamoorthi, two visionary leaders with over two decades of experience in their respective fields. Sahasra has been recognized as a “young trailblazer…on the crest of the wave leading us towards a new understanding of South Asian arts in the United States,” while Ahtoy, a multi-time world champion, has played a pivotal role in shaping the global salsa scene. Together, they envision a future where communities like Navatman and Baila Society come together to create lasting cultural impact and meaningful change.

Come and visit us at Navatman!

38 W 32nd St, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001

Check out their classes and activities here: www.navatman.org

Get tickets to our showcase, Roots of Resilience here.