Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher & Cultural Consultant, Lata Pada is recognized as one of Canada’s leading artists and arts advocates. An award-winning artist, she holds the distinction of being the first South Asian artist to receive the prestigious national honor of the Order of Canada in 2009. In January 2011, she was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India. In 2012, she was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to the community as a Canadian citizen. More recently, Lata was inducted into the 2013 Inaugural Mississauga Legend’s Row as well as being named one of the Most Influential Individuals of the City of Mississauga.

As the Founder of Sampradaya Dance Creations, Lata’s choreographic vision is compelled by her desire to redefine bharatanatyam in the ‘here and now’ as it navigates new and uncharted territory resulting in a stunning range of solos, ensemble works and multi-disciplinary productions.

Lata has trained under India’s eminent gurus Kalaimamani Kalyanasundaram and Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan. Originally from Bangalore, India, she has made Canada her home since 1964. She holds an MFA in Dance from York University and is an Adjunct Professor in their Graduate Program.