Photo: Meaghan Gipps
TEA
TEA is a poignant exploration of my feminine South Asian heritage, reflecting on my personal desires as a liberated Canadian woman in relation to the societal and cultural expectations placed upon myself and other women in my community.
Through this story of transformation, I examine the ideals that have been placed on me, the narratives I have been taught and the molds I have been asked to fit into. To express this, I embody a character shaped by the learned behaviours and characteristics I’ve acquired to navigate the world and this industry as a BIPOC woman.
The piece begins with text, delivered whimsically to elicit a sense of lightness and ease. As the narrative unfolds, the tone shifts as the words grow heavier and darker. Audiences witness the vulnerable and intimate process of shedding this character as I return to my unadulterated self, finding “home” within. This shedding is both a metaphor and practice, guiding me back to the familial, cultural and internal roots that ground and liberate me.
This piece has the potential to be a transformative experience for audiences, particularly those who have historically been excluded from art spaces. With influences ranging from South Asian media and traditions to training in acting, dance and meditation, my work is uniquely positioned to bring an inclusive and encouraging approach to contemporary art spaces.
TRAILER
Photo: Meaghan Gipps
Project Created by: Nasiv Kaur Sall
Key Artistic Collaborators:
Music Composition: Stefan Nazarevich
Outside Eyes: Simran Sachar, Heather Laura Gray
Special thank you to Odd Meridian Arts and Morrow for donating creation and rehearsal space.
Performance type: This work is adaptable to theatre, outdoors and alternate venues
How do you define this work: Contemporary Dance and Theatre
Length of performance: 'TEA' is a work in progress and currently runs for 11 minutes. I am actively applying for funding to create a 20 minute version. I am open to receiving residencies through this opportunity to continue developing the work.
Audience type: General Audience and Children/Family
General Technical Requirements: Lighting:
- Lighting Tech is required
- 4-8 lighting cues
Props (all provided by artist):
- silver tea set (teapot, tea cup, saucer)
- if on stage, a wooden chair and a stool
Alternate Venues: 'TEA' is very adaptable to all venues and has been performed in theatre, outdoors, and in a cabaret-style. Seating is ideally proscenium but can also be adapted.
Required amount of time for tech set up: 1.25 hours for lighting/tech
- 15 minutes for prop set up
- 1 hour for lighting cues, spacing
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1, Performer/Choreographer: Nasiv Kaur Sall
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1, Stage Manager: Simran Sachar
Availabilities: 2025 Spring season, 2025/26 Season, and 2026/27 Season
Nasiv Kaur Sall
Nasiv Kaur Sall (she/her) is a dance artist, actor, and creator based in British Columbia. Raised on a blueberry farm in Pitt Meadows, BC and born to a traditional Punjabi family, Nasiv is heavily connected to her ancestry and family yet challenges tradition and cultural norms through her work. Since graduating from the Arts Umbrella Post-Secondary Program in 2020, Nasiv has contributed her talents to numerous film, TV, and theatre productions, as well as various Canadian dance companies and institutions.
Her solo choreographic work, "TEA,” has been showcased by PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Dances for a Small Stage, New Works and The Happening Dance since its inception in June 2024. Nasiv began developing her group piece, "KAUR," in Winter 2023, which has since been presented online. Her choreographic voice has also been featured in projects such as Anthony Shim's film "Daughter,” Monsoon Festival's theatre production "Dooja Ghar," and Jandrou's music video "Revenge Body."
As a contemporary dance artist and performer, Nasiv has collaborated and performed with companies Kidd Pivot, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Anne Plamondon Productions, Furious Grace Dance Theatre (Anya Saugstad), La Tresse Collective and Dance//Novella.
Nasiv has further extended her talents to the film industry, working as an actor and dancer in various feature films and series for networks Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, The CW and NBC.
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
TEA - 6 MINUTE ITERATION:
1. July 16th and 17th, 2024 (2 performances.) Presented by Dances for a Small Stage at Please! Beverage in Vancouver, BC.
2. September 21st and 22nd, 2024 (6 performances.) Presented by New Works Dance at Railspur Park on Granville Island, BC.
3. November 20th, 2024 (1 performance.) For PuSh International Performing Arts Festival's 2025 Launch Event at The Fox Cabaret in Vancouver, BC.
TEA - 11 MINUTE ITERATION
1. February 4th and 5th, 2025 (4 performances). Co-presented by PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and Dance for a Small Stages at Please! Beverage in Vancouver, BC.
2. February 15th and 16th, 2025 (2 performances). Presented by The Happening Dance at The Annex Theatre in Vancouver, BC.
Project Details
Community Engagement
I am interested in providing 1-4 hour masterclasses and open-level workshops to engage with communities. In these sessions, I hope to share my meditation and movement practice and teach repertoire from 'TEA.'
Outreach Activities
I am interested in holding post-show talkbacks and receptions to gather feedback and gain insight from audiences.