Preeti’s personal statement:

My journey as an artist and educator has been a lifelong exploration of authentic expression, fueled by a deep dive into the intricate connections between emotional states, identity, and the power of storytelling. Rooted in the rich tradition of Indian dance-theater, my path has been shaped by living and working across cultures, sparking a profound self-inquiry that led me to develop a unique approach to embodied learning. I believe our bodies are living archives of our stories, and through movement, breath, and visceral experience, I guide others to tap into this embodied wisdom, uncovering their authentic voices and empowering them to share their narratives with the world.

About Preeti Vasudevan (Choreographer, Performer, Cultural thought leader)

Award-winning choreographer and cultural storyteller Preeti Vasudevan's provocative theatrical works redefine individual identity, uniting artists and audiences alike. Her creations have been lauded as a refreshing collision of eastern and western aesthetics pushing for a new expression in art-making. Her unconventional storytelling challenges the status quo of dance-theater, bridging ancient traditions with the contemporary world.

Known for igniting groundbreaking artistic partnerships, Preeti frequently collaborates with celebrated artists such as legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and Dame Evelyn Glennie amongst others. Preeti’s works have been commissioned and supported by distinguished institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art NY, Glimmerglass Opera Festival NY, and Guggenheim’s Works & Process NY, TED Centre National de la Danse, Paris, and Lincoln Center, NY. She has been invited to sit on panels at the National Endowment for the Arts US, US Consulate panel on women creatives, Joyce Theater, and Asian American Arts Alliance.

Over 20 years, original works performed by her performing arts collaborative, Thresh, have earned international acclaim for their fresh juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary voices..

Currently serving on the New York Lincoln Center’s Artistic Committee and as an Arts Ambassador for the US Department of State, Preeti creates groundbreaking social impact work based on interdisciplinary storytelling for underserved communities fostering change in the socio-political fabric in decision making and cultural diplomacy.  

Preeti is a Certified Movement Analyst from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies, New York, with a Masters in Dance from the Laban Centre London and an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Clarice’s personal statement:

My journey as a musician began with a paradox: born into a family of renowned artists, I possessed natural talent, yet crippling shyness threatened to silence my voice. Through years of dedicated exploration—pushing beyond my comfort zone, experimenting with improvisation, theater, and performance art—I discovered the tools to unlock my creative potential. Now, I share this transformative journey through VOXploration, a workshop designed to empower others to find their voice and express themselves with confidence. By tapping into the power of music and movement, participants develop a deeper connection to their bodies and natural expressiveness, gaining practical techniques to channel nervous energy into creative confidence, whether they're giving a presentation, leading a meeting, or simply engaging in everyday conversations.

About Clarice Assad: (Composer, Performer, Cultural communicator)

Grammy Award-nominated Clarice Assad is a musical force that seamlessly bridges classical, world music, pop, and jazz. As a Brazilian-American composer, pianist, vocalist, and educator, she has earned international acclaim for her evocative compositions and dynamic performances.

Currently serving as Composer-Educator in Residence with both the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (2023-2027) and Albany Symphony (2024-27), Assad has composed over 90 works commissioned by prestigious institutions including Carnegie Hall, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Her album "Archetypes," created with Sérgio Assad and Third Coast Percussion, received two 2022 Grammy nominations, and her work "Danças Nativas" was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition in 2009.

Assad's innovative approach to music education shines through VOXploration, her award-winning program that transforms bodies and voices into musical instruments through spontaneous creation and improvisation. Her works often address contemporary issues, from climate change to social justice, while engaging audiences through participatory experiences.

Her works have been commissioned and performed by leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Her recent premieres include "Total Eclipse" (2025), jointly commissioned by ROCO, LACO, and NCCO, "Terra" (2024) for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and "Boitatá: Overture For Orchestra" (2023) for the Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo. She holds degrees from Roosevelt University and the University of Michigan, and her work is published internationally in France, Germany, Brazil, and the United States.

Assad's recent projects include "(R)Evolution" (2025) for Grupo Corpo's 50th anniversary and an original soundtrack to the documentary “Devoti Tutti” (2024)by director Bernadette Wegenstein.  Her growing discography features acclaimed releases like "Window To The World: A Tribute to Milton Nascimento" (2023) and "The Book of Spells" (2024).