Aashni Sawjani is a communications strategist, cultural curator, dancer, and choreographer whose work bridges performance, storytelling, and community engagement. She currently serves as Communications and Business Development Manager at Akash Odedra Company, where she leads strategic communications, audience development, digital campaigns, brand partnerships, and organisational visibility across national and international projects.
With over a decade of experience in communications, media relations, content creation, and event curation, Aashni specialises in crafting impactful narratives that connect artists, communities, and audiences. Her work spans digital storytelling, campaign strategy, stakeholder engagement, and cultural programming, supporting the continued growth and public profile of Akash Odedra Company. She has played a key role in promoting initiatives including the ROOTS Intensive Dance Training Programme, international masterclasses, audience engagement projects, and the development of the company’s evolving digital and communications strategy.
Alongside her communications career, Aashni is a versatile performer and movement artist with over twenty years of experience across Bollywood, Afro, Commercial Heels, Indian Semi-Classical, Salsa, Bachata, and Swing Dance. She is currently training in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Jaymini Sahai, deepening her connection to classical South Asian dance traditions while continuing to explore contemporary and cross-cultural movement practices.
Her performance experience includes productions at Curve Theatre, including Bollywood Jane and Finding Home, as well as international cultural showcases in Kenya. A long-standing performer within Leicester Diwali Celebrations, she has also collaborated with organisations such as Inspirate to support cultural engagement and performance initiatives across the region.
As the former lead of the DMU Bollywood Dance Society and founder of Dance with Ash, Aashni has mentored and trained emerging dancers while creating inclusive spaces that encourage confidence, creativity, and self-expression through movement.
She is also the founder of Kahaniyaan, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of global artists and cultural professionals through creative content and digital storytelling. Her work has been featured by major media outlets and arts networks, reflecting her ability to merge performance, communication, and strategic narrative-building.
Deeply committed to community engagement and social impact, Aashni has supported numerous grassroots initiatives across Leicester and internationally, including projects focused on mental health advocacy, South Asian diabetes awareness, youth engagement, and cultural participation. Through every aspect of her work, on stage, behind the scenes, and through strategic communications, she continues to champion stories that inspire connection, representation, and cultural dialogue.
Follow Aashni Sawjani – @aashnii_s
Photo Credits: Mike Buck
