Moksha Rao

🪔 About

Moksha Rao is an Indian Fusion Dancer with a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam, who also maintains a professional career as a Product Designer. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, she began her formal Bharatanatyam training at the age of five. She was a student of the late Guru Rajee Narayan, the esteemed founder and director of Nritya Geethanjali Dance Academy in Mumbai. Rao completed her Arangetram, her debut solo recital, in 2009. Her mother, Jaishree Rao, is also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, which influenced Moksha's early artistic journey. After moving to the United States, Moksha Rao evolved her dance style to incorporate elements of hip hop, contortion, and yoga, describing herself as an Indian Fusion Dancer. She has furthered her training in Contortion at the Circus Center in San Francisco under Ash Rexford and in Hatha Yoga from Yoga Vidya Niketan. Her performances are characterized by intricate footwork, speed, flexibility, and a blend of her classical roots with contemporary fusion elements, aiming to create a unique and resonant experience for international audiences. She has performed in various events and festivals across both India and the United States, collaborating with organizations such as Creative Mornings, Outshine Festivals NYC, SAFEhouse Arts, and The National Centre for the Performing Arts. Currently based in Sacramento, California, Moksha Rao balances her artistic pursuits with her role as a Senior Product Designer, previously at The Weather Channel and IBM, and currently at MyFitnessPal.