Shoba Sharma

🪔 About

Shoba Sharma is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer, born in Madras, India. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of seven under the tutelage of the world-renowned Dhananjayans, who were themselves disciples of the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of Kalakshetra. During her early career in India, Shoba Sharma was recognized as a promising dancer, performing at prestigious venues such as Krishna Gana Sabha, Music Academy, and Narada Gana Sabha in Madras, as well as the National Center for Performing Arts in Bombay. In 1986, Shoba Sharma moved to the United States, where she quickly established herself as a leading Bharatanatyam performer in North America. She is celebrated for her artistic interpretations of Indian stories and her vibrant technical skills. In 1991, she founded Naatya in Philadelphia, an institution dedicated to upholding the tradition and excellence of Bharatanatyam. Her performances have graced esteemed stages including the Kimmel Center, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Shoba Sharma has also actively promoted cross-cultural understanding through workshops and lecture demonstrations at various educational institutions. She later relocated to San Diego, Southern California, where she continues to explore new avenues for presenting traditional work and fostering intercultural artistic dialogues. Awards & Honours: Rocky Award (2004), Human Rights for Arts & Culture Award (2004), Fellowship and Apprenticeship Awards, Dance Advance grant.