Sonali Loomba

🪔 About

Sonali Loomba is an acclaimed Kathak dancer, teacher, choreographer, and the founder of Kaladharaa Dance School, dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian classical dance in the United States. Introduced to Kathak by her mother, Loomba began her diligent training in India in 2006, studying under renowned gurus Shri Hari and Smt Chethana from Bangalore, associated with the Hari-Noopur Performing Art Centre. She continues to advance her studies with her gurus in India, often connecting via Skype. In 2017, Sonali Loomba moved to Utah, USA, where she discovered a lack of Kathak presence. This led her to establish Kaladharaa Dance School in Salt Lake City in 2016, making it the first Kathak school in Utah. As the Artistic Director, she has since taught hundreds of students, aiming to impart the nuances of this ancient art form to new generations. Loomba is an active performer, having given numerous solo presentations in both India and the USA. Her performances include prestigious festivals such as Hampi Utsav, Brahmotsav, North American Festival of Colors, Living Traditions, World Folk Fest, and Utah Arts Festival. She gained significant recognition for her Kathak presentation at TEDx Salt Lake City in 2019 and was invited to perform at the First Lahti Fringe Festival in Finland. Sonali Loomba is also involved in collaborative projects, including 'A Passion for Percussion: Exploring the Kathak-Flamenco Kinship' with flamenco dancer Katie Sheen-Abbott. She regularly conducts guest lectures and demonstrations on Indian culture and traditions at universities and schools. Awards & Honours: Utah State Grant for public showcase of Kathak (2019), Sri Jayadev Rastriya Yuva Prativa Puraskar, Best in State (Utah) Award under the 'Individual Dancer' category (2019), Mrs. Asia Utah (2017), Mrs. Asia Utah (2018).