Getting to know Saloni, Kathak dancer and mentor
Dance for me is more than just performance; it is how I connect to the world. Here is a glimpse into the training, the stories, and the rhythm that shape my life as a Kathak dancer.
This is a page from our Goa retreat brochure that tells you a bit about my background. I am a Kathak dancer trained under Gauri Sharma Tripathi, and I have performed internationally while also working in film and television.
A portrait that captures the softer, more introspective side of my artistry. For me, dance is a form of storytelling and emotional expression, a way to create a swan song for a feeling or a moment.
A quiet, thoughtful moment captured in black and white. So much of my creative process involves reflection and finding the story I want to tell before I even begin to move.
A simple, modern headshot. While I am deeply rooted in the tradition of Kathak, my approach to dance and life is also contemporary and always evolving.
A creative portrait that reflects my connection to my Indian roots. The bindi and the backdrop of red chillies represent the spice and spirit that I bring to my art and my life.
About A Little About Me
My training is deeply classical, but my approach is personal. Before I founded my retreats, I spent years navigating the high-pressure world of film and television, often feeling like I had to choose between technique and soul. That tension is exactly why I teach the way I do—to create a space where Kathak isn't just about the rules, but about finding your own movement, whether we are in a studio or on a beach in Goa.
My foundation is built on years of rigorous Kathak training under Gauri Sharma Tripathi, which taught me the discipline of the art form. However, my journey evolved beyond the traditional proscenium stage. I spent a long time working in film and television, which taught me the power of movement as storytelling.
When you join my workshops or retreats, you won't find rigid, ego-driven classes. My teaching philosophy is centered on 'Rangwang'—a Ladakhi word that means freedom. Whether we are in a studio in Mumbai or practicing by the ocean in Goa, the goal is the same: to strip away the performance anxiety and get back to the joy of moving. I believe that dance should feel like home, or as I like to call it, that 'Ghar wali Diwali' feeling.
I work with students of all levels who want to explore their own voice through Kathak and contemporary movement. We focus on ensuring that even the most technical footwork feels like an expression of your own story rather than just a sequence to be memorized.
Looking for something specific?
Explore my dance workshops, performances, or our upcoming retreat schedule.
More from Immersive Dance Retreats by Saloni Saraf
More services by Saloni Saraf