Shalaka is an Indian Classically trained dancer and choreographer who creates dance experiences that bridge the ancient and contemporary while uplifting marginalized voices.

Award-winning choreographer Shalaka Kulkarni is an interdisciplinary dance artist based in Chicago. Her work revolves around questioning societal norms, empowering marginal voices and erased narratives, both in Western and Indian cultures empowering Female identity.  Her movement journey started as a child in India with her time divided between learning dance and martial art. She is trained in Bharatnatyam (originating from Southern India) and Kathak (originating from Northern India). As her family immigrated to US, she began exploring intersections of Indian Classical dance forms with other movement influences, text & technology. She teaches, performs and wanders around US, India and other parts of the world.