CO-FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Kumari Sahana Kargi is proud to follow in her mother's footsteps. From the age of 3, Sahana was fascinated with the unique artform watching her mother teach classes and choreograph dances. The ringing of the ankle bells, the richness of the costume and the intricacy of the steps were mesmerizing. At the age of 3, Sahana embarked upon her Bharatanatyam journey and her childish love for the dance developed into deep respect and understanding for Indian Culture. At the age of 7, Sahana completed her Salangai Pooja and by the age of 9, her Arangetram (mastering of the art form). After their move to Utah, Sahana longed for the companionship and support of other dancers. She missed seeing girls walking through her house in the evenings for classes. She missed hearing her mother speak the Jadis. She missed seeing the twinkle in someone’s eyes when they finally mastered a difficult step. She missed having a home studio. Despite her mother’s initial reluctance, they both opened Kargi Kala Kendra. What started as an empty basement with a few girls has grown into an organization that spreads Indian culture, traditions, and values via dance.
Kumari Sahana KargiCo-Founder and Artistic Director
- At the age of3Bharatanatyam Journey
- At the age of7Salangai Pooja
- At the age of9Arangetram
Along with the studio, Sahana grew as well. From initially demonstrating steps in the front of the classes, Sahana now teaches several batches of her own and acts as the lead choreographer and performer for the studio. She has anchored all Kargi Kala Kendra productions and bridges the general and cultural gap for the audience. In addition to being a key player in the success of the studio, Sahana is also furthering her career as a dancer by collaborating with other local artists to create unique fusion pieces uniting the different poles of India. Sahana also is taking lessons from one of India’s top gurus while performing there as well. In additional to her India performances, Sahana’s goal is to bring the authenticity, rigor, and skill of Bharatanatyam in India to the States and share it with her community. She continues to participate in many local cultural performances, fund-raisers and workshops. She is excited to, alongside her mother, expand Kargi Kala Kendra to new horizons and reach a new generation of people.