Who Gets to Dance?

In this episode, Sonia Sabri MBE chats with Bharatanatyam artist and teacher, Chitralekha Bolar MBE to discuss her father's influence, establishing herself in the UK, barriers in the dance sector and so much more! Includes extended cut!!00:04 - Intro01:42 - Icebreakers04:51 - Chirtraleka's upbringing13:08 - First steps in the UK24:42 - Barriers in the dance sector34:24 - Who gets to dance?39:48 - Pathways to South Asian dance42:12 - Teaching skills47:01 - Self proclamation in the dance industry50:56 - Health benefits of South Asian dance54:40 - Advice to young dancers55:34 - End56:19 - Extended cut01:02:16 - OutroSend love to Chitraleka Bolar MBEInstagram: @chitralekabolar | @chitralekadanceacademyWebsite: www.chitraleka.co.ukSonia Sabri CompanyWebsite: www.ssco.org.ukInstagram and TikTok: @soniasabricoFacebook: Sonia Sabri CompanyYouTube: Sonia Sabri CompanySonia Sabri MBEInstagram: @sonia_sabri_mbe_global

In this episode, Sonia Sabri MBE sits down with Kathak artist, Shyam Dattani to discuss his personal journey into Kathak, the challenges and joys of navigating the dance world, and his experiences as a gay artist within traditionally structured spaces. Together, they explore questions of visibility, acceptance, culture, and what it truly means to belong in the arts.00:04 - Intro00:43 - Shyam Dattani02:26 - Ice breakers04:27 - Shyam's Kathak journey11:02 - Support from family16:12 - Barriers of dance20:59 - Being gay in the Kathak world29:55 - Liberation37:54 - Pathways into dance39:37 - Inclusivity and accessibility in the dance industry44:38 - How has Kathak helped with wellbeing49:04 - GarbhSend love to Shyam Dattani:Instagram - @shyamdattaniiGarbh - https://withoutwalls.uk.com/programme/garbh-2/Sonia Sabri Company:Website: ssco.org.ukInstagram: @soniasabricoFacebook: Sonia Sabri CompanyYouTube: Sonia Sabri CompanyTikTok: @soniasabricoSonia Sabri MBE:Instagram: @sonia_sabri_mbe_global