About Me
Sophia Salingaros is a Bharatanatyam artiste residing in New York City, and has studied the art form under Guru Dr. Sreedhara Akkihebbalu since 2007. She has been invited to perform at prestigious venues both nationally and internationally - to name a few: Navatman Drive East, IAAC Erasing Borders, Battery Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, Narada Gana Sabha under the auspices of Kartik Fine Arts, Vipanchee Arts Festival, World Government Summit Dubai, and multiple performances at the United Nations and NY Indian Embassy. Additionally, Sophia has studied intensively under Kalaimamani Rama Vaidyanathan and has performed in her international tours of ‘Vivartana’. She is an ICCR Empaneled Artist, IndianRaga Fellow, and 2013 YoungArts Finalist. Known for her precise nritta and sensitive abhinaya, she is also a blossoming choreographer and often presents her own works as well as those of her guru’s. Her training in Carnatic music further enhances her involvement and emotional connection with the art form.
As a non-Indian artiste, she hopes to spread the message that art knows no cultural or religious boundaries.
Sophia is a graduate of Columbia University and is currently pursuing her medical degree at Weill Cornell Medical College while continuing to perform internationally.
2010 - present
2010 - present
Performances
ModArts Collective Thread | Chinnamasta's DNR Order | March 2018
A Bharatanatyam presentation depicting an end of life cancer patient and the right to die with Kuchipudi dancer Shilpa Darivemula. Selected by ModArts Dance Collective for their Collective Thread Dance Festival 2018.
World Government Summit | Dubai, UAE| February 2018
As one of three IndianRaga dancers by UAE's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum invited as the only cultural program of the World Government Summit to open keynote speech by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
8 In Show | Dixon Place | November 2017
Performed a solo piece at 8 In Show dance festival where emerging & established choreographers of all dance forms showcased short new work. Curated by Sangeeta Wesley.
Samatva | Columbia University | October 2017
Directed, choreographed, and performed full length show with dancer Jeeno Joseph and live musicians. Showcased the ability of dance to break religious, cultural, and gender boundaries.
Asia Initiatives Fundraising Gala | October 2017
Solo performance at the 2017 gala for Asia Initiatives, a nonprofit organization founded by Geeta Mehta to help empower women through leveraging social capital to provide healthcare, education, and sustainable development in underserved communities.
IndianRaga | 2017 Fellow | July 2017
Choreographed and performed Bharatanatyam, semi-classical, and ballet in multiple IndianRaga productions including 'Vahana Alarippu', 'Shiva Shambho', and 'Swalla Jathi Mix'.