Sonal Kumar

Sonal Kumar is a choreographer, performer, and arts leader with over 40 years of stage performance experience and more than two decades of choreography and production leadership. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Shivam Arts Dance Company, a California-based ensemble dedicated to Kathak and cross-cultural dance collaborations. Her work bridges classical Indian traditions with contemporary storytelling and interdisciplinary performance, with presentations at major venues including The Music Center in Los Angeles and the Booking Dance Festival in New York.

Founder & Artistic Director - Shivam Arts Dance Company - California

(2019-01)

• Direct the artistic vision, choreography, and production of original dance works blending Kathak with global influences
• Lead creative development including casting, music composition/editing, costume design, and staging
• Produce live performances, dance films, and collaborative interdisciplinary works
• Oversee company branding, marketing strategy, digital presence, and audience development
• Manage rehearsals, production teams, and stage operations for theatrical productions
• Train students in classical Kathak technique, performance, and cultural history
• Build and sustain a long-standing community of Kathak students and performers

Choreographer & Performer - LA County Holiday Celebration, The Music Center - Los Angeles

HomeGrown Choreographer Residency - Dance Resource Center, The Music Center - Los Angeles

(2023-01)

Choreographer Residency - Brockus Project Studios

(2023-03 - 2023-05)

Creator/Choreographer - City of Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills

Bollywood Flash Mob featuring former Mayor John Mirisch and Beverly Hills City Staff

Featured Performer - Booking Dance Festival - Times Square, New York

Assistant Director, Master of Public Policy Program - University of California Irvine - Irvine

(2011-01 - 2015-12)

• Helped launch the program during its inaugural years
• Led international and domestic student recruitment and conducted admissions interviews
• Managed orientation programs and student onboarding
• Coordinated curriculum scheduling with faculty and academic staff
• Oversaw program marketing, communications, and recruitment travel
• Managed program budgeting and administrative operations
• Served as liaison between students, faculty, and campus departments

Master of Education - Postsecondary Administration - University of Southern California

Bachelor of Arts - English - University of California, Los Angeles