About Us
Where Calgary Meets the Soul of Kathak
More Than a Dance School A Cultural Home
Founded in 2012 by Guru Sonali Joglekar, Lay-Tal Dance & Arts brings the elegance, rhythm, & grace of Kathak to Calgary. With a structured curriculum from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth University in Pune, we train students of all ages, from curious beginners to dedicated performers, in the authentic Jaipur Gharana style. Lay-Tal Dance & Arts offers organised Kathak training, annual concerts, participation in competitions, and choreography for cultural performances. Founded in 2012 by Guru Sonali Joglekar, Lay-Tal Dance & Arts brings the elegance, rhythm, and grace of Kathak to Calgary. Sonali started learning Kathak at the age of 7 from her Guru, Late Pandita Sujata Natu, in Pune, Maharashtra, India, and completed her Kathak Degree in 2005. With a structured curriculum from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth University in Pune, Lay-Tal Dance & Arts trains students of all ages—from curious beginners to dedicated performers—in the authentic Jaipur Gharana style. Lay-Tal Dance & Arts offers organised Kathak training, annual concerts, participation in competitions, and choreography for cultural performances. Our students don’t just learn dance steps; they engage in a cultural journey. They perform at community events, compete in Kathak contests, and celebrate the art’s timeless beauty. Whether you want to reconnect with your roots or explore something new, Lay-Tal Dance & Arts is where your Kathak journey begins
Mission
Every Beat Tells a Story, Every Turn Echoes Culture
To preserve, and promote and propagate the rich tradition of Kathak in Calgary by offering authentic, structured, and inspiring dance education. This education nurtures creativity, discipline, and cultural connection in students of all ages.
Sonali Joglekar
Shaping Dancers, Nurturing Dreams
Vision
Leading Calgary in Kathak, Culture, and Community
To be Calgary’s leading centre for Kathak dance and Indian cultural arts. We aim to inspire a global appreciation for the beauty of rhythm, storytelling, and tradition while creating a vibrant, inclusive dance community.
The Visionary Behind Lay-Tal Dance & Arts
Sonali Joglekar
Founder & Artistic Director of Lay-Tal Dance & Arts
With years of experience as a performer and mentor, Sonali has shaped Lay-Tal Dance & Arts into a space where rhythm transforms into devotion and movement becomes meditation. Her teaching blends discipline with inspiration, encouraging students to not only perfect their technique but also to immerse themselves in the deeper essence of dance — as a pathway to the divine.
Sonali’s vision for Lay-Tal Dance & Arts goes beyond performance. She believes in building a community where tradition and innovation meet, where every dancer discovers their own voice, and where the art of dance remains a living dialogue between culture, spirituality, and creativity.
Tradition meets inspiration
where Sonali guides every dancer to their divine rhythm
Why Lay–Tal Dance & Arts?
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Feature / Benefit
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Lay–Tal Dance & Arts
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Other Local Dance Schools
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Online-Only Platforms
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Authentic Jaipur Gharana Lineage
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Yes – direct training from renowned Indian gurus
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Often mixed or non-authentic styles
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No direct lineage
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Recognized Curriculum
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Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, University in Pune
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No standardised syllabus
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Limited or no certification
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Performance Opportunities
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Regular cultural events & biennial concerts
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Limited local events
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None
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Flexible Learning Modes
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In-person, online, one-on-one, group
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Mostly fixed schedules
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Flexible but lacks hands-on correction
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Small Class Sizes
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Focused attention on each student
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Large groups
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No real-time supervision
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Community Connection in Calgary
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Strong ties with cultural organisations
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Limited engagement
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No local presence
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Student Achievements
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Multiple certified diploma holders & prize-winners
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A few certified students
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No recognised achievements
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No recognised aNo recognised achievementschievements
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Workshops with Renowned Artists
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Available periodically as per the artist's availability
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Rarely offered
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