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, and grace of Kathak to Calgary. With a structured curriculum from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth University in Pune, the institute trains students of all ages—from curious beginners to dedicated performers—in the authentic Jaipur Gharana style. It also offers organized Kathak training, annual concerts, participation in competitions, and choreography for cultural performances.
Sonali began learning Kathak at the age of 7 under her Guru, Late Pandita Sujata Natu, in Pune, Maharashtra, India, and completed her Kathak degree in 2005. Her strong foundation and years of experience bring authenticity, discipline, and artistic depth to her teaching, creating an enriching learning environment for every student.
At Lay-Tal Dance & Arts, students go beyond learning dance steps—they engage in a meaningful cultural journey. They perform at community events, participate in competitions, and celebrate the timeless beauty of Kathak, making it a space where passion, tradition, and expression come together, and where every Kathak journey truly 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 a rich journey shaped by years of dedication, performance, and mentorship, Sonali has cultivated Lay-Tal Dance & Arts into far more than just a dance institute—it is a sanctuary where art, emotion, and spirituality converge. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that dance is not merely a skill to be mastered, but a powerful medium of self-expression and inner awakening.
At Lay-Tal, rhythm is not just counted—it is felt. Movement is not just practiced—it is experienced. Under Sonali’s guidance, students are encouraged to move beyond mechanical learning and step into a deeper connection with their art. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the bhava (emotion), rasa (essence), and spiritual intent behind every gesture, ensuring that each performance becomes a meaningful expression rather than just a display of technique.
Her teaching approach beautifully balances discipline with inspiration. While she instills strong technical foundations, she also nurtures individuality, allowing each student to discover their own artistic voice. This dual focus helps dancers grow not only as performers but as thoughtful artists who understand the cultural and spiritual roots of their craft.
Sonali envisions Lay-Tal Dance & Arts as a thriving community—a space where tradition meets innovation. Here, classical values are preserved while contemporary perspectives are welcomed, creating a dynamic environment that keeps the art form alive and evolving. It is a place where students learn to respect the past, engage with the present, and contribute to the future of dance.
Ultimately, her mission extends beyond the stage. Through Lay-Tal, Sonali aims to create a living dialogue between culture, spirituality, and creativity—where every dancer embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and where dance becomes not just an art form, but a path to something greater.
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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