Meet Sona Lewis | Performing Artist, Educator, Choreographer, Kathak Indian Classical Dancer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sona Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sona, how does your business help the community?
I am an educator, performer, storyteller, especially related to Kathak Indian classical dance. I teach this dance form in the community and while it helps improve mobility, flexibility, stamina, has elements of cardio and other workout aspects, this dance form also helps my students connect with ancient culture and stories. Kathak is a dual exercise, it uses physical movements, memory, and emotive aspects simultaneously while tapping feet in mathematical cycles or rhythms.
It helps people come together, to find new ways of self-expression, imagination, and joy. It inspires creativity and often my students find the impact of learning Kathak in other facets of their lives as well.
(I am not a healthcare researcher; my statements are based on lived experience as a performing artist and educator.)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a performing artist, I dance Kathak dance, an ancient Indian classical dance. The word “Kathak” translates to “storytelling.” I choreograph for events, perform frequently at festivals, stages, I conduct workshops related to movement and storytelling. I teach this dance of storytelling “Kathak” in the greater Los Angeles area at a couple of government institutions.
My workshops are artistic and culturally immersive experiences while offering tools to express oneself through movement and music, using Kathak dance steps. Students and audiences express that it is a liberating feeling attending my workshops. There is a universal element to a dance form that has survived for over 2,000 years.
Indian classical dance forms are not merely dance; they are mediums of storytelling and connecting community through shared lived experiences. I am committed to the heritage of Kathak and Indian culture as well, to the best of my humble knowledge. I think about self-discovery and self-expression and try to offer some of those tools to my students. My students have messaged me, how their confidence grows after learning Kathak under me.
Through my dance performance and workshops, I offer glimpse to the deep world of Indian culture, tradition and authentic Kathak to my audiences. The audiences often want to learn more, although they might not understand the classical dance form fully, and that is the universal nature of Kathak.
I have been practicing Kathak for decades, the journey has been fraught with challenges. I know I am not alone. And I am still humble and learning. I learnt Kathak in an era in India, when it was a stigma for women to dance, especially dance Kathak. I remember not telling my friends that I was a Kathak dancer, because I knew they would not understand. Things have changed now and there are many wonderful dancers out there. But what I learnt was to thrive doing something that is right, even if the world did not approve of it. It became a way of life, to follow my own path, be an original, not care about trends or pressures. And in today’s digital and AI world, more than ever before, we need originality and mediums of bringing people together.
I was so fortunate to learn original Kathak in India under Guru-shishya Parampara (ancient system of learning that is nearly extinct now). It had emphasis on beauty, techniques, athleticism, and entertainment aspects of dance. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg. The deeper meaning of Kathak was for social impact, connecting humanity, spiritual uplifting, creating a timeless experience, helping people make sense of their lives, relationships, grief, joy, identity and more. A true Kathak dancer is a philosopher and storyteller, a positive and lasting change-maker, wherever they go. My students and audience think they are learning or witnessing dance, but they message me or tell me later that they feel so inspired, alive, liberated, confident etc. because it is far more than dance.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have traveled extensively and discovered that the definition of fun varies widely! That is why I ask about preferences before planning activities. I also choose food based on my health and goals, so I prefer avoiding recommendations when it comes to food.

If I had to suggest an itinerary in LA, I would recommend visiting the ISKCON Temple in Culver City, The Getty, The Broad, and Hollywood landmarks. The sunset at Santa Monica or Venice Beach is stunning. You can enjoy live bands near Sunset Boulevard. Catching a Dodgers game or exploring LA Live is fun, especially with basketball games. A live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or stand-up at The Comedy Store is also worth experiencing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, thanks to your magazine for featuring me, and artists in niche and traditional art forms.
I want to thank various organizations and amazing people associated, who continue to offer support and opportunities to me – City of Thousand Oaks’ CRPD.ORG, City of Agoura Hills’ Community centers, City of LA’s Department of Performing Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs, lawtf.org etc. The City of Los Angeles recognized me in 2025 for my contributions to arts and culture.
On a personal level, there are so many people to whom I am grateful to.
My mother sacrificed tremendously to get me professional dance training, growing up back in India. She is an unapologetically free-spirited soul and an independent thinker who rejects the pressures society puts on women. This unknowingly gave me strength to chart my own path, that I so appreciate now.
My father has also been my mentor, although a scientist, he has an impeccable taste in arts, music, and dance; he always encouraged us to seek out world’s best inspirations, to applaud with open heart and to learn to critique intelligently and thoughtfully. He is the wittiest and funniest critique I know.
I was lucky to get training from dance maestro and my teacher Guru Munna Shukla ji, who did not merely teach me dance, he taught me how to think about art, how classical movements work, how to discover, create, organize, improvise, tell a timeless story and above all, serve community through art.
I am thankful to my husband and my two teenage children who encourage me to stay free spirited, creative, and active. I remember, when my son was 3 years old, he would invite his friends and tell them, “That’s my beautiful mom, she is very successful and I am so proud of her!” That was the moment in my life, I felt “I finally made it.”
My husband, a songwriter, is the type of artist who cannot spend a day without creating something original, even if it is a poem or a funny line. He is an ageless man, he has a child-like imagination, the joy of a teenager immersed in artistic inspiration everywhere and wisdom from decades of experience as a professional artist. He tells me before my stage-shows – “Please just remember, you belong.”
Women deserve to hear that more often.

Website: https://www.about.me/sonalewis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonalewis10/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sona-Lewis/100090968516896/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sonalewis?si=DjPMOM0TOP5TGj2v

Other: sonalewis1@gmail.com

Image Credits
Some Photos by Gui Bittencourt.
Sona Lewis owns all the rights to the photographs.