Natalia Armacanqui

Founder, Lead instructor, Choreographer and Solo Performer

Integrating three universal elements of dance, Ang (grace), Taal (rhythm), and Abhinaya (emotion), Natalia creates her own original aesthetics by weaving the multiple global dance styles she has loved and learned in depth, including Kathak dance, Peruvian, Middle Eastern and others, into one tapestry which connects her and others to spirit, culture and ancestral wisdom. Guided by her Indigenous Andean roots and having lived within multiple communities throughout her life, Natalia now shares her art with audiences internationally, inspired by art’s ability to transcend binaries and borders and as a medium through which we can thrive despite historical trauma. As a life-long professional exponent  of Kathak dance -  the uniqueness in Natalia's movement, rhythm and storytelling practices are defined by her femme subtleness and sensitivity, as well as, by a traditional attention to detail, which are  unconventional in an environment of superficiality, flashiness and violence. Blessed by her dance mentors Mekhala Devi Natavar, Smt. Sandhya Desai and others, in 2008, she was awarded a prestigious fellowship award as Senior Performing artist by the American Institute of Indian Studies and has performed solos at renowned international venues such as Kamani Theater in Delhi, India (2010) , Sadler's Wells in London UK (2013) and Edinburgh festival, Scotland (2016).  As an M.A. graduate in dance from Roehampton University, Natalia now continues to perform, teach and choreograph in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin and abroad and teaches dance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance department.

Kathak Bollywood Dance Students 

Prativa, Rachna, Karla, Arati, and Annika

Transcending its borders and receiving accolades across the globe as a storytelling dance and spiritual practice, Kathak dance originates from the Northern regions of India, and is distinguished by a wide range of contrasting elements: Sufi spins that release into crisp poses, intricate graceful movements that layer with cascades of rhythmic footwork and subtle facial expressions - the origins of Kathak can be found in its Sanskrit root "katha" which means "story". In this class, we also keep up our cardio by grooving to Bollywood beats and new choreographies to new and popular songs!

Kallpa House Kids 

Bhoomishka, Aaliya, Liabella, Sofia, Lisari, and Camila

In this class, kids ages 6-13 get to dance to fascinating legends and stories from South Asia and explore how dance and music can keep us happy and healthy! In addition to this, students learn the basics of Kathak, a classical dance from North India which has mathematical rhythms, graceful movements and storytelling magic as well as build our stamina, strength and flexibility through  fun Bollywood dances to popular songs!

Strictly Kathak 

Meghna, Akruthi, Indraja, and Nilhan

This class is a more specialized & more personalized approach to instruction for students with previous dance experience who want to learn Lucknow style Kathak dance in its traditional & professional form in order to advance to an artistic & performance levels as students and eventually become performing artists.