Testimonials
What others are saying about my work?
“Emotion dramatized in dance helped made Durga-si more accessible and impactful. Performed by Shalaka Kulkarni, it told the story of a goddess in the throes of self-discovery. Embodying doubt as well as strength, Durga-si displayed many of the things that make us more complete human beings. Compassion, intensity and directed focus were all expressed through dance. Kulkarni, a charismatically elegant and powerful dancer, makes the piece sparkle with energy. “
Mitchell Oldham, City Pleasures (Press)
“Inspiring. Evocative. Classic Indian blended with more modern dance. Beautiful!”
-Nicole Steindler Larson
“Shalaka’s dance comes with a distinct specificity that always tells a clear story”
— Sarah Franzel, actor & performance artist
“.. choreography is thoughtful, creative and artistic…..expressions tell a story and touch the audience.”
—Suneel Mundle, Actor
Kulkarni continues throughout her tale, alternating between speaking and dancing. In the audience, all human rustlings have ceased: no one coughs, no one shifts in their seats. The performance is completely immersive. Kulkarni is the only performer, but her body stands in both for characters and props. At one point, she speaks both parts of a conversation. At another, her fingers become sticks of chalk, then shackles around wrists. At no point does the piece want for more dancers, nor more costumes, nor more scenery. Kulkarni’s performance brings to life not only would-be goddess Nyra, but the many realms she inhabits, some earthly, some heavenly.
Rachel Olson, See Chicago Dance (Press)
“..amazing, visionary dancer and choreographer.”
Definitely five stars!
— Tom Sharpe, Musician on their collaboration
“…..a solo work choreographed and performed by Shalaka Kulkani, whose style is a juxtaposition of fluid Bharatanatyam (Southern Indian) and rhythmically more syncopated Kathak (Northern Indian) dance forms. The dancing is set to music by Ludovico Einaudi, which includes overlayed voices reading text by Maya Angelou, Sujatha Bhatt and Kulkani, and visual media by Justin Botz projected on the back curtain.
The piece begins with Kulkani —wearing a shiny, sea-green, jewel-embedded top over an orange skirt with gold-lined layers of fabric resembling flower petals—in a low crouch, balancing on the balls of her feet, knees wide apart. Her gaze draws attention to the quickly shifting mudras in her hands, an impressive display of technique. …….Despite the technical limitations and dim lighting, Kulkani’s movements are noticeably sharp and detailed.”
— Tristan Bruns, See Chicago Dance, 2022 (Press)
“Nyra’s Dreams” isn’t exactly a dream or a nightmare. This novel production, written and performed by Shalaka Kulkami and directed with Stefan Brün, tells the story of an Indian-American woman, who was adopted as child and who now wants to find herself and her place in the universe. Via a series of dances and soliloquies, Kulkami skillfully narrates the character of Nyra in a 90-minute performance (with no intermission), where she is the only one on stage 99% of the time. What stamina! What vitality! Her gorgeous dancing enthralls us, as each of the gestures she forms with her hands, arms, legs, feet, torso, and head helps to tell the story. They also propel her infectious vivaciousness that rivets us throughout…..
Lorraine Hansberry once said, “I believe that one of the most sound ideas in dramatic writing is that in order to create something unusual, you must pay very great attention to the specific.” This show pays attention to a lot of the specific; and it is very unusual!…..
— Julia W. Rath, Around The Town Chicago (Press)
“The definition of graceful! Absolutely effortless!”
— Matthew Weinstein, Filmmaker
“She and Fujima would later team up for a piece exploring the nature of the soul. They both used familiar objects of their native cultures to represent aspects of our inner selves. Initially, the two stayed within the boundaries of their classical dance traditions. Once the music shifted to take in contemporary electronic influences, the dynamic of their collaboration, Ringing Soul, changed. The past and the future then seemed to dance side-by-side in a surprising expression of creative possibilities.”
— On Collaboration with Classical Japanese Dance Artist working with technology, Yoshinojo Fujima (Press)
I saw this very beautiful performance last night, and Shalaka Kulkarni’s work is just extraordinary. Give yourself a lovely treat and go!”
“We were totally involved in the performance,storyline,music and dance. Prashant and I enjoyed the complete experience thanks Shalaka Kulkarni”
— Audience for ‘Nyra’s Dreams’
Nyra’s Dreams uses Indian dance to explore contemporary women’s experiences
Nyra’s Dreams is the first presentation as a part of Prop Thtr’s new leadership team project. Their goal is to find innovative work that transcends traditional storefront to create space for new voices and to ferment new work in performance and multi arts.
— JT Newman, A theater preview in Chicago Reader
Humor and pathos extend to the dancing. Nyra’s right elbow and shoulder act independent of her body. When she is confused about what to do next, the elbow spasms like the needle of a compass. It pulls her. Whacks her. Sends a hand to crawl spiderlike across her face. The entire right side of Kulkarni’s body twists and writhes as the left side rushes to keep up, giving the impression that there are two dancers on stage instead of one.
The fusion between Western contemporary and classical Indian dance is seamless and gives a fresh dimension to both without diminishing either. Kulkarni reminds me of watching Katherine Dunham on film, whose juxtaposition of jazz and West Indian dance is at the same time familiar and like nothing you’ve seen before….“Nyra’s Dreams” is a satisfying combination of dance, acting, historical fact and mythic lore. Kulkarni adroitly brings to life the character of Nyra, playfully animated and supported by serious dance technique and storytelling skills. The well-rounded fullness of this one-person show makes it one for the ages.
Tristan Bruns, NewCity Stage 2023 (Press)