Teaching Artist Profile

Alisha Desai is a Sarah Lawrence graduate and a Brooklyn-based artist since 2006.
As a professional dancer, choreographer, visual artist, and educator, Alisha had been
developing her craft over the last 15 years.

Alisha first discovered her passion for Indian dance when she spent a year abroad intensively training in Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India. Since then she has honed her craft and expanded her knowledge of Indian dance by working with the best dance companies in NYC; Ajna Dance Company, AATMA Performing Arts, Surati for Performing Arts and Education, SVDC, and NYB Bhangra. While working with top artists in the field, Alisha has worked on cultivating her own independent dance style and creative expression. Recently, she was the choreographer for the off-broadway production of Song of Joy. She has taken on many solo projects including live performances, video projects, and workshops. Alisha is a 2023 recipient of the Brooklyn Arts Council’s Brooklyn Arts Fund Grant and currently producing "Garba in Brooklyn; a Navaratri Performance and Festival” later this month.

Alisha has had the honor to dance at prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center, United Nations Head Quarters, Shakespeare in the Park at Central Park, NJPAC, Off-Broadway’s Theater for the New City, The Brooklyn Museum, Loew’s Jersey Theatre, and House of Yes. She has performed nationally and internationally and loves sharing her craft with diverse audiences locally and around the globe.

Alisha has extensive teaching experience and is passionate about sharing her art and culture with diverse communities. She has lead many residency programs, workshops, and private choreography lessons. Additionally, Alisha is the owner and designer of DESAI DESIGNS (www.desai.design) a culturally inspired fashion line featuring her original artwork. Her designs reflect her passion for
dance and draw inspiration from her multicultural upbringing and from pop art. Alisha strives to grow as an artist, to inspire, and to be inspired by the community around her!