Shivani Joshi

Portland, Oregon

Shivani Joshi is a distinguished, Portland-based performing artist whose work bridges the disciplines of Indian classical dance and Hindustani vocal music. Raised in a rich cultural environment, she began her rigorous training under local maestros, eventually earning a bachelor’s diploma in Hindustani vocal music under the guidance of her mother, the esteemed musician Dr. Nisha Joshi. Shivani’s foundational dance journey began with Bharatanatyam, culminating in her Arangetram under the tutelage of Ms. Sivagami Vanka.

While Shivani holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Oregon, her artistic calling led her back to the roots of her craft. Inspired by her studies with Vidushi Urmila Nagar (revered disciple of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani), she traveled to India to refine her skills under Dr. Santosh Vyas and Dr. Ranjna Chhabra. Her dedication earned her a prestigious scholarship from the Government of India (ICCR) to attend the National Institute of Kathak Dance, Kathak Kendra, in New Delhi. There, she advanced her repertoire under the world-renowned Pandit Rajendra Kumar Gangani (son and disciple of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani).

An accomplished performer on both stage and television, Shivani has appeared on Doordarshan and participated in premier festivals, including the Kathak Mahotsav in Delhi and the Maha Kathak Utsav in Ujjain. Beyond dance, she has lent her voice to dance productions and recordings, and regularly performs ghazals, bhajans, and Rajasthani folk songs.

Currently, Shivani continues to enchant audiences across India and the United States, serving as a vital ambassador for Indian classical arts through performance and pedagogy.