SHOAIB ALI

Shoaib Ali is an accomplished movement artist, dancer, choreographer, and educator with roots in Manchester. He embarked on his formal dance training at the age of 17, immersing himself in commercial hip-hop and competing with Freak Dance Studio from 2017 to 2019. Following that, he pursued a BA (Hons) in Urban Dance Styles at the University of London, which he attended from September 2020 to December 2021. He subsequently completed his studies at Goldsmiths University, graduating in September 2024 with a BA (Hons) degree in Diverse Dance Styles. 

Throughout his academic journey from 2020 to 2024, Shoaib faced various challenges yet continued to expand his repertoire in multiple movement languages that reflect a global diasporic influence. His training included regular attendance at esteemed dance studios across London, where he refined his craft. Under the mentorship of Guru Ashwini Kaleksar, the creative director of Kirti Kala Mandir UK, he focused on Kathak, a distinguished classical form of Indian dance, developing a foundation in its intricate footwork and expressive storytelling For three to four years.

As of late 2024, Shoaib relocated to West Yorkshire, where he is furthering his Kathak expertise in the Lucknow style under the tutelage of Mitul Sengupta and Shambik Ghose with their company, Rhythmosaic. This training aligns with his goal of synthesizing diverse influences and movement vocabularies into a cohesive cross-fusion language.

As a recent graduate, Shoaib is driven to create innovative choreographic material that merges his Kathak studies with other movement forms. He intends to embark on a teaching career that emphasizes community engagement while deepening his understanding of classical Indian dance, fostering a dialogue between tradition and contemporary practices.