Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Vijay Elantholy.
Hi Sofia Vijay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My first memory of being introduced to dance is as a toddler, watching my mother dramatically sway to Bollywood songs in the kitchen while she cooked. There was something about the joy she radiated while dancing that drew me in. Even at such a young age, I found myself craving movement.
I remember being three years old, watching my older sister perform on stage in costume. When we got home, I threw a fit because I just wanted to wear her costume and dance too. My mom would capture photos of me striking poses and twirling around the house. Even then, I knew dance meant more to me than just movement. It felt natural. It felt like home.
For me, dance became a way to express every emotion I carried; love, happiness, anger, sadness, even fear. Facial expressions quickly became the cornerstone of my foundation. My parents noticed how deeply connected I was to it and enrolled me in Indian classical dance classes at the age of five. That’s where my Bharatanatyam journey began.
Bharatanatyam opened up an entirely new world for me. The intricate mudras (hand gestures), the precise technical footwork, the geometrically beautiful lines the body creates, all of it fascinated me. But most of all, it was the storytelling and expressions that made me feel truly like myself. Dance became the one place where I could exist unapologetically and without worrying about how I was perceived.
Growing up in a South Asian household meant constant exposure to Bollywood. My idols quickly became Madhuri Dixit (the queen of expressions) along with Sridevi, Vyjayanthimala, Kajol, and so many other icons who could emote like no one else. I used to joke growing up that if I didn’t become a doctor, I would become a dancer. Ironically, I became both.
Today, I am a full-time dancer, and I owe so much of that to the Dallas dance community. They welcomed me with open arms and gave me a space where I could truly thrive. While continuing my training in Bharatanatyam, my first love that I will never let go of, I began seriously training in hip hop, heels, and femme. Exploring these styles allowed me to grow in new ways while still staying rooted in tradition and culture.
The Dallas dance community is one of the most encouraging and supportive spaces I’ve ever stepped into. It’s filled with artists who uplift one another and genuinely love what they do. Being part of this community has not only shaped me as a dancer, but also as a creative and entrepreneur. Teaching, choreographing, and collaborating with local studios and production teams has allowed me to share my perspective while continuing to grow alongside other artists.
I don’t see myself as someone who has “made it.” I see myself as a student of the art, always learning, always refining, always honoring where these styles come from. If I can create spaces where dancers feel safe to express themselves, connect to culture, and fall in love with movement the way I did, then I know I’m doing something right.
My dance journey is still unfolding and in many ways, it feels like it’s only just begun. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I’ll always show up the same way I started: with joy, gratitude, and a deep respect for the art that made me feel at home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. As beautiful as dance has been in my life, it has also come with moments of doubt, comparison, and uncertainty.
Growing up in a South Asian household, there’s often a very traditional idea of success. Pursuing dance seriously didn’t always feel like the “safe” or expected choice. I felt the pressure to follow a more conventional path, and for a long time, dance felt like something I loved deeply but had to balance quietly alongside other responsibilities. Navigating that duality — honoring my cultural upbringing while carving out my own creative path wasn’t always easy.
There were also moments of questioning whether I belonged in certain spaces. Transitioning from a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam into styles like hip hop, heels, and femme pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to start over in many ways as a beginner again. That came with its own insecurities. I had to learn to be okay with not being the best in the room, to be a student again, and to grow without rushing the process.
Comparison is another struggle that I think many dancers understand. Social media can make it easy to feel like you’re constantly behind. I’ve had to consciously remind myself that my journey is unique, one rooted in culture, tradition, and personal experience and that growth doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
There’s vulnerability in betting on yourself. But through those challenges, I’ve built resilience. Every obstacle has deepened my relationship with the art.
If anything, the struggles made my connection to dance stronger. They forced me to ask myself why I do this and the answer has always been the same: because it feels like home.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Let me start by explaining what the word “desi” means. “Desi” refers to the people and cultures originating from South Asian countries, mainly India, Pakistan and Bangladesh although it encompasses a few other places like Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan too.
Recently, I had the honor of being part of a Desi fusion team in Dallas called Desi Haven a collective of South Asian dancers representing traditional Indian styles while fusing them with Western street styles like hip hop and house. Being surrounded by artists who deeply respect tradition while pushing creative boundaries was such a meaningful experience. In 2026, we took the World of Dance stage, which is a moment I’m incredibly proud of. It felt like a full-circle representation of everything I love; culture, community, and innovation all in one space.
Currently, I work as a freelance dancer and artist, teaching while continuing to train and evolve myself. I specialize in blending classical Indian foundations, particularly Bharatanatyam, with other open styles. I’m deeply drawn to fusion work that honors where movement comes from while allowing it to live and breathe in new spaces.
One of the projects I’m most excited about right now is an upcoming 11-week training program that I’m co-directing with a friend and fellow creative called “The Spotlight Project”. The program will culminate in a concept video shoot that fuses three powerful styles: Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, and Hip hop. This project feels especially close to my heart because it reflects who I am as a dancer: rooted in tradition, but constantly exploring while also making memories with people I hold so dear to my heart.
My dream has always been to bring desi dance styles to the forefront of modern dance and give it the exposure it truly deserves. I will be teaching Desi Fusion dance classes every Saturday at 5pm at HQ Dance Studio in Dallas, and I hope I introduce more and more people to the beauty of our culture.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the stages I’ve performed on, but the ability to stay authentic throughout my journey. I’ve never wanted to separate my cultural foundation from my growth in Western styles. Instead, I’ve worked to let them inform one another.
I think what sets me apart is my deep respect for the origins of the styles I train in. Whether I’m stepping into a classical piece or a street-style choreography, I approach both as a student first. My goal is never just to perform, it’s to understand, to honor, and to represent with intention.
At the end of the day, I’m someone who simply loves to move, teach, and create. And I feel incredibly grateful to be building a career in a way that feels aligned with who I am.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories isn’t the moment I stepped onto the stage; it’s everything that happened before it.
I can still remember the excitement of getting ready for a performance: the carefully chosen costumes, the sparkle of stage makeup, and the transformation that happened when I caught my reflection in the mirror. There was something magical about being dressed up for the stage. Each detail, from the outfit to the finishing touches, made the performance feel real before it had even begun.
As a child, I loved getting dolled up, but it was never just about looking good. Preparing for a performance helped me focus. The ritual of getting ready became a way of stepping into the role I was about to play and setting my intentions for the performance ahead. As the costume came together, so did my confidence. The nerves would settle, replaced by excitement and determination.
Looking back, those moments taught me that performance begins long before the curtain rises. The process of transforming myself helped me connect with the story I wanted to tell and the energy I wanted to bring to the stage. Even now, I carry that lesson with me: sometimes confidence is built in the preparation, and sometimes the simple act of getting ready is what allows us to truly shine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiavijay/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sofiavijay
