Navigating the complexities of dual identity is an experience that resonates deeply within the South Asian American community. Alisha Gupta, a South Asian American woman with a deep connection to her heritage, shares her journey of reconciling her Indian roots with her life in the U.S., where she’s made a name for herself as both a dancer and a strategist.
In this interview, Alisha opens up about the significance of dance in her life, the cultural fusion that shaped her identity, and how she’s managed to balance her passions with her profession.
The Journey of Growing Up with a Dual Identity
Alisha was born and raised in the Bay Area, California, to immigrant parents from India. Her upbringing was marked by an early connection to her culture, especially through dance styles like Kathak, Garba, and Raas. “Growing up, I was always a dancer,” Alisha recalls. “I was part of Bollywood dance and that really shaped my connection to my culture.”
But Alisha’s experience wasn’t just defined by the South Asian community. She also attended a predominantly Caucasian Catholic high school, where she navigated the cultural differences with a sense of curiosity and awareness. This added layers to her identity, making her both culturally connected and deeply rooted in her heritage.
The Fusion of Cultures Through Dance
Alisha began exploring the fusion of Western and Indian dance styles as she grew up. "I think I naturally gravitated toward fusion as I started learning ballet, jazz, and hip hop," she explains. "In high school, there was a need to fit in with what everyone else was doing—what was cool and trendy."
Alisha’s experience with dance highlights how art can be a medium for reconciling dual identities. For her, dance bridged past and present, embracing both sides of her heritage.
Professional Life and Pursuing Passion
Alisha pursued dance beyond a hobby, balancing it with a full-time career in strategy consulting. After moving to Chicago, she joined a professional dance team, The Trup, which allowed her to continue to express herself creatively while pursuing her career.
Alisha is also deeply passionate about empowering minority populations: “I’ve always been in the social impact nonprofit space helping South Asians gain access to education, resources, and community. Recently, I worked with Ayati, which is an organization that helps send women resources in India for education and menstrual health.”
Alisha created a community called Beauty and Balance: “I know in some South Asian communities, we have a focus on 9 to 5 jobs, and I just want there to be a reminder that you can pursue both your passion and your profession, that in fact, leads to the greatest successes and life fulfillment.”
Embracing Your Cultural Roots with Intention
“Whether it’s Indian movement or Western styles, I think you need to be intentional about the technique and cultural context behind it,” she shares. She recently took a Garba class in Chicago, despite already being familiar with the dance form. She learned about its deep historical significance. Alisha found out that Garba was “danced for multiple days, especially during Navratri, a 9-night Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga in her various forms” which is why “dancing in circles creates a feeling of unity and energy". Alisha is left feeling more connected to the dance than ever before.
Advice for Navigating Dual Identity
Having navigated dual identity, Alisha offers valuable advice to others on the same path. "It's very natural to feel embarrassed or to want to distance yourself from your roots when you're younger," she admits. “I was straightening my hair, wearing different clothes, and trying to fit in.”
However, she found empowerment through exposure to others who shared her experiences. Seeing powerful South Asian women succeed gave Alisha the confidence to embrace her identity fully. "Seeing people that look like you, who are doing things you aspire to do, really gives you the reassurance that you can do it too."
The Role of Language in Identity
While she grew up speaking English, Alisha still finds herself learning her native languages. “I understand Hindi fluently, but I can’t speak it very well,” she admits. When it comes to choreographing dance, she uses online translations (as many of us do!) of song lyrics to understand the deeper meanings of the music and stories. While language is important, she believes that dance can often transcend language, speaking to the soul through movement and emotion.
Closing Thoughts: Finding Balance in Passion and Profession
Alisha’s story is a demonstration of the power of embracing both sides of your identity and finding balance between cultural heritage and modern influences. Through dance, intentional learning, and pursuing her professional career with passion, Alisha has crafted a life that honors her roots while also embracing her birthland of America.
Her message is clear: It’s possible to lead a fulfilling life by blending passions with professions and embracing the beauty of dual identity.
About Alisha Gupta:
Alisha is a South Asian American dancer, strategist, and community leader. She is passionate about supporting minority communities and empowering individuals to embrace their passions. Her work spans social impact, nonprofit initiatives, and supporting women’s health and education, particularly within South Asian communities.
