Who We Are
Utpalasia is a North America–based bridge to Asian cultural diversity, sharing the traditional dances, vintage adornment, and heritage of the Hindu and Buddhist Himalayas and Southeast Asia. We cultivate an inclusive community that preserves the authentic arts of Nepal, India, and Tibet while fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Co-Founder
Cordula Sturm Dahal
German born Cordula Sturm Dahal is a seasoned world traveler, cultural heritage researcher and lecturer, multilingual interpreter, and educator.
She has integrated the experiences of her diverse international projects and passion for South Asian dance and the arts into an organization that brings the sacred and secular of communities, artists, and audiences together.
A staunch supporter of culture as identity and connection, her mission is to promote understanding, appreciation, and preservation through shared experiences.
Co-Founder
Bhim “Anil” Dahal
Nepali born Bhim “Anil” Dahal is Utpalasia’s resident cultural liaison whose expertise lies in the traditional movement arts of South Asia.
He specializes in all of Utpalasia’s signature styles of dance, has choreographed productions both here and abroad, and plays several instruments, including the sarangi, madal, tabla, harmonium, and flute.
The Dahals each have 25+ years of professional performance and teaching experience.
Senior Dancer & Choreographer
Tasherit Sturm Dahal
Tasherit Sturm Dahal was at the forefront of creating fusion choreography for both Kathak and Bollywood, thereby producing a communion of the classical styles with an unexpected integration of modern global moves.
She has trained professionally for over 23 years in India, Nepal, and the US, and is celebrated for her expressive artistry, energy, and superior technical skills. Tasherit also specializes in classic Tibetan Buddhist and traditional Himalayan village dance.
She holds a Health & Wellness Coach Certification as well as being an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Senior UX Designer & SEO Manager
Antar Sturm
Visaic is an award-winning Renaissance and Baroque-inspired digital artist, whose work delves into mythology and innovative storytelling through exploration of the human and divine condition.
Visaic is Utpalasia’s creative website designer and program audio tech. He lives in San Francisco where he learns new languages in preparation for his next global trek. Visaic can be reached via his site visaic.io.
Senior Photographer & Digital Asset Manager
Tarik Sturm
A seasoned world traveler, you will usually find Tarik taking brilliant photographs, documenting everything from the smallest grain of sand to the glaciers of Iceland.
The privileged few who have been treated to his culinary masterpieces will attest to his incredible talents in the kitchen as well. When not being taught tricks by his two magnificent Maine Coons – Pakal and Khety – you will find him on epic cycling expeditions around the Bay Area, attempting to crush one record after another.
Costume Designer
Santoshi Dahal
Utpalasia is known for their colorful performance and intricately detailed authentic folk costumes, thanks to our dynamic wardrobe designer, Santoshi Dahal.
She lives in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal where she is currently training the next generation of artisans, helping to keep alive the skills for creating handmade vibrant costumes that are the hallmark of South Asia and the Himalayas.