Prima Kanungo’s journey to Pennsylvania started thousands of miles away in Indore, India—a city she still considers home.

“I grew up in Indore, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” says Prima.

After earning a degree in management and advertising, she began a career as a flight attendant, a job that allowed her to explore the world. “Traveling and experiencing new cultures really broadened my understanding of people and places,” she says. This life of adventure eventually brought Prima to Qatar, where she lived and worked for several years.

Later, marriage brought a new chapter. Prima and her husband relocated to Pennsylvania, where she found a smooth transition into her new life. Today, she balances her love for creative pursuits—particularly dance—with her professional goals.

“Dance has always been more than just a hobby for me. It’s my passion, my way of staying active, and a vital part of who I am,” she says.

Prima’s connection to dance runs deep. As a child, she fell in love with Kathak, one of India’s classical dance forms known for intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, and expressive storytelling.

“I’ve been practicing Kathak since I was really young,” she says. Over the years, Prima dedicated herself to mastering the art, passing six years of exams to reach the graduate level. “It gave me such a deep appreciation for the cultural significance behind every movement and story.”

Now based in Pennsylvania, Prima continues to take dance classes at home while sharing her expertise with others.

“I teach the basics of Kathak and semi-classical dance based on Bollywood songs,” she says. One of her most rewarding teaching experiences was preparing a group of young girls—ages six to eight—for India Day celebrations. “It was so much fun watching them learn and perform!” she says, adding that teaching is not just about passing on technique but also fostering an appreciation for the cultural heritage of the dance.

Prima is excited about her short- and long-term goals in dance. “In the near future, I want to refine my own choreography and reach more students,” she says. “Long-term, I’d love to see Kathak gain more recognition here in Pennsylvania.” She also hopes to perform at more cultural events and one day create her own original dance productions. “There aren’t many specialists in Kathak here, so I’d love to help develop a community around it.”

One of the events that brings Prima the most joy is performing at the India Day Festival celebrated each August on the campus of Harrisburg Area Community College. 
 “It’s a beautiful celebration of India’s culture and heritage, filled with music, food, and performances,” she says. Preparing for the festival involves a lot of planning—selecting the right choreography, rehearsing, and ensuring that costumes reflect the spirit of the dance. But it’s all worth it when the performance finally happens.

“The energy of the crowd and the atmosphere are amazing. It’s such a wonderful platform to share the beauty of Indian dance with a diverse audience,” she says. For Prima, the festival is not just about dance but also a way to connect with other artists and celebrate the richness of Indian traditions.

While Prima’s life may have taken her far from Indore, she has found a sense of belonging in her new community. “Pennsylvania feels like home now,” she says. “I love the peaceful environment and the opportunities I’ve had to share my passion for dance here.”