Sherry Onna

Sherry continues to be inspired by South Asian cultures, cats and all animals and is an ardent animal rights protectionist. Her interest in meditation, yoga and Buddhist studies is ongoing. She serves as projects advisor with Dance Theater of Nepal, a non profit group devoted to the instruction, presentation and preservation of Nepali arts and culture in the US.
Her artistry spans dance, photography, and video. Writing is another interest. In 1995 she traveled to Northern India and Nepal and in 1996 she met and began a long friendship and collaboration with Raj Kapoor, one of Nepal's leading exponents of Nepali Dance and Music.
" I think what first drew me to Nepali dance was watching Nepalis simply walking in the streets of Kathmandu- it was such a relaxed, natural body ease and step that impressed me. It was later that I learned some of the folk dances, most of which have the common thread of accent on hip and hand movements- arms releasing upwards and wrists and hands turning repeatedly. Rhythmical soft stamps with the legs keep a very natural pulse and create a fun and joyful experience. While most steps are not difficult to do, the rhythmical aspects develop over time. The ancient Classical dances, of Charya Nritya or dance as a spiritual discipline are meditative in nature and are intended to develop the awareness of the dancer. Each dance reflects specific qualities of mindfulness."

Since 1997 she has studied and performed Nepali folk and classical dance in a a variety of settings. As Artistic Director of Nepal'98, the first series of events highlighting Nepali culture in America, Sherry produced and performed in more than 13 events citywide. These included concerts at Tenri gallery, American Museum of Natural History, International House and WMI at Symphony Space. Programs have also been showcased at the Smithsonian, Princeton University, UN Receptions and other community events and festivals.

Over time Sherry has studied Haitian dance with Jean Leon Destine and modern dance with various fine artists in New York. Many thanks to Nepali artists/friends Lhakpa Sherpa, Binod Oli, Raj Kapoor, Prajwal Vajracharya,Tara Gurung, Binita Poudyal and Suresh Maharjan for their mentoring and inspiration.