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"Dreams don't have an age. They simply wait for us to take the first step."
For Sapna Adhikari, Kathak is more than a dance form — it is a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery. Although her passion for dance began at a young age, life's responsibilities delayed that dream until a chance meeting with Guru Akhila Rao reignited her passion and set her on the path from dedicated student to passionate teacher.
As a Technical Program Manager, wife, and mother of two, Sapna understands the challenges of balancing career, family, and personal aspirations. Her journey inspires her to help children and adults discover that Kathak builds not only artistic excellence, but also confidence, discipline, resilience, and joy.
One of Sapna's proudest moments has been witnessing her daughter earn the prestigious Visharad qualification — a milestone that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and a shared love for Kathak. It reinforces her belief that with the right guidance and commitment, every student can achieve their own goals.
Through Kathak Nritya Angan, Sapna is committed to creating a welcoming environment where students of all ages can grow in skill, confidence, and appreciation for the rich traditions of Kathak.
Sapna believes that true learning extends beyond mastering steps and choreography. Her teaching emphasises understanding the "why" behind every movement, rhythm, expression, and composition, enabling students to connect more deeply with the art form.
Her classes blend practical training with theoretical knowledge, helping students appreciate Kathak's history, technique, musicality, and expressive traditions. Students follow a structured curriculum that builds a strong technical foundation while encouraging creativity, confidence, and individual expression.
Above all, Sapna believes that Kathak cultivates values that extend far beyond the dance studio — discipline, patience, perseverance, respect, and a lifelong love for learning. Her goal is to help every student grow not only as a dancer, but also as a confident and well-rounded individual.
Sapna has pursued rigorous classical training under the guidance of distinguished gurus and continues to deepen her understanding of Kathak through ongoing learning and professional development.
In addition to her long-term training under Guru Akhila Rao, Sapna has attended workshops and masterclasses with Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pandit Rajendra Gangani, Guru Shama Bhate, Pandita Archana Joglekar, Guru Hemant Panwar, Guru Madhu Natraj, and Guru Nirupama Rajendra.
Our Lineage
Our teachers have undergone years of rigorous Kathak training under the guidance of the esteemed Guru Akhila Rao, carrying forward a tradition rooted in discipline, artistry, and authenticity.
Guru Akhila Rao is a renowned Kathak artist and educator with over 40 years of experience, trained under Guru Shri Ganesh Hiralal and Guru Late Smt. Asha Joglekar in Mumbai. An examiner for the Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music and Dance and Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, she has trained generations of Kathak dancers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area through a structured, tradition-based curriculum.
Inspired by this lineage, we are committed to preserving the rich heritage of Kathak while nurturing confident, technically strong, and expressive dancers.