Garba Dance Lessons in Washington Metro Area

• - 5/5

Our daughter Avni began her dance journey at the tender age of 4, inspired by her older cousins Anjali and Amrita who completed their Arangetram in 2015. After 14 years of unwavering dedication, she proudly completed her Arangetram at the age of 18. At Kruti Dance Academy, every child flourishes under the exceptional guidance of Guru Ms. Dina Sheth and Guru Ms. Shimoni Parekh, who nurture their students like family. The effort they put into teaching Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dances is truly extraordinary. The dance recitals and performances at various cultural events enhance the children's confidence and self-esteem. Kruti Dance Academy's emphasis on culture, Sanskrit prayers, understanding the meaning of shlokas, and devotion distinguishes it from others. The dedication, determination, and confidence instilled in each student are vividly showcased during their Arangetram. The bonds, friendships, and lifelong memories created are invaluable. We hope Kruti Dance Academy will soon establish an alumni association to perpetuate this cherished tradition. As students become proficient, they have the opportunity to volunteer. Our daughter plans to continue at Kruti Dance Academy next year, even after completing her Arangetram, a testament to her love for dance and her deep respect for Guru Ms. Dina Sheth and Guru Ms. Shimoni Parekh, who continue to mentor the kids through college and beyond. Returning to the academy fills the students with pride and joy, allowing them to witness the evolution of dance and contribute whenever possible. The values imparted at the Academy from a young age help most kids succeed in life and build happy families, always cherishing the invaluable lessons they've learned during their journey. We love Kruti!

• - 5/5

My name is Archith Seshadri and I am a journalist and yoga teacher based in Atlanta, Ga. I met Shemoni Parekh in college more than two decades ago and was always mesmerized when I saw a Kruti dance performance on stage at our annual Holi shows. Over the years, I've seen the Kruti Dance Academy grow in many ways. They made the wildcard round in NBC's America's Got Talent, performed in a reality TV show called Chak Dhoom Dhoom in India on Colors TV, and paraded through the streets of New York City during the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. So it was only natural for me to fulfil a lifelong dream -- to not just watch such amazing dances but also learn and become part of the dance family. That's why I decided at the age of 39, I would enroll in Kruti Dance Academy just as we were on the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few years, I feel much more confident, energized, motivated and comfortable as a dancer on stage -- a skill I never had! The school puts on Broadway quality dance shows every year with finesse, vibrance and flawless execution. I share my own story to inspire other people to never use age as a number to pause your dreams. Kruti Dance Academy has classes in person in Atlanta, GA and also virtual zoom classes where students can join from all over the world. You can also learn just to learn and not worry about performing at a recital. And most importantly, our Adult Bollywood dance class has helped me create some great friends who share a united passion for dance! This past year, I also added Bharatnatyam (classical Indian dance) to the repertoire. If I can juggle a demanding job and a crazy schedule and make time for movement, so can you - cheers to the academy for 30 years of excellence and to many decades more! A huge thanks to Dina Aunty (founder) and Shemoni for the brilliance and artistry -- a wonderful creation (Kruti means to create).

• - 5/5

Over my 13 years at Kruti Dance Academy, I've discovered that Kruti is more than just a place to learn dance. It has taught me discipline and how to approach everything I do confidently, whether dancing, speaking, or any other endeavor. Kruti has also provided me with a community where I have built lifelong friendships that have become a family. As I watch and help teach younger children, I see myself in them and can reflect on how much I have grown and how Kruti has become a second home to me.

• - 5/5

My Daughter, Shria Valluri finished her Bharath Natyam arangetram on June 24th 2021. Shria's journey started 14 years ago when we discovered she has a passion for dance, luckily we found Kruti Dance Academy. A good parent can point to the right direction/teacher. That’s what we did, we directed Shria to the right institute & the best guru Mrs. Dina Seth. And, we did not have to look back after that. And, we have seen the transformation in Shria over the years! Dina Aunty and Shemoni molded our daughter into a beautiful dancer! Along with Bharathnatyam Shria exposed to Indian culture, choreography, leadership roles in the institute. Thank you Dina Aunty for all your support throughout the years of Shria's journey!

• - 5/5

I began my journey with Kruti at the age of 3, where I was enrolled in the Mommy and Me” classes. Dance became not just a hobby, but a lifestyle. Kruti Dance Academy has been instrumental in shaping me into the confident and accomplished young woman I am today. Through the rigorous training of Bharatanatyam, I have developed discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic that has prepared me for the challenges of college and beyond. The supportive environment of the academy has fostered my self-confidence, allowing me to embrace her talents and express herself freely. The friendships and connections forged at Kruti provided me with a network of support and encouragement as I transition into adulthood. Overall, the experiences and lessons learned at the academy have not only refined my dancing abilities but have also contributed to her personal growth and readiness for the next chapter of my life.

• - 5/5

As a Kruti student, recital performer, and now Bharata Natyam Arangetram graduate, I can confidently say that the past 14 years at Kruti Dance Academy have honed my love for South Asian culture, creative expression, leadership skills, and respect for inclusivity. When I think back to my first encounters with Bharata Natyam, it's hard to recall the exact dances, addavas, and hastas that I learned because I started when I was just four years old. But even 14 years later, I can instantly remember the passionate emotions that I felt towards this art form. Despite my innate love for Bharata Natyam, my career as a dancer was not always filled with such confidence and grit. As a young boy, my journey as a dancer often felt isolated from many of the peers I saw in the studio. The only way that discomfort would ever fade was if I truly embraced myself at Kruti, and learned to feel proud of the difference I brought to the studio. I was especially fortunate to find myself under the able guidance of my Gurus Mrs. Dina Sheth and Mrs. Shemoni Parekh. Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi’s unwavering support and love in my dance journey assured me of my place within the studio, and eventually encouraged me to consider performing my Arangetram. Dina Aunty guided me down my path at Kruti, taking me from a clueless 5 year old to becoming an Arangetram graduate. Her wisdom, tact, and foresight ensured that my entire dance journey would be extremely rewarding. Growing up with Shemoni Didi as a role model unlocked a creative element I didn’t know existed within me. I am honored to have gotten to perform alongside her, and witness her meticulous process of crafting beautiful recitals year after year. You cannot enter the studio each weekend without hearing the words “Kruti Family” and this term is in no way superficial. I have met my best friends at Kruti and I consider the countless aunties and uncles who selflessly devote themselves to performances and recitals to be an extension of my own parents. I was so fortunate to have the support of my entire Kruti family in my Arangetram process, and I know that the relationships I made amongst my 2024 Arangetram Troup will last a lifetime. Kruti is my second home and my love for the studio, Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi, and my Kruti family truly cannot be quantified.

• - 5/5

My daughter has been with Kruti for 2 years now, and enjoyed every moment. Commitment and dedication to the art it expected as it should be when the bar is set as high as Kruti Dance Academy has. My 7 year old feels so proud to be sharing the stage with her teachers and Shemoni deedee. This isn't your typical dance school; their process is efficient, communication to parents is exceptional, and commitment to teaching the art is unparalleled. Though you have to purchase costumes, make up, and tickets; it's worth it. My daughter takes pride in her school and we are proud to be a part of the Kruti family.

• - 5/5

Highly recommended Kruti Dance Academy. The passion and dedication that Dina Aunty, Shemoni and the entire team put into nurturing each and every student is second to none! The end of year Dance Recital was spectacular and a must watch!

• - 5/5

My organization hired Kruti to lead a cultural performance during our very large event last week with about 1000 students and teachers. Shemoni and Anjali were both incredibly professional, and all of the students had a wonderful time with them. It felt great knowing that we could trust them to not only perform for the group, but emcee for each session as well. They handled everything with great skill, and we would strongly recommend hiring them to anyone interested!

• - 5/5

I highly recommend Kruti Dance Academy, the time and dedication spent with each and every one of their students shows out in all their performances, whether it be during recitals or just learning the dances right at the school. My daughter has been a student at Kruti for 6 years and I've seen her grow in her dances and movements, and its all thanks to Kruti Dance Academy.

• - 5/5

As I finished off my last year with Kruti Dance Academy, I have some great memories I would like to share. In the past 13 years, nobody has disciplined me in the way Shemoni Didi and Dina Aunty have. Not only did they teach me resourceful skills that would help in the real world, but they taught me many lessons in the creative world. In these 13 years, I would like to thank all of my didis as well for creating a nourishing environment to learn in, it aspired me to become like them as a volunteer. As I move on from this chapter of my life, I will always remember positive embraces that Kruti has taught me.

• - 5/5

Our 6 year old daughter is deeply enjoying learning Bharatnatyam at Kruti Dance Academy. Their team does a great job of challenging the students while keeping it fun and engaging. We are always so amazed to see all the hard work of the students shine on recital day. The founder and artistic director are incredibly dedicated and passionate about dance, the students and their community. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Kruti family and would highly recommend this academy to anyone who is interested in learning Bharatnatyam or Bollywood dance.

• - 5/5

Our daughter started dancing at Kruti when she was just five years old. What began as a fun dance class quickly became something so much more. Kruti has taught her more than just steps, it’s helped her grow as a person. The teachers are kind, patient, and truly care about each student. They’ve become like mentors and family to us. The Kruti community is full of love, support, and a shared love for dance, and we feel lucky to have been part of it for over 12 years. From her first Bollywood dance to her Bharatanatyam training and now getting ready for her Arangetram, Kruti has always been there. The values and lessons she’s learned, both on stage and in life, will stay with her forever.

• - 5/5

I joined Kruti in 2013 in search of a place that would offer technical guidance and nurture my passion for dance. While Kruti fulfilled that purpose, it became so much more. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for attention to detail, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. More than just a dance academy, Kruti has been a profound part of my journey, and has strengthened my connection with my faith, culture, family, and friendships. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from my two Gurus—Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi—as well as countless Didis, whose lessons in both dance and life will continue to guide me. Now, as I prepare to complete my Arangetram this summer, I look back on my time with Kruti with immense gratitude, joy, and confidence that the memories, values, and relationships I’ve built here will stay with me forever.

• - 5/5

Kruti had been my second home for so many years, I couldn’t imagine life without it! As I finished off my last year with Kruti Dance Academy, all of the memories and lessons that Kruti has provided me come rushing back. From the first class I ever took, to my last, Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi has always been my biggest supporters and the best role models I could have asked for! The values that I have gained through volunteering at the studio have helped me in all aspects of life, and for that I am alway grateful! I could not have asked for a better place to have grown up and I will forever cherish my time here!

• - 5/5

Kruti has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember and I wouldn’t have it any other way! The lessons and opportunities my daughters are receiving at Kruti dance academy have shaped them into the mature and kind young women they are today. Under Dina Aunty and Shemoni’s guidance they have learned both Bharatnatyam and Bollywood and have been able to stay deeply connected and learned to love their roots and heritage. Not only have they both grown as dancers, but the volunteering opportunities they are given are truly one of a kind. Our elder daughter has learned discipline and made an impact on so many children lives, and as our younger is beginning her journey she is eager to follow her sisters footsteps. The Kruti family is a community we all feel so welcomed in and blessed to be a part of. The best parts of my weekends are hearing the new fun stories from Kruti, and seeing the lifelong friends not only my daughter but even I have made out of this shared journey at Kruti. As one daughter completes her Arangetram this year and the other joins her first year of Arangetram class, we could not be more thankful for what Kruti has given our families and cannot wait for what comes next!!

• - 5/5

Starting my journey with Kruti at just five years old, I could never have imagined how deeply it would shape the person I am today. Now, as I prepare to perform my arangetram in just a few weeks, I find myself reflecting on everything this experience has given me. Kruti has been more than just a dance studio — it’s been a space that constantly challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, whether it was performing on grand stages or taking on leadership roles in class. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust myself, speak with confidence, and carry myself with pride both inside and beyond the studio. The discipline, resilience, and self-belief I’ve built through my training have helped me face challenges in school, work, and public speaking with courage. Most importantly, Kruti has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I often realize — as long as I stay dedicated, consistent, and believe in myself. As I prepare to step into college in less than two months, I know I’ll carry the values, lessons, and memories from Kruti with me wherever life takes me.

• - 5/5

Watching my daughter grow as a dancer and an individual has been an incredible journey for our family, and Kruti Dance Academy has played a pivotal role in that transformation. Under the guidance of Dina Sheth and Shemoni Parekh, she developed discipline, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for Bharatanatyam. Her experiences at Kruti, including volunteering, taught her not only dance but also responsibility, time management, and the effort that goes into every performance. The culmination of this journey, her Arangetram, will be a true reflection of years of commitment and growth. As a mother, I’ve also grown through this process. I’ve learned to be more patient, disciplined, and to truly appreciate the beauty of Bharatanatyam. Getting my daughter ready for the annual recital used to be a challenge, but Kruti made it easier by training me too. We are incredibly grateful to Kruti Dance Academy for the role it has played in shaping not only my daughter as a dancer but also as a person. We look forward to what the future holds for her, knowing that Kruti will always be a part of her foundation.

• - 5/5

I joined Kruti 10 years ago, and am now weeks away from performing my arangetram ceremony with my mom. Having spent so many hours at the studio, I have learned countless lessons on discipline, grace, and composure. I will forever be able to cross apply these lessons in my academics and future endeavors. Past the lessons, Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi's constant support and want for me to be the best I can possibly be, will be something that I will cherish forever. Their level of dedication, organization, and attention to detail is truly admirable!

• - 5/5

I joined Kruti Dance academy as an adult ,being a mother of two ,I decided to pursue my passion for dancing , I cant thank God enough that he guided me towards right direction and showed me path to Kruti dance academy, I was so impressed with how they worked that I decided to make my 6 year old daughter too part of this academy. Its been 10 years and we mother daughter are learning Bharatanatyam in Kruti dance academy and will be performing our Arangetram this year in few weeks . As we all know Kruti dance academy is an academy set up by mother daughter duo Mrs .Dina Sheth and and her daughter Shemoni Parekh , and I sincerely dedicate this mother daughter Arangetram to my great Gurus as a tribute to their effort and hardwork they have put into us. Kruti dance academy along with dance teaches you discipline , to stay focus , time management, leadership skills and many more . I am happy to see my daughter who is now 17 to mould into a strong and sharp person , since Kruti dance academy was part of her growing up days I am sure she apply all the qualities she has learnt through her journey with Kruti in her life . I highly recommend Kruti dance academy. -Sweta Shetty

• - 5/5

It's one of the largest Indian dance schools in GA, however even though I committed 8 years of my childhood to dancing, I lost the joy of dancing after being part of Kruti; I hope it's a better environment for students.

• - 5/5

It's one of the largest Indian dance schools in GA, however even though I committed 8 years of my childhood to dancing, I lost the joy of dancing after being part of Kruti; I hope it's a better environment for students.

• - 5/5

Great teacher and great experience! Only thing that could have made it better was a dance video for homework as well so that we dont forget the dances in a couple of weeks lag time if we couldn't make it to the class. She reviews the full dance every week over and over again, however, that time could be saved and could move up to a new song faster if a take home video is allowed in order to revise what was done in classes. Overall, a great stress relieving class!

• - 5/5

I highly recommend Kruti Dance Academy, the time and dedication spent with each and every one of their students shows out in all their performances, whether it be during recitals or just learning the dances right at the school. My daughter has been a student at Kruti for 6 years and I've seen her grow in her dances and movements, and its all thanks to Kruti Dance Academy.

• - 5/5

awesome performances

• - 5/5

My child loves going here. Very good instruction. Safe.

• - 5/5

I LOVE kruti! This is my 8th years there and it ROCKS!

• - 5/5

Kruti has a very calming and creative environment that makes you happy as soon as you step in the door.

• - 5/5

I have been going to Kruti Academy for over a year and the teachers have already taught me so much. I have made some great friends and memories that I will never forget.

• - 5/5

Was a little hesitant and nervous when I first joined but It was one of the best experiences I ever had in class and the final recitals performing in front of a crowd. All the new friends I made along the way was great as well

• - 5/5

I got to watch Kruti Dance Academy perform at the Carter Center for the Lillian Carter Award ceremony and they were fantastic! Beautiful choreography and talented performers!

• - 5/5

We were so pleased with how well organized, detail oriented and easy everything was to follow and understand; from the dance moves online to the many details leading up to the recital. The whole experience was beautifully executed and so much fun!

• - 5/5

Before I discuss how I feel now, I wanted to go back to something I wrote about the Arangetram class in April. I wish I had written more at the beginning of this pandemic. Looking back, I cannot even remember what I did the first few weeks, besides playing video games and feeling pity for myself because I was lonely. Although that period of time was brief, I want to acknowledge it as the plummet I needed before I could rise up during this time. I had jotted down in my sporadic moments of journaling, the words, “detachment,” and, “devoid.” I think these sentiments really fit how I was feeling at the time. In contrast to my usually vivid emotional memories. I felt a lack of panic, excitement, really anything. But it quickly dawned upon me that this detached feeling was not natural. I wanted to circumvent the reaction that the world seemed to be having, and I was almost successful, if it had not been for a few reality checks (these zoom classes included) that reminded me I had to wake up each day and experience life regardless and inclusive of the circumstances, and I could not simply shut down for 5 months during this time. A few weeks ago, we started doing classes over Zoom. Even though this is still sort of foreign for us, I feel like just having an outlet of people to interact and talk with has given me so much more energy. It's so strange that I actually feel much more energized to tackle my Saturday early morning than I do my much more rested Monday afternoon. I've found that these Saturday morning calls are actually something I look forward to, and it's almost like it's something my week sort of builds up to. Fast forward several months, and my understanding of not only myself, but my direction in life is much less hazy than it once was. When I think about myself, the words “cynical” and “negative” tend to come up. I find myself scrutinizing positive quotes. When I hear people talking about how to live life to the fullest, my mind wanders into a pit of negativity and self-pity. And that is the truth. But this journey that we are all on together, has taught that there is in fact something beyond that hill of despair. There is hope for something better, for understanding, and for forgiveness. This arangetram class, and the things DA talks about, have resonated deeply within me. They have given me the strength to question why my brain does the things it does, and rewire myself to set goals, and give myself positive reinforcement when I achieve those goals. I had to face the hard truth that a negative mind will never give me a positive life. And I have learned that there is so much beauty in that journey. So thank you DA, SD, and everyone in this class for giving me the opportunity to see my life with more perspective. I still have weeks where I do not fulfil my potential, and I do still disappoint myself in class sometimes. But without the motivation I receive from this class, I would probably find myself spiraling into negative thoughts that are totally unproductive. I must remember that a negative mind will never give me what I want, a positive life.

• - 5/5

Mankruti is very great Dance academy. I started my Dance Journey with these amazing Choreographers. I learned lot and to perform with this group is unforgettable. I love it

• - 5/5

Congratulations on the success of 21st Recital. My daughter Aarya is fortunate to be a part Kruti journey. Having so much of dedication and sincerity even after 21 years is commendable and I applaud you for that. The institute is like a Gurukul, that imparts knowledge beyond dance. ????????

• - 5/5

Kruti Dance Academy is the best! My daughter completed her arangetram at the academy. I used to drive from Augusta, Georgia so that she could get the best dance and cultural experience.

• - 5/5

My daughter Zara just completed her 1st Dance Recital on stage and she was mesmerized by the whole experience. The show was brilliantly conceptualized and very professionally executed. It most certainly exceeded all our expectations. Dina Aunty and Shemoni are highly creative and extremely dedicated to the craft of art and dance. Highly recommended.

• - 5/5

Highly recommend this dance studio. My daughters have been dancing there for 6 years. There is no other studio in Atlanta that runs their organization as methodically as this one. Both the founder and director have backgrounds in classical Bharatnathyam dance and they teach students in a creative, logical and consistent manner. There are classes in both Bollywood and Bharatnathyam, so your child can choose one or both types of classes. Additionally, there are adult Bollywood classes available. Communication with the studio is prompt and clear, so always feel free to email with any questions before or after you sign up. Your kids will love dancing there because the environment is fun and full of energy. There is a huge waiting lounge above the dance studios with WI-FI, which makes it convenient to wait while your child has class. Don't hesitate to contact them! Kurt Dance Academy is the best and their name is recognized not only nationally, but globally as well!

• - 5/5

Kruti dance is a wonderful place to enjoy and have fun especially if you are an adult. Shemoni Didi is awesome! I will definitely take her adult Bollywood class again. Thank you!

• - 5/5

In beginning of my dance journey as a five-year-old I was unable to the impact dance would have on my comprehend or even imagine the eager to go to dance class. enjoyed how earlier dance l was always smile to my when times were hard. dancing made me feel. It always brought a that I could do on In the dance was something fun Asl able to understand how much dance has impacted my not physically but and emotionally. Every weekend learning something new different challenges such as not being able to properly sit in aramandin having my elbows, later learned that those challenges helped me to become a better and smarter dancer. with constant support of Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi, l was able recognize that dance was not merely about having straight arms or smiling but it was about the connection between a dancer and her music. Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi have both played a big role in my life; they continuously push me to not only be good dancer but also a good person. Dance has shown me that no matter where you come from, it also has a way of bringing people together. Those I have met have helped shape who I am today. These fellow dancers, who are motivated, hardworking, and intelligent have helped to motivate me to become a better dancer. As the day of my Arangetram approaches, I am thankful for every person who has encouraged me to continue my passion for dance.

• - 5/5

As a parent there are messages you formulate, try to embody, and strive impart in your child. You can live and speak your message all you want but at some point you realize that influencers outside your immediate nuclear circle that also embody those values are imperative. For those of us who don’t have support networks of family living nearby, we must find other channels to bring in and reinforce those positive messages that we so sincerely want our kids to see, hear, and experience. For us, Kruti fills that space. Dina Aunty and Shemoni Didi are strong, dedicated, accomplished, and sincere women at whom I can confidently point when I want to show my daughter what can be accomplished when one is brave enough to dream, believe, work hard, and follow through. At Kruti, Noi is learning invaluable life skills and qualities such as confidence, discipline, self-control, a positive image of her body and her physical and mental capabilities, and the courage to stand up in front of a crowd and express herself. There isn’t another organization that is able to reinforce all of these things so well plus provide the sense of family the way Kruti does. Noi has been at Kruti since she was just 1½ years old and we are looking forward to her continuing to grow as both dancer and as a well-rounded, confident person under the guidance of Dina Aunty, Shemoni Didi, and Ashima Didi.

• - 5/5

This year's recital, which took place this past weekend, was incredibly inspiring with its timely theme of global unity, reminding us of how we are all connected through the universal languages of music and dance. The choreography, costumes, song choices, and different backdrops for every dance were absolutely breathtaking!

• - 5/5

Congratulations to both of you on the success of the 22nd Annual Dance Concert. It was a spectacular and beautiful show! What a wonderful year it’s been! It was also wonderful to see the development of all the dancers and in particular your senior dancers. Their dances were so impressive and powerful! Wow! It’s so much fun to watch the range of choreography including the dances that challenged and showed the strengths of the dancers. Your advanced choreography skills allowed your dancers to stand out and shine. Their flawless performances were due to the patience and experience you brought to them as an accomplished teacher and dancer. I think this is one of the many things that sets Kruti apart from other studios. You care so much about every child and it really shows. I don't know how you were standing after the show, but heaps of praise to you in all you accomplished. You clearly make everyone feel so valued, younger or senior, first timers or old students. From the first recital meeting to the costume ordering and recital communication, everything was wonderful and top notch. Being back stage, it was very clear to see how much planning, communication and attention went in to each performance. I am beyond words at how amazing that recital was! It flowed beautifully, was completely entrancing, and I simply loved watching every minute of it!! Everything was well planned, well organized and promptly executed. I really loved the Shivoham along with the enchanting music ...it got me into gooseflesh. Next I don’t have any words for the Paayal dance...it was absolutely stunning. Hats off to both of you for beautiful choreography...nevertheless it was perfect because of the excellent teamwork. I want to especially thank all the team leaders; I could see them standing there in charge tirelessly till they handed over our children. This needs a lot of responsibility and goodwill. All these things need very discrete preparation and training. It couldn’t have been easy, forging this connection, creating community from chaos. You took a hodge-podge group of random students — children with varying abilities, from every imaginable family structure, from a broad sampling of cultures and religions — and you built a culture and family of your own. If the whole world could see what you have accomplished at your studio, with these precious, different-but-same children, I have to believe the whole planet would be different. Better. And you know what? The world is different, the world is better, because of what you have achieved here at Kruti Studio, with these growing groups. Parents have got the easy job of raising our own kids. They are rewarded for all their sacrifices with the joy of watching their own blood grow up into fine young men and women. But you have got the tough jobs. As their guru, your rewards are limited to the hope that your wisdom will make a tiny difference into the lives of children, helping them to be better human beings. Thank you for all your selfless contribution. A good teacher is everything a parent can never be. Thanks, for being one. It is impossible to thank a guru. There are no words, to appreciate someone whose words empower children to chase their dreams. We parents may be accountants, scientists, doctors and engineers – but nothing contributes to the nation’s development more than what a teacher can do. Thanks for giving my LITTLE one BIG dream. As a wonderful teacher, you may not realize that all good teachers have good parental qualities. But as a good parent, I realize that I don’t have exquisite teaching qualities like yours. Technology will keep evolving but nothing can replace the power of a teacher’s inspirational words. Thank you for modeling patience, honesty, courage, perseverance, wisdom, responsibility, generosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning to the best of your ability each and every day. I owe you a debt of gratitude that I can never repay.

• - 5/5

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” –Albert Einstein Dance has always been an important part of my life. Even before formal lessons began, I would jump around the living room to old Hindi songs and mimic my favorite on screen actors during dance numbers. It was learning Bharata Natyam, however, that took this raw passion and refined it into a skill – the ability to express myself through an ancient art form and to connect to my culture through a relic of the past. And for this tutelage, I am grateful for you. The mark of a true teacher, however, goes beyond simply learning a skill. In my opinion, the mark of a true teacher is uncovering a passion. This is what I feel has happened during my time as your student. No matter how sore my legs are, how tired I am of practicing a certain dance, or how hard it is to rise early on Saturday mornings, I simply have to dance. And because of your uncompromising nature when it comes to dance, I have had to dance well. It is this need for my preferred form of expression and my desire to excel at it that I have cultivated under your watchful gaze. And what a gaze it is! As you have demonstrated many times, myriad emotions can be expressed through a single glance, and through both this unspoken communication and more concrete lessons, I have learned so much. I have learned about Indian heritage and culture, about the origins of Bharata Natyam, about the meaning behind hastas and addavus, about the difference between ragas and rasas and tirmanams and tihais. I have learned how to convey a story without speaking a word, how to find the strength to finish a dance when my muscles burn, how to appear calm, collected, and confident while on stage. Other things however, I have learned simply by watching. Whether it is demonstrating an expression or correcting my form, I am always struck by your expertise, and over the years, I have modeled my teaching style, my hardworking nature, and even my presentation face, after yours. You tell us often that these lessons will apply to more than just dance in our future, and I can already see how the lessons I learned at Kruti will help me later in life. In my conversations, I carry the eyes of a dancer, in my class presentations, I have the visage of a performer, and in my everyday endeavors, I apply the creativity of an artist. For these skills and for these memories, I am grateful to you. Facing you now, after nearly twelve years of classes, on the eve of my Arangetram, I am thankful to have has the opportunity to have learned my passion from you, to have gained an education in an ancient art, and to have learned lessons whose value will not fade. Thank you Dina Aunty.

• - 5/5

Kruti's recital was so impressive that my 5 yr old son wants to be a student of Kruti. He will join Bollywood from 2017 Fall. I just wanted to share my happiness and feelings that you succeeded in motivating a 5 yr old.

• - 5/5

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell. As I embark on the next stage in my dance journey, my arangetram, I cannot forget the plethora of stages I went through to be where I am today. This journey has taken a myriad of paths, each having its own curves and bumps. From learning to strike my foot with power and transforming my fingers into elegant hand gestures to being able to dance in front of thousands of people today with grace, poise, and strength, I have come a long way. My parents first enrolled me in classical dance at Kruti Dance Academy with the intention that this would be a way that I could learn about my rich Indian culture and that somehow I would still be connected to my Motherland thousands of miles away. Little did they know that dance would soon become a colossal part of my life down the road, and that today I would be preparing for my arangetram. Dance has molded me into being who I am today and has embedded in me morals and values that I will carry along with me wherever I go in the future. Who I am today would not be possible without my Kruti Family. Kruti has given me loving and affectionate people like Dina Aunty and Shemonididi and has given me best friends that I can truly connect to in every way. Many people ask what exactly an arangetram is and what the importance of it is. An arangetram is a graduation of dance or a graduation of the years of dance training that one has completed. Similar to a high school or college graduation, an arangetram does not mean that one is done with dancing forever; it is actually the beginning of a new chapter in life. One can now take their dance knowledge and experience and use it in various aspects of their life. An arangetram means more than being able to say that you have completed your dance graduation; it is the memories and satisfaction that you receive afterwards that truly defines what an arangetram is. As I inch closer and closer to my arangetram, I cannot wait to attain this feeling and officially be an Alumn from Kruti Dance Academy on July 19, 2014.

• - 5/5

I have a 5 year old boy in the Bollywood dance program and it is fantastic. They are taught with great discipline and are expected to perform well thought out and age appropriate choreographed dance moves in a team setting. The program helps instill listening skills, coordination, practice, hard work, and most important of all self confidence as they get to perform onstage in Spring at Cobb Galleria in front of hundreds of people. If you want your kid involved in great activity this is one of best around.

• - 5/5

I saw the Kruti Indian Dance Academy perform last week in front of President Carter and a large audience at an award ceremony honoring a Peace Corps Volunteer. They were fantastic! Their performance was beautiful and elegant, and they were a highlight of the evening.

• - 5/5

Indeed an honor to embark and experience the incredible dance journey at the highly reputable Kruti Dance Academy for nine years. We feel extremely fortunate, proud and privileged to have been a part of Kruti, helmed by acclaimed Guru Mrs. Dina Sheth, and vibrant Artistic Director, Shemoni Parekh. Words cannot quite express, our deep emotions on the transformation we witnessed in Shreya’s personality and skills acquired in both Bharata Natyam classical and Bollywood dancing during the past nine years, culminating in a wonderful Bharata Natynam Arangetram under the tutelage of Mrs. Guru Dina Sheth. It was astounding. In tandem with Dinaben, we were able to nurture, respect, guide, enrich, encourage, inspire, motivate and support Shreya’ s passion for dance every step of the way to meet her goals. However, it is only at Kruti Dance Academy where Shreya learned the true meaning of our vibrant culture and traditions, dedication, determination, discipline, time management, precision, importance of hard work, perseverance, confidence, patience, volunteering and teamwork. These very essential principles and values will also help Shreya to cope with the dance and university of life! Mrs. Shemoni Parekh helped open the door for self discovery and expression through dance in a culturally innovative and vibrant atmosphere, spreading awareness, knowledge, love, laughter, and joy, to all both locally and internationally. Kruti Dance Academy will always be one of our most cherished and priceless memories. Thank you for making a huge difference in our lives and for helping us to keep our flames alive. Thanks much for providing a highly disciplined and rich loving learning environment and loving home for Shreya and us. You have definitely helped enrich and empower us in ways more than one. Atlanta is extremely fortunate to have a Guru who truly cares, listens, observes, disciplines and nurtures her disciples in a realistic manner, and a very talented and vivacious Shemoni didi, who is equally committed to her students, while raising the bar and awareness in the community, nationally and internationally. A wonderful and flawless tango indeed, all under one roof! We will be forever be grateful to highly respected, Guru Mrs. Dina Sheth, and Artistic Director, Mrs. Shemoni Parekh, and of course, the Kruti Dance Academy family! May God bestow you with His blessings always. -Harshad, Sandhya, and Shreya Shah

• - 5/5

Kruti Dance Academy ! I can only think of gratitude and absolute joy and well nostalgia now, when I look back at the time spent with this magnificent institute. I am forever thankful to Ms. Dina Sheth for her generosity in providing me a fantastic platform for teaching Indian vocal music to so many students that was made possible only due to my connect with the academy. I got the greatest opportunity to showcase my talent, to teach, to perform, and well so much more in entirety! The institute is one of spectacular creativity, whilst offering such a broad spectrum of teachings to wide audiences. It’s a great pleasure to watch one and all students, echoing the indian culture through varied forms of dance with precision and mesmerising moves, all wonderfully taught by the Kruti Team lead by the Maverick Ms. Dina Sheth and now right behind her, her gracious and super talented daughter, Ms. Shemoni Sheth.