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"Passion finds its way when dedication leads the journey."
For Aarti Gupta, Kathak has been a lifelong companion. Introduced to the art form as a child in India, she built a strong foundation before pausing her training to pursue a career in medicine. Years later, after moving to the United States, she resumed her Kathak journey under the guidance of Guru Akhila Rao, reaffirming her belief that true passion always finds its way back into our lives.
As a healthcare professional, wife, and mother of two, Aarti understands the dedication required to balance career, family, and personal aspirations. Her journey reflects the values she hopes to inspire in her students — that with commitment, discipline, and perseverance, it is possible to pursue excellence while embracing life's many responsibilities.
Through Kathak Nritya Angan, Aarti strives to create a supportive learning environment where students develop strong technical foundations, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and tradition of Kathak.
Aarti believes that Kathak is a journey of continuous growth, where discipline and creativity go hand in hand. Her teaching focuses on building a solid foundation in technique while encouraging students to develop musicality, expression, and confidence at every stage of their learning.
She is passionate about helping each student progress at their own pace, fostering an environment where curiosity, consistency, and enjoyment lead to meaningful artistic growth. Her goal is to inspire students not only to become accomplished dancers, but also to cultivate perseverance, grace, and self-confidence that extend beyond the dance studio.
Aarti has dedicated over 15 years to the study and practice of Kathak, combining rigorous classical training with extensive teaching and performance experience.
In addition to her long-term training under Guru Akhila Rao, Aarti has participated in workshops and masterclasses with several distinguished Kathak maestros, including:
Alongside her professional career in healthcare, Aarti has remained actively engaged in the performing arts. She has performed in productions such as Meet Me at the Meadow, presented by Anita Rao, participated in cultural programs organised by the Indian Classical Music Circle and local international festivals, contributed to university cultural lecture demonstrations, and has taught Kathak students through the Praveshika Purna level.
Committed to lifelong learning and community service, Aarti continues to share her love for Kathak by inspiring students to pursue excellence with dedication, humility, and joy.
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.