Tarana Academy of Dance & Music

Nitya Jayasankar

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing one of my youngest dancers in our upcoming graduation, Anubhav — Nitya Jayasankar.

Nitya began her journey with us at a very young age, and from the very first day, she displayed remarkable focus, dedication, and commitment. Even today, those qualities continue to shine through in everything she does.

Her pinpoint circles, strong footwork, beautiful expressions, graceful movements, and attention to detail make her a complete dancer. She possesses all the qualities that a Kathak artist strives to develop. However, her most outstanding quality is her commitment. Whatever responsibility she takes on, she fulfills it with sincerity and executes it at the highest possible level.

Academically, Nitya is equally exceptional. Even after enrolling at the prestigious IMSA boarding school, her dedication to Kathak never wavered. She consistently came to class fully prepared, balancing her academic pursuits and artistic training with remarkable discipline. I have no doubt that this same commitment will take her to even greater heights in both her education and her artistic journey.

People often say that having a good Guru is a blessing and a matter of fortune. As a Guru, I would like to say that having a student like Nitya is truly a blessing.

At such a young age, she has already achieved significant milestones in Kathak, and I know this is only the beginning of a long and beautiful journey ahead.

My dearest munchkin, I wish you the very best as you celebrate this major milestone—your Kathak Rangmanch Pravesh. May God bless you with success, happiness, and countless achievements in the years to come.

With lots of love and blessings,

Sheetal Aunty

Sreeya Ayyagari

Sreeya began her journey with Tarana when she was in 4th grade.

Initially, she started learning Kuchipudi, but her love for fast spins, intricate footwork, and rhythmic expression naturally drew her toward Kathak.

After joining Tarana, Sreeya quickly became an integral part of our team. Within a short period of time, she reached new heights through her dedication, discipline, and passion for the art form. At a very young age, she also joined the teaching team at Tarana, reflecting both her commitment and her pursuit of perfection.

Sreeya is a determined young woman. Once she sets her mind on a goal, she pursues it with unwavering focus and wholehearted commitment. Her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and love for dance have made her a role model for many younger students.

Beyond dance, Sreeya has also excelled academically. This fall, she will be attending Case Western University, embarking on an exciting new chapter in her educational journey. We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished, both as a dancer and as a student.

On July 25th, she will be presenting her Rangmanch Pravesh, performing one of my favorite Kathak compositions. I can hardly wait to witness this beautiful milestone in her Kathak journey and celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and artistic growth.

Wishing you all the very best, sweetheart. May this be the beginning of many more achievements and blessings to come.

With love and blessings,

Sheetal Auntie

Ashna Sahni – Upcoming Graduate of Tarana Academy of Dance & Music

It is my great pleasure to introduce my beautiful dancer, Ashna Sahni.

Ashna joined Tarana Academy after training with a few teachers during her middle school years. From the very beginning, she adapted quickly to the Kathak style, and I could see her passion reflected in every movement.

What makes Ashna’s journey even more remarkable is the dedication shown by both her and her family. They have commuted all the way from downtown for classes, and I truly salute their commitment and perseverance throughout these years.

Ashna is a graceful and refined dancer—delicate in her presentation, yet precise in her technique. Her spins are beautifully controlled, and her movements carry elegance and confidence. One of her greatest strengths is her expressive face. She performs with such natural ease and sincerity that her emotions effortlessly reach the audience, which is an invaluable quality in classical dance.

I cannot wait to witness her performance on July 25th at her Rangmanch Pravesh. It will be a proud and memorable milestone in her artistic journey.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Sonu Sahni and Mr. Sahni for entrusting me with such a wonderful student and for their unwavering support over the years.

Ashna, I wish you all the very best on your special day. May this be the beginning of many beautiful achievements in your dance journey. I am incredibly proud of you.

With love and blessings,

Sheetal Dhanani
Founder & Artistic Director
Tarana Academy of Dance & Music

Tarana Academy is pleased to announce a special graduation celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of our students. We will be showcasing each student's journey over the coming weeks, highlighting their inspiring stories. Join us as we celebrate their perseverance, growth, and passion for dance. Tarana Academy of Dance and Music