About
Join a vibrant community where every step tells a story. Explore the art of Indian dance, hone your skills, and discover your unique expression at Nruthya Shakti Dance Academy.
Where it began
Founded in 1994 by Vandita Parikh in Chennai, India, Nruthya Shakti Dance Academy (NSDA) has grown into a premier institution for Indian folk dance.
We guide our students through dance techniques and theory and encourage them to explore their artistic potential.
As NSDA's reputation soared, we showcased our talent at cultural events, schools, colleges, and on television, including Sun TV, Sony TV's Boogie Woogie, and Doordarshan India. By the late 90s, workshops with local dance experts became a key part of our curriculum, deepening our students' appreciation of folk dance.
On television
Sun TV Sony TV's Boogie Woogie Doordarshan India
Expanding to Dallas, Texas, in 2003, NSDA is now a leading dance school in the DFW metroplex, offering a blend of dance classes, workshops, and theory courses. We empower our students to connect with Indian culture, showcase their creativity through performances, and become part of a vibrant dance community.
1994
Founded by Vandita Parikh in Chennai, India
Late 90s
Workshops with local dance experts join the curriculum
2003
Expands to Dallas, Texas
Today
Studios in Plano, Irving and Frisco
Meet
With over 25 years of experience as an Indian folk dance practitioner, Vandita specializes in teaching the unique, traditional, and contemporary folk dances of India.
She began with rigorous Bharatnatyam training under Mrs. Nirmala Sharma and Smt. Krishnaveni Akka at the Kalakshetra Dance Academy. To expand her skills, she attended advanced workshops at "Darpana Academy Of Performing Arts" under Guru Mallika Sarabhai and trained with mentors like Gopi Master, Madhumati Barman, and Smt. Vasantha Aravindan.
Vandita's dedication to Indian folk dance has earned her global acclaim. In 2011, she received the President's Award from Smt. Pratibha Patil for promoting folk art and culture.
She has taught Indian folk dance at the Booker T. Washington School for Performing Arts, presented folk theory and dance forms at Stanford University, and conducted workshops at the University of Texas at Dallas, Oklahoma State University, and the Indian Association of North Texas.
Beyond NSDA, Vandita serves as a board member of One Earth, One Chance, a Dallas-based organization dedicated to combating climate change, and as a member of the advisory team for the Garage Arts Project (GAP), a non-profit providing a platform for artists.
Her academic background includes a B.A. in English Literature and an M.A. in Criminology. Outside of her professional work, Vandita shares her life with her husband, three daughters, a cat, and a golden retriever.
The NSDA Elite
Elevating Talent, Inspiring Excellence
The NSDA Elite team represents our most accomplished dancers who have demonstrated exceptional talent and skill both in class and on stage. These students, trained under NSDA or other esteemed teachers, seek to further their artistic journey with us.
To ensure personalized growth, Elite students are divided into three levels: Junior, Inter, and Senior, with placement based on skill and excellence. This structured approach allows them to progress at their own pace while being encouraged to excel in theory exams conducted by our faculty and visiting experts from Kothambalam Dance Academy, Kerala, led by Smt. Vasantha Aravindan. These dancers embody the highest standards of knowledge and performance.
In addition to skill development, the NSDA Elite program fosters a culture of mentorship and collaboration. Students benefit from individualized guidance, enabling them to set personal goals and explore their unique artistic paths. Through participation in masterclasses with esteemed choreographers and regular feedback sessions from our experienced faculty, each dancer continuously evolves.
Giving back
At Nruthya Shakti Dance Academy (NSDA), we connect students with Indian heritage through performances at various temples, celebrating the cultural and spiritual significance of dance. These events foster a deep sense of pride and belonging while encouraging students to engage in Nrithya Seva, giving back to the community through their art.
Each performance inspires appreciation for our cultural roots, ensuring that the spirit of Indian dance thrives within our community. Together, we empower the next generation of artists to uphold and celebrate our traditions.
A Hindu temple courtyard.
We are dedicated to inclusivity, offering personalized dance classes tailored for differently-abled individuals. Vandita collaborates closely with students and their families to develop customized curriculum that nurture creativity in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, NSDA provides Dance Yoga classes aimed at enhancing mental health and well-being by alleviating stress and anxiety.
Endorsed by the Indian Association of North Texas and the Healthy You Lifestyle Center, these classes are accessible to everyone, requiring no prior dance or yoga experience. Through our initiatives, we strive to create a welcoming space where individuals can express themselves, find joy, and improve their overall quality of life through the transformative power of dance.
Our mission
To nurture dancers, year after year, who learn India's folk traditions with understanding, perform them with pride, and use dance as a resource for service.
A commitment
I built Nruthya Shakti Dance Academy as an institution dedicated to providing an exceptional environment for the education of folk arts and traditions of India.
Each of our programs offers instructive coursework, training, faculty expertise, and opportunities for community outreach.
At NSDA, students will find the space to grow creatively through dance in a safe and creative environment and use dance as a resource for service.
Vandita Parikh
Founder, NSDA
NSDA brings the joy of folk dance and allows us to experience the spirituality of dance movement.
Geeta Menon
Founder- One Earth One Chance
Performance