Meet the Team
Guru-Shishya Vikas (Teaching Pathways)
Our teaching pathways are designed to support the growth and development of
each teacher at every stage of their journey. From dedicated students gaining teaching experience to professional educators, we celebrate the progression of knowledge and responsibility in the Kathak tradition
Artistic Director and founder of Nrityanvita Kathak Academy
Anvita Sharma
Anvita Sharma has trained for over 25 years in this art form. She has been teaching Kathak to the community in Southern California since 2007, and is a disciple of Guru Rachana Upadhyay and Smt. Durga Arya
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Lead disciples who conduct classes under direction. They follow pre-planned choreography and lesson structures, while developing leadership skills and consistency in teaching. They also sub classes occasionally
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Anisha Ahuja
Anisha Ahuja is a PhD candidate and adjunct professor in Los Angeles. She has been with Nrityanvita Kathak Academy for 10 years and started providing teaching support in 2023. Anisha also runs one of her own classes in Pasadena for the Academy! She’s also a member of our dance troupe and when she is not dancing, Anisha is busy writing her dissertation on the history of dance in North India!
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Vasudha Vasudevasastry
Vasudha, dreamt of pursuing Kathak since childhood. “This dream came true when I started my Kathak Journey with Anvita Didi during the pandemic.” Vasudha has been a sincere and dedicated student of Kathak since she joined the academy, and started filling in as a substitute to help with sudden growth of classes the Academy experienced. She now co-teaches a few classes in Irvine and sometimes runs her own! She is also a Program Manager in the software industry by profession and Mother to 2 energetic boys.
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Lakmee Weerasinghe
Lakmee is a vibrant and dedicated student teacher, bringing a rich tapestry of dance experience as one of our principal company dancers. With a strong foundation in both the intricate rhythms of Kathak and the expressive movements of Kandyan dance, she offers a unique perspective and artistry. She also serves our Orange County community as a substitute teacher, inspiring new dancers with her energy and expertise. Currently she leads our Anaheim Adult beginner class, and our new Kathak kids class in Irvine
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Kusum Sharma
Kusum has been recognized for her extraordinary dedication and rapid excellence in Kathak. In just 2 years with the Academy, her intensive practice resulted in a strong mastery of complex compositions and deep theoretical understanding. Her commitment earned her a leadership position, and she now successfully leads one of our classes in Mid-City LA. A dedicated Shishya, Kusum represents the passion and precision of the Academy’s next generation of teachers.
Pramukh Shishya (Lead Student Teacher)
Ashly Jose
Ashly has been with the academy since 2018 but has always learned through virtual one-on-one lessons. She began in high school
and has continued even after moving to Hawaii and becoming an English teacher.
Already an accomplished dancer, Ashly had her first Arangetram at age 7 in India, trained in multiple classical styles, and even performed a second Arangetram in 2018 that showcased them all, including Kathak. She has her own Bharatnatyam academy and inspires us all with her dedication, talent, and lifelong love for dance. She is now co-teaching our newest virtual Kathak class!
Vistarika (Junior Faculty)
Teachers-in-training with greater independence, contributing to
lesson planning, choreography, and creative direction. They have more responsibilities behind the scenes and collaborate closely with senior faculty. Vistarikas can lead classes and sub when needed
Vistarika (Junior Faculty)
Rishika Ravichandran
Rishika, is an exceptionally talented young member of our academy. She is currently a student at UC San Diego studying Mathematics Computer Science. She joined Nrityanvita Kathak Academy when she was 11, and has developed a strong passion and love for this dance style over the past 8+ years. She is one of our of our principal company dancers, a regular substitute Kathak instructor for our Pasadena and Irvine classes, and runs an adult class in San Diego at our newest location. Rishika has also trained in Bharatanatyam and Hip Hop in the past. Rishika loves sharing her skills and knowledge with others.
Nipun Shikshak (Associate Teacher)
Reliable, semi-independant teachers who can mentor junior students. They help with adapting material, providing support, and can lead/co-teach their own classes
Nipun Shikshak (Associate Teacher)
Aashi Jhawer
Aashi Jhawer has been training in Kathak for over 15 years (since 2010) under Guru Rachana Upadhyay, the same guru as our Director, Anvita Sharma. She earned her Bachelor's in Kathak and Hindustani Classical Music while still in high school, giving her a deep foundation in taal and rhythm. She began at our academy as a substitute teacher for some of our Los Angeles classes, and now co-leads our new Virtual Kathak class. Currently, Aashi is studying Human Biology & Society and Business Economics at UCLA.
Shishya (Student Teacher)
Intermediate or advanced disciples who work closely under the guidance of the Guru assisting or subbing occasionally and following detailed lesson plans, gaining experience through shadowing and minor leadership tasks.
Sahachari (Guest Instructor)
Independent Kathak artists invited to teach select classes at the academy. They bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our students, while adhering to the values and teachings of the academy.