Heemaja Mewada
Dance has been a passion of mine for a long time. I have done Kathak with Ritu Aunty since I was 7, until I started my training for my Manch Pravesh at 16 years old--which makes it a total of 9 1/2 years! When Aunty approached my parents and I about doing my graduation, I was shocked to say the least. My goal has always been to graduate and I did not think it would happen so soon. Ritu Aunty has always seen potential in me, and I couldn't be more grateful for that. The preparation that took place to be able to dance for an occasion of this magnitude, was so different than what I was used to. It took hours and hours of practice, memorization, dedication, and a lot of pain! However, through this process, I am now the healthiest I have ever been. The discipline and the strength that I gained from this, is something I would not trade for anything. Dance is my passion, and I will continue to love doing it .
Simona Gupta
I started dancing at the age of six. Ever since, I have considered dance to be a passion. No matter what type of style, whether it be Kathak, Bollywood, or just dancing for fun, being able to perform on stage while dancing my heart out is something I will always be grateful for.
Gauri Goswamy
My Manchpravesh experience was fantastic. The culmination of years of learning Kathak and months of working one on one with Ritu auntie to get ready was an experience I will never forget. Right from the beginning Ritu Auntie was on top of things, working with me, goading me, pushing me to work harder and harder, all in an effort to bring out the best in me. Getting ready for a performance like this is not easy, but the sense of accomplishment that you get once you have successfully completed your Manchpravesh is indescribable.
Anjali Singh
I have been dancing with Ritu aunty for 9 years and it has been an amazing experience. I have been interested in kathak from a very young age. I would watch my sister and try to copy her doing the steps and mudras. My goal has always been to graduate and I and so glad that I have finally achieved that goal and that Ritu aunty was there every step of the way. I have learnt a lot from Ritu aunty and hope to continue learning from her. These past years have given me a lot of experience with performing, costumes, and dance in general. Learning kathak from Ritu aunty has always been a big part in my life and I hope that it continues to be since I have loved it so much.
Deepeksha Bhatia
By the time I met my guru Rituparna Mukherjee at the age of 12, I was already, in her words, a “ready-made dancer” complete with my own style and a set of hips that moved like those of a skilled Bollywood dancer. I joined Ritu Aunty’s Bollywood dancing group and she quickly became one of the gals, my friend and confidante. I blossomed among a sorority of dancers, a group of girls so tight knit that many of them have now turned into family, 10 years later. As a dancer, my style was polished.
Rhea Bhagia
I have been learning dance from Shrimathi Rituparna Mukherjee for the past ten years. I started my dance career at Nrityangan Cultural Dance Academy at the tender age of four. It was here at Nrityangan that I fell in love with dancing. My love for dancing and commitment to remain close to my Indian heritage brought me to complete my Kathak Visharad after nine years of training. I have enjoyed dance, whether it is classical Kathak, tap, ballet or Bollywood dance. I have performed on stage on many occasions including the Annual Festival of India, school talent shows, National Academic Games League of America talent show, multiple fundraisers for worthy charities like “Maiti Nepal” and the Hindu Center of Charlotte, as well as at several local parties. The wonderful training and compassion from Ritu aunty has helped me grow to a more graceful, confident dancer. Along with the high level of instruction I have received, I have found many groups of friends who are always by my side. I have developed an appreciation for dance and life that I always want to share with others..