Kruti Dance Academy stands as a beacon of Indian culture in Atlanta, Georgia, offering a vibrant and enriching experience in the world of Indian classical and Bollywood dance. Founded in 1995 by Dina Sheth and now led by Artistic Director Shemoni Parekh, Kruti Dance Academy has grown from humble beginnings in a family basement to become the premier Indian dance institution in the southeastern United States.
Shemoni Parekh, Artistic Director of Kruti Dance Academy, in a dynamic Bharatanatyam pose, showcasing her expertise and passion for Indian classical dance
From Passion to Profession: The Kruti Dance Academy Story
The story of Kruti Dance Academy is deeply intertwined with the passion of its founder, Dina Sheth. With degrees in Microbiology and Indian Classical dance from MS University Vadodara, India, Dina’s initial career path took an inspiring turn after the birth of her daughter, Shemoni. Recognizing a need to connect Indian-American youth with their rich cultural heritage, Dina transitioned from science to dance, establishing Kruti Dance Academy. Her vision was to bridge the cultural gap and instill an appreciation for India’s artistic traditions through the expressive medium of dance. What started as classes in the family basement in 1995 quickly blossomed as the community embraced her dedication and vision.
Growth and Evolution: Building a Premier Dance Destination
As word spread and enrollment grew, Kruti Dance Academy moved from its home-based classes to rented studio spaces. This steady growth culminated in a significant milestone: the establishment of a custom-built, state-of-the-art 9,000 sq. ft. facility in Duluth, GA. This expansion solidified Kruti’s position as a leading dance institution, providing ample space and resources to nurture talent and expand its offerings. Today, Kruti Dance Academy proudly stands as the premier Indian dance institution in the entire southeast United States, attracting students from across the region and beyond.
Shemoni Parekh: From Student to Artistic Director
Shemoni Parekh, Dina’s daughter, embodies the academy’s spirit and legacy. Having learned dance from her mother since the age of two, dance has been an integral part of Shemoni’s life. It served not only as a passion but also as a creative outlet amidst the demands of academics and professional life. Shemoni’s journey progressed from student to teacher at 16, and then to choreographer, showcasing her own innovative work at community events. Despite pursuing an Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and working at IBM, Shemoni’s deep connection to dance led her back to Kruti full-time in 2010. Her engineering background, surprisingly, became a valuable asset in managing and strategically growing the academy.
National and International Recognition: Kruti’s Accolades
Kruti Dance Academy’s commitment to excellence and innovation has garnered significant recognition on national and international stages. In 2010, Shemoni led a Kruti team to the live shows of America’s Got Talent, reaching the Top 25 Wildcard Round from over 100,000 acts – a testament to their talent and captivating performances. Further solidifying their international presence, a Kruti team reached the finals of Chak Dhoom Dhoom, a prominent international dance reality TV show broadcast in India. Shemoni’s choreographic talents have also been recognized by So You Think You Can Dance Canada, and Kruti’s participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stands as another proud achievement. Beyond reality TV, Shemoni has contributed to a feature documentary on Bollywood musicals for Filmstruck and been featured in PBA30’s Secret Atlanta mini-documentary, highlighting Kruti Dance Academy as an “Atlanta’s Hidden Treasure.”
More Than Just Dance: A Holistic Approach to Student Development
Kruti Dance Academy distinguishes itself by taking a 360-degree approach to student development. Beyond rigorous dance training in Bharatanatyam and Bollywood styles, the academy focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals. Students at Kruti develop essential life skills such as discipline, time management, public speaking, and leadership. This holistic approach is reflected in the success of Kruti alumni, many of whom have gained admission to top universities nationwide, crediting Kruti for contributing to their achievements. Kruti Dance Academy is not just a dance school; it’s a place where young individuals are molded into confident, capable, and culturally aware adults.
Atlanta: A Vibrant Cultural Hub
Kruti Dance Academy is proud to call Atlanta home, a city Shemoni describes as a rapidly evolving cultural hotspot. Atlanta’s rich local culture, enhanced by diverse communities from across the US and the world, creates a harmonious and enriching environment. The city’s world-class infrastructure, including its airport, universities, and growing vegan food scene, further contribute to its appeal. While acknowledging traffic as a challenge, Shemoni appreciates Atlanta’s focus on alternative fuel vehicles and hopes for continued improvements in transportation infrastructure to support the city’s growth.
Connect with Kruti Dance Academy
Kruti Dance Academy invites you to explore the beauty and dynamism of Indian dance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, Kruti offers a welcoming and professional environment to learn and grow.
Contact Information:
- Address: 3250 Breckinridge Blvd, Suite 107, Duluth Ga 30096
- Website: www.kruti.com
- Phone: 7702489928
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/krutidanceacademy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/krutidanceacademy
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/krutidance
