NSDA was established in 1994, by Vandita Parikh, in Chennai, India. NSDA aims to promote Indian folk dances, preserve Indian folk culture, and produce quality performances highlighting the beauty, depth, and vastness of Indian folk arts.
As NSDA grew in popularity, the academy began performing at various shows and cultural events. In India, NSDA choreographed dances for local schools and colleges for competitions and cultural events. NSDA was also featured on Indian television media, such as Sun TV, Sony TV's Boogie Woogie, Doordarshan India, and India's Republic Day celebrations. By the late 90s, NSDA began incorporating workshops from local dance experts into its dance curriculum. Through this, Vandita was able to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of folk dances in her student base.
2003 marked a new era for NSDA when it started its operations in Dallas, Texas. With locations at Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Coppell, the academy has become one of the premier dance schools in the DFW metroplex, with a student body of over 130. In addition to offering curriculum-based dance classes and dance workshops, NSDA offers courses on dance theory and encourages student participation through its various service opportunities.
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.
Every Indian state has a unique manner of celebrating customs, traditions, and festivals. Historically, Indian folk dances reflect these celebrations through performances at local temples or during cultural holidays. As such, these initiatives provide students with a platform to learn the history of folk dances while also creating performance opportunities for its student base. Additionally, Nrithya Seva fosters community enrichment by creating many volunteer opportunities for NSDA students.
NSDA offers dance classes for differently abled individuals. She works with students and parents to create an individualized dance curriculum that allows students to express their creativity in a safe and nurturing environment.
NSDA students can also take "dance yoga" classes. Recognized by the "Indian Association of North Texas" and the "Healthy You Lifestyle Center," NSDA's dance yoga classes intend to alleviate stress and anxiety by improving mental health and well-being. Students do not need any prior dance or yoga experience to join.
Through "Dance as Therapy," Vandita has supported the Dallas Alzheimer's Association and several local senior centers.
