TEACHING TEAM

ASHA BALA, DIRECTOR

The North Carolina Heritage Award is the highest award given by the Governor to artists for their outstanding contribution to the State of North Carolina. A worthy recipient of the 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award, Asha Bala is an accomplished dancer and teacher, who has been training students in Bharata Natyam since 1984. She began her teaching career in Mumbai, where she established her first school of dance, Nritya Shala, offering meticulous instruction in the demanding technique of Bharata Natyam.

Having received extensive training under eminent gurus such as Kalaimamani Mahalingam Pillai and Kalaimamani Kalyana Sundaram of Sri Raja Rajeshwari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir, Asha's quest for knowledge led her to further her dance education at the highly acclaimed performing arts college, Nalanda Nritya Kala Maha Vidyalaya. The rigorous five-year BFA & MFA programs in Bharata Natyam, guided by Padmabhushan Dr. Kanak Rele and Guru Soundararajan, provided her with a profound appreciation and understanding of India's rich dance tradition. Pursuing a second Master’s in Modern Dance at American University under the mentorship of Dr. Naima Prevots, she further widened her perspective and respect for different genres of dance.

As a skilled performer, Asha garnered worldwide recognition for her performances at prestigious theaters such as The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, The Smithsonian in Washington DC, Music Academy in Chennai, and The National Center for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, among others.

With her in-depth knowledge of the dance form combined with her passion for teaching, Asha has tirelessly imparted her expertise to aspiring students, guiding many towards their Arangetram and beyond. Through her evolved teaching methodology, students not only master the techniques but also come to appreciate the culture and tradition of classical Indian dance.

Leela School of Dance is the culmination of her life’s work and the realization of her goal to establish a center for quality dance education, where instruction combines practical training with an academic foundation. She is thrilled to share her passion for dance with young dancers and to guide them on this transformative journey in an environment that is nurturing and inspiring.

SMITHA K. PRASAD, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, MUSIC FOR DANCERS

Smitha is a US based Indian Carnatic classical vocalist. A senior disciple of renowned musician and musicologist, Vidushi T.S. Vasanthamadhavi, Smitha is a regular performer both in the US and in India. Recipient of the 2013 Regional Artist by the United Arts Council in North Carolina, Smitha is the first Carnatic musician to have achieved this distinction. She released a CD of traditional Carnatic music compositions as an initiative of the Regional Artist Project Grant.

Smitha has worked on many collaborative projects with artists from different genres. Additionally, she has written a number of articles on Carnatic music for both print and web publications.

To learn more about Smitha, please visit her website www.smithakprasad.com

STUDENT TEACHERS

At Leela School of Dance, our student teachers play an essential role in preserving and nurturing the art of Bharatanatyam. These dedicated individuals, who have progressed through rigorous training and demonstrated exceptional skill and passion, serve as both mentors and role models for younger students. Their journey from learners to leaders reflects their deep commitment to the art form and their desire to share their knowledge and experience. By assisting in classes and providing guidance, our student teachers help foster a supportive and inspiring learning environment. They embody the values of discipline, perseverance, and artistic excellence, contributing not only to their own growth but also to the enrichment of our entire dance community.

Dance

  • VAIDEHI PARMAR

    Since she was five, Vaidehi Parmar has been a diligent student of Asha Aunty and had begun assisting Asha Aunty with teaching the younger students in 2022. Being able to speak with dance students from all ages, levels, and range has improved her communication and increased her love for the art form even more. At any class she is always willing to give a helping hand and enjoys every moment spent at the dance studio.

  • PRATISHTHA KOTHARI

    Pratishtha Kothari, a student instructor at Leela has been a passionate dancer for the last 10 years. Bharata Natyam has become an integral part of her daily life. Beyond rigorous practices, she cherishes the community at Leela. As a student- teacher, she finds joy in sharing her love for dance with kids and witnessing their growth. Teaching has provided a new perspective, allowing her to appreciate the lessons that Bharata Natyam has to offer.

  • SHIVALI BHASKARABATLA

    Shivali Bhaskarabatla has been a dedicated Bharata Natyam dancer for the past 9 years and a student at Leela School of Dance for the past year. Aside from dancing, she embraces the Leela family and loves being a part of all the Leela events. Becoming a student teacher has been an experience which allowed her to explore the depths of the art form and share her love of dance with young kids while also learning from them.

Music

  • YASHICA PARAMKUSHAM

    Yashica Paramkusham is a student of Smt. Smitha K. Prasad and has been studying Carnatic music for the past 11 years. She has performed for various classical music organizations throughout North Carolina. She is in her final year at UNC Chapel Hill and will be graduating in May with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. In the future she hopes to open her own music school to pass down her love for this beautiful art

  • ADWITA ARVIND

    Adwita Arvind, a high school senior, has been studying Carnatic music since the age of six under Smitha Prasad. An enthusiastic musician and aspiring music educator, she loves sharing her passion for music with younger students. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Music for Dancers students, who have enriched her growth as both a teacher and a performer.