Theckla Mehta

🪔 About

Theckla Mehta is a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, deeply rooted in the Bharatanatyam tradition, and has been a cornerstone of the Dances of India company in St. Louis, USA, for nearly five decades. Her journey into classical Indian dance began after attending an Indian festival with her husband, Raju Mehta, where she was profoundly moved by the art form's comprehensive nature—its ability to convey thought through the eyes, emotions through the face, stories through the hands, and rhythm through the feet. This profound experience led her to become the second-ever dance student of Asha Prem, who co-founded Dances of India in 1976 with her husband, Dr. Prem, to introduce Indian culture to St. Louis. Having joined Dances of India around its inception in 1976, Theckla Mehta has dedicated 48 years to the company, serving as both a performer and a vital choreographer. She collaborates closely with Nartana Premachandra in crafting the intricate dance-theater productions that are a hallmark of Dances of India. These productions often blend mythology with contemporary relevance, making classical Indian dance accessible to modern audiences. Mehta's enduring commitment to the art form is also reflected in her family, as her daughter, Devyani Hunt, and granddaughter, Milana Hunt, are active dancers within the company, carrying forward the artistic legacy she has helped cultivate. While she did not found Dances of India, her long-standing dedication and significant choreographic contributions have established her as an indispensable leader and teacher within this esteemed institution, which has been celebrating its 48th season in 2025-2026. Her work has been instrumental in preserving and promoting classical Indian dance in the United States.