22+
Years of Experience
1
Followers
About
Rachna Nivas is a prominent Kathak artist, choreographer, educator, and activist based in the United States, recognized for her commanding presence, rhythmic precision, and storytelling. She is a distinguished torchbearer of legendary Kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das’s treasured lineage, having trained under his mentorship for over two decades and rising…
Journey Timeline
1998
Began studying Kathak with Pandit Chitresh Das — While a student at UC Berkeley studying Molecular Environmental Biology with a minor in South Asian studies.
1999
Began teaching Kathak — Estimated based on 22 years of teaching experience as of 2021.
2015
Premiered "SPEAK" (initial run) — Collaboration with tap artists Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia at Z Space in San Francisco.
2016
Co-founded Leela Dance Collective — An ensemble dedicated to advancing Kathak.
2016
Spearheaded Leela NY — Began as a grassroots initiative in New York City.
2017
World premiere of "SPEAK" — At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
2021
Leela NY joined Leela Institute of Kathak — Forming a centralized training initiative across multiple U.S. cities.
2022-2023
Dance Research Fellow — Awarded by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
2023-2024
CUNY Dance Initiative Residency
2024-2025
Artist-in-Residence — At 92NY's Harkness Dance Center.
2025
Works & Process residency — Supporting the remount of "SPEAK".
2026
Curating "What Flows Between Us" — A festival of Indian classical dance and music at 92NY.
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 2024 · Artist-in-Residence — 92NY's Harkness Dance Center
- 2025 · Works & Process residency — Works & Process
- 2022 · Dance Research Fellowship — New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
- 2023 · CUNY Dance Initiative Residency — CUNY Dance Initiative
- Isadora Duncan Dance Award Nomination — Isadora Duncan Dance Awards
- Alliance for Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant — Alliance for Traditional Arts
- Zellerbach Family Foundation Community Arts grant — Zellerbach Family Foundation
Media Coverage
- “…an evening of rhythmic magic.”
Los Angeles Dance Chronicle
- “…a sunny break from our me-first fractured world.”
Los Angeles Times
- Son of the Wind Feature
Broadway World Los Angeles
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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