Rukhmani Mehta
Kathak Performer • Teacher
18+
Years of Experience
1
Followers
About
Rukhmani Mehta, formerly known as Rina Mehta, is a distinguished Kathak artist, choreographer, and educator, recognized for her contributions to Indian classical dance at the intersection of tradition and contemporary performance. A senior disciple of the legendary Kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das, Mehta trained with him in the guru-shishya parampara…
Journey Timeline
2000
Began studying Kathak under Pandit Chitresh Das
2006
Joined Chitresh Das Dance Company as a principal dancer
2008
Led the expansion of Chhandam School of Kathak to Los Angeles
2010
Moved to Los Angeles and began teaching and performing full-time as a soloist
2012
Awarded Fulbright Scholars Grant — Researched the impact of Kathak dance on the empowerment of marginalized young women in Mumbai, India
2015
Founded The Leela Institute (later Leela Academy) — Became a non-profit organization in Los Angeles
2015
Co-founded Leela Dance Collective — With fellow disciples Seibi Lee and Rachna Nivas, to continue the legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das
2023
The Leela Foundation reached its initial $1 million funding goal — The first endowment fund dedicated to Kathak dance and Hindustani classical music in the U.S.
Photo Gallery
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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
- 2012 · Fulbright Award — U.S. government (Fulbright Program)
- Alliance for California Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant — Alliance for California Traditional Arts
- Isadora Duncan Award Nomination (Company performance)
Media Coverage
- Review of SPEAK
Bach Track
- Review of Sandhi
LA Dance Chronicle
- Review of SPEAK
ThINKingDANCE
- Review of Encounters with Beauty
LA Dance Chronicle
- Review of Son of the Wind
LA Dance Chronicle
Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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