The Team
Who We Are
Kaavya Rao-Patel
Founder & Director
Kaavya discovered her passion for dance through classical training in Kuchipudi from Smt. Mrinalini Sadananda, and her love for Bollywood from her mom, at the age of5. Over the years, she continued learning and growing, eventually becoming captain of her college dance team for two years, where she led her team to success.
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In 2017, Kaavya founded "Saaya" to share her love of teaching, to the community that helped foster her passion towards dance. With over 13 years of teaching experience, she brings an energy to her classes that helps students not only retain choreography but inspires them to have fun while dancing.
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She continues to share her interest for dance with students of all ages through workshops, classes, and personalized choreography!
Kusum Rao
Instructor
Kusum was drawn to dance at a young age which allowed her to train in many styles including Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Her passion for dance has led her to compete, and win, in various Indian classical dance competitions (Silicon Andhra) and complete her Kuchipudi Rangrapravesham and Bharatanatyam Arangetram at age 13 and 18, respectively.
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She has an immense passion for choreography and sees dance as a mode of expression for herself. She hopes to continue inspiring others to pursue the classical arts and find beauty within our Indian heritage.
Rachna Khatri
Instructor
Rachna discovered her passion for dance during high school and pursued a Dance minor at George Mason University, specializing in Ballet, Modern Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Belly Dancing. While serving as captain of her Bollywood fusion team in college, she choreographed intricate pieces that led the team to success.
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Rachna has 7+ years of teaching experience and continues to collaborate with local dance companies. Since joining Saaya, Rachna continues to advocate for inclusive dance spaces, hosting workshops focused on creativity and expression, and sharing her love for dance.
Rajavi Patel
Instructor
Rajavi has also loved and enjoyed dance, but really tapped into her talent when she joined, and then captained, her college's Bollywood fusion dance team.
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After undergrad, Rajavi joined and competed with Saaya Dance Company at Dance USA Dance, and was on the exec. board for a local dance production company. Her love for the Bollywood industry has only fueld her passion for dance.
Aneesha Udhani
Instructor
Ever since she was a child, dance has been a medium of expression for Aneesha. She has experience in Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Indian Classical, Contemporary, and Jazz through countless classes and workshops, including training at Shiamak Dubai.
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Aneesha was the captain of her Bollywood fusion dance team in college and continued collaborating and dancing after graduation. From intiricate choreography and mesmerizing sets and costumes, she has a deep appreciation for every aspect of the Indian Film Industry's dance and song sequences
Yuti Gandhi
Instructor
From an early age, the rhythm of dance has been with Yuti. With a background rooted in the elegance of Kathak and the vibrant energy of Bollywood, Yuti has performed on countless stages - from prestigious award shows to spirited competitions. Dance isn't just a hobby for Yuti, it's a passion that she wishes to share with everyone around her.
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