Leela Youth Dance Company

Activating Youth Voices through World-Class Training and Mentorship in Classical Indian Dance and Music

“Dancing is more than a passion…it is an intrinsic part of my identity”

Pragya Agarwal, Age 17

“I’ve been a dancer for a long time, and something that used to be a class has become a part of my life”

Ananya Bhardwaj, Age 16

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About Leela Youth Dance Company

Leela Youth Dance Company (LYDC) is an audition-based, pre-professional performing group under the artistic direction of kathak artist and educator, Rukhmani Mehta. The program champions excellence in kathak, classical dance of North India and serves as a platform for youth leadership development. Through world-class training and mentorship, the program empowers teens to develop their own voices and become advocates and ambassadors for Indian classical art and culture within their communities and in the world. LYDC has performed nationally in numerous prestigious festivals and venues including WorldWideWomen’s Girl’s Festival, San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts, Philadelphia Youth Festival, LA County’s Annual Holiday Celebration, and more.

Faculty

Artistic Director: Rukhmani Mehta

Senior Faculty: Seibi Lee, Joanna Meinl

Junior Faculty: Ahana Mukherjee

Members

Alumni

Avni Madhu

Mahika Goswamy

Ananya Bhardwaj

Maya Bhatia

Anaya Doshi

Pragya Agarwal

Varnika Bhat

Maanvi Dhadoti

Shriya Patel

Prisha Patel

Anvi Joshi

Sharra Kutty

Namita Nair

Maanibha Sengupta

Malika Saoji

Divija Keswani

Anika Pisal

Monishka Tanwan

Kaavya Venuturupalli
Anirra Kutty

Poorvi Sangli

Tvisha Soni
Anushka Bettigiri
Praajnya Gowder

Watch the Company

Leela Youth Dance Company is proud to make select performances available for viewing to audience members world wide on its youtube channel. Take a look at some of the company’s most recent performances across the United States, solo performances by company members as well archival performances featuring youth company alumni and more.

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Join the Company

Leela Youth Dance Company members begin their training at an early age. Most company members gain their foundational training through Leela’s year-round classes and summer programs offered in Westlake Village and Culver City. Learn More about these programs here.

Auditions for the company are held every May. Young dancers (ages 12-17) that demonstrate an exemplary dedication in their study of kathak are encouraged to apply. It is recommended that dancers have a minimum of 4-5 years of training before auditioning. If accepted into the company, dancers must meet the company’s rigorous training and performance requirements and serve as ambassadors of Indian classical in their communities and beyond.

For More Information
323.457.4522 | youthcompany@leela.dance