BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Marietta, GA, May 20, 2025: On May 10th, Naach Dance Academy lit up Smitha Middle School in Marietta with its third annual recital, Jazbaat 2025, captivating a full house of over 325 attendees. More than 75 dancers, from toddlers to adults, took to the stage in a mesmerizing showcase that explored Nava Rasas, the nine classical Indian emotions, through 12 vibrant and theatrical dance performances.
Blending Bollywood, Folk, Contemporary, and Kathak styles, the production brought emotions like joy, fear, courage, and compassion to life. Performers delved into themes from bullying to inner strength, all choreographed to reflect the deeper meaning behind every emotion.
“Dance is incomplete without emotion,” said Sareena Nagpal, founder and artistic director of Naach Dance Academy, in a conversation with NRI Pulse. “This show was about making our students not just perform, but truly feel and express each emotion. Even our youngest dancers embraced the concept beautifully. We’re thrilled with the response.”
The recital was further elevated by the presence of several notable guests. Among them were Gaurav Kumar Narayan, President of the Andrew J. Young Foundation; Samir Patel, Superior Court Judge for the Cherokee Judicial Circuit; Aparna Bhattacharyya, Executive Director of Raksha, Inc.; Dr. Nazeera Dawood, CEO of Vendorship Inc.; and Parmesh “Bob” Erramilli, Johns Creek City Council Member and founder of the “I Rose Up” youth mentoring program.
Speaking to NRI Pulse, Erramilli said, “Dance is a step toward making Indian art a part of mainstream American culture. Teachers like Sareena are doing incredible work to preserve and share our heritage. Culture lives through people, and dance brings it to life.”
Among the standout moments were performances from the academy’s adult students. Sahaja Bandar and Sahithi Reddy, both of whom returned to the stage after more than a decade, told NRI Pulse: “We loved it! We first enrolled our daughters in Naach, and we enjoyed it so much, we joined too. Now it’s a family tradition!”
Young performers Saanvi Bolisetty and Aryana Reddy were equally thrilled. “Our dance was about happiness and peace,” said Aryana. “I love dancing and making it fun!” Saanvi added, “I was a little nervous, but I had so much fun!”
Jazbaat 2025 not only highlighted the talent nurtured by Naach Dance Academy but also underscored its role as a vibrant hub for community and cultural connection. Founded in 2019, the academy continues to be a driving force in the metro Atlanta Indian-American arts scene, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection across generations.
With emotions as the language and dance as the medium, Jazbaat 2025 proved that art has the power to unite, uplift, and inspire.
