NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Photos by Arvind Shukla and Snap Tales
Marietta, GA – The Naach Dance Academy’s Indian dance recital, “Life Stages,” held on May 11th at the Smitha Middle School Theater, was a dazzling celebration of culture and artistry. The event, attended by 500 people from both in and out of state, showcased the journey of life through dance, from childhood to old age.
“Life Stages” depicted the various phases of life, including school years, teenage transitions, love, breakups, the pursuit of passion, marriage, parenthood, life’s monotony, and old age. The performances featured 125 dancers, ranging in age from 4 to 65, and included participants of diverse nationalities, such as African, American, and Indian. The audience was captivated by the vibrant costumes, intricate footwork, and expressive movements of the performers, who presented Bollywood, Kathak, and Indian folk dances.
The event was graced by several community leaders, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and inclusivity. Notable attendees included Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid, Judge Neera Bahl, Commissioner District 5 Candidate Sunnie Agarwal, and Dilip Tunki from the City of Johns Creek.
In addition to the mesmerizing performances, Naach Dance Academy honored five South Asian leaders for their significant contributions to the community. The honorees were:
- Ashwin Ramaswami, Candidate for State Senate
- Devesh Ranjan, Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Georgia Tech
- Veena Rao, award-winning journalist and founding editor and publisher of NRI Pulse
- Kamlesh Chugh, organizer of beauty pageants, including events at New York Fashion Week
- Swetha Pakala, Atlanta community events organizer
The event also highlighted Naach’s extensive impact across Georgia, with over 100 performances at various corporate and community events, including upcoming performances at the Braves opening game on May 19th and the Peachtree Run on July 4th at the Woodruff Arts Center.
Founded in January 2019 by Sareena Nagpal, an architect with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Design from Carnegie Mellon University, Naach is the largest Indian dance academy in Cobb County. The academy’s vision emphasizes personal transformation through dance, encouraging students to explore their emotions and communicate their stories, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
