I have been dancing since I was 5 years old and have completed my Rangmanch Pravesh (Kathak graduation) in 2017. I also have some Bollywood experience and was on 2 competitive dance teams in college. I love to dance to fully express myself and tell different stories. I want to help other people find that outlet and share their emotions in a different way while also having fun and enjoying good music! I am teaching both Kathak and Bollywood right now.
Jhalak Dance AcademyMission Statement
Jhalak Dance Academy is committed to nurturing creativity, inspiring passion, and empowering individuals through the art of dance. Our mission is to provide a transformative dance education that goes beyond technique, fostering self-expression, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. At Jhalak, we believe in celebrating diversity, fostering a sense of community, and instilling lifelong values of discipline, confidence, and resilience. Through innovative teaching methodologies and a dedication to artistic excellence, we aim to shape not only skilled dancers but also well-rounded individuals who embrace the beauty of movement and carry it into every facet of their lives.
Jhalak Dance AcademyCore Values
Journey of Self-Discovery: We believe in guiding dancers on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the art of dance, helping them uncover their true potential and innermost expressions.
Harmony in Diversity: We celebrate the richness of diverse cultures and dance styles, fostering an environment where people from all walks of life come together in harmony, appreciating and learning from one another.
Artistic Innovation: We constantly push the boundaries of traditional dance forms, encouraging creative exploration and innovative choreography that challenges the norm and paves the way for new artistic expressions.
Lifelong Passion: Our commitment is not just to teach dance, but to instill a lifelong passion for movement. We aim to create dancers who carry their love for dance throughout their lives, enriching their personal journeys.
Adaptive Learning: Recognizing that every dancer is unique, we tailor our teaching methods to adapt to individual learning styles and aspirations, ensuring that each student’s growth is nurtured in a personalized manner.
Knowledge Sharing: We believe in the power of knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. Our instructors, students, and community members come together to share insights, techniques, and inspiration, creating a culture of continuous learning.
Learning from you Pooja was a great experience!!! You are an excellent and a very patient instructor. Loved learning from you!!!.
Upasana GuptaBride
Kids had a lot of fun. Thanks for organizing the Christmas Party.
Nishtha SanghaniParent
It was good and interactive – Pihu loved the art ones, preparing weekly drama and presenting at the end of the week and Splash water activity.
Bijal PatelParent
You are such a wonderful teacher and big sister to Riva and we can’t thank you enough for all that you give. It’s so much more than just dance lessons.
Namita ShahParent
We offer three easy ways to learn more about Jhalak Dance Academy!
Your schedule is busier than ever and your children have so many activities to choose from! That’s why choosing the right dance program is important to you. In our classes we treat our students like our children. Our goal is likely the same as your goal — building a confident child who is active, happy and supported in their creative process
Meet Our Amazing Teachers!
Sneha Mishra
Jinu Scaria
Jinu Scaria
Jinu comes with 7 plus years of learning Bollywood and Belly Dance. She has been learning from
international teachers to learn the classical and authentic Belly Dancing. She has been teaching Bollywood
classes in the past 5 years and Belly Dance classes in the last 3 years. Her love for Bollywood music
inspired me to start fusion classes, which is Belly dance with a twist of Bollywood moves. Jinu has
performed for various competitions and TV shows as a background dancer.
“Dance has given me this new found confidence in me that I would love to introduce and share with
others.”
Belly Dancing is a style which will let you embrace your body and will make you fall in love with your
skin. Belly dancing helps promote strength both mind and body. With the perfect addition of Bollywood
moves you will have a lot of fun along side gaining a lot of control on your muscles that you hardly use
on your day-to-day life. This style is for all shapes and sizes and gender and for absolute beginners to
Dance
Vishakha Goyal
Dance Instructor
Vishakha Goyal's BioVishakha Goyal
Dance InstructorVishakha has experience in performing Kathak for more than 6 years. She completed her Bhushan level from Pracheen Kala Kendra. She also has experience choreographing for various dance competitions. She believes that dance is the best way to express emotions and wants to help others do the same.
Pooja Mehta
Owner & Director
Pooja Mehta's BioPooja Mehta
Owner & DirectorPooja Mehta has been teaching Bollywood Fusion dance to children and adults for the past 10 years. She also has broad experience in Bollywood dance as well as Indian classical dances, Bharatnatyam and Kathak. Ms. Mehta studied with Nartan Dance Academy of Indian Classical Dance Kathak.
Ms. Mehta’s following continues to grow and Jhalak Dance Academy continues to expand. They have also expanded to offer classes in community dance studios and local fitness institutions, making dance available to everyone!
With excellent instruction, a mind to be fit and a heart to dance, Jhalak Dance Academy continues to be the place to dance in the Upper Montgomery County region.
Pooja Mehta has a B.A. In Theatre and a minor in Technological Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland. She is also a Hillman Entrepreneurship Scholar.
Aastha Pandita
Dance Instructor
Aastha Pandita's BioAastha Pandita
Dance InstructorDancing is more than an activity for me, it’s passion, meditation, love and expression combined in one. I am dancing ever since I remember. Performing at various national/state events in India and teaching bollywood, contemporary and themed choreography, has always been an exciting part of my life. It feels happy to connect others with dance and let them feel the positivity.