Meet the Dancers

Sahana Kumar embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of 5 under the guidance of Guru Smt. Roopa Suresh at the San Jose Branch of Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy (VSDA), an institution renowned for its excellence in the California Bay Area. Over the past 11 years, she has performed in major VSDA productions, including Parampara and Infinite Facets, and completed her Arangetram in January 2024.

Beyond Bharatanatyam, Sahana has trained in Carnatic music for 11 years under Smt. Geetha Ravi, deepening her grounding in rhythm and melody. She has also been an active member and leader in the Carnatic Chamber Concerts (CCC) community, serving as Senior Editor of the CCC magazine for the past three years, where she curates content celebrating young musicians while continuing to contribute through her own music.

At Saratoga High School, where she is a senior, Sahana is deeply involved in the performing arts as a member of Choir, Drama, and Musical Theatre. She also thrives in the Media Arts Program (MAP), where she has directed, edited, and acted in projects that have secured nominations and awards in competitions. In addition, she is a Varsity Water Polo goalkeeper and a TEDx speaker, reflecting her diverse interests and leadership.

Sahana's passion for service is equally strong. For six years, she has been part of USKids4Water's Spoken English Program (SEP), teaching English to students in rural Tamil Nadu villages. This work connects her artistry to community impact, embodying her belief in art and education as forces for change.

Sarika, a senior at Los Altos High School, began her dance journey under the guidance of Guru Smt. Shreelata Suresh at the age of 6. Beyond dance, she channels her passion for sustainability and mock trial, alongside her enthusiasm for science. Sarika actively participates in her school's Motorsport Club and dedicates time as a resource management steward for local Open Space Preserves. In her leisure, she finds joy in hiking, solving jigsaw puzzles, and delving into mystery novels. The Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy community supports her not only in dance but also in exploring her cultural roots through dance photography.

Kirthana is a junior at Aragon High School and is passionate about pursuing a future in medicine. She actively engages in non-profit work that advances science education for underserved communities—a cause that fuels her ambition and sense of purpose. Outside academics, she is an accomplished painter whose works have been exhibited at various venues.

Kirthana's Bharatanatyam journey began at age nine under Guru Smt. Shreelata Suresh at Vishwa Shanthi Dance Academy. Over the years, she has performed at cultural events, libraries, and temples, refining her artistry and stage presence. She recently participated in VSDA's productions Infinite Facets and Kanha Kanna, which enriched her appreciation for Indian art forms and taught the value of collaboration and commitment. Earlier this year, she completed her arangetram, a solo debut performance and earned the title Natyapraveena, a distinguished milestone in a Bharatanatyam dancer's career.