About The School
Our mission is to provide authentic Kathak training for all ages, cultivating a disciplined and structured environment that inspires growth and artistic development. We offer frequent performance opportunities and support professional advancement through examinations, certifications, and a degree pathway. Dedicated to preserving the tradition and purity of Kathak, we are committed to passing this timeless art form to the next generation.
Storytellers School of Dance was founded in 2017 to promote Kathak as an art form. We teach students all over the Houston area and regularly perform at premier events all over Texas. Founder and lifelong student, artist and performer Ekta Popat puts her heart and soul into each student. We maintain the purity and authenticity of Kathak while incorporating some modern elements to keep today’s students engaged. We pursue collaborations with other dance disciplines to promote awareness and creativity.
“As long as you have the desire and commitment, we can teach anyone to dance” – Ekta Popat
Founder Ekta Popat is a disciple of Guru Smt. Shambhavi Dandekar. Ekta is trained in the Benaras Gharana of Kathak and has over 30 years of experience teaching dance. She hopes to give her students the same authentic training that she is fortunate to receive from her guru.
Affiliation and Accreditation
Storytellers is affiliated with and accredited by Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, School of Performing Arts in Pune. Storytellers is one of the Texas exam centers for Bharati Vidyapeeth University. Students are encouraged to take regularly scheduled exams organized by Storytellers and administered by University appointed external examiners.
About the Founder
Ekta left a successful corporate career to follow her passion. Ekta’s vision is to pass on the same authentic training she received from her guru, blending discipline with joy, tradition with creativity, and structure with heart. Her teaching philosophy goes beyond technique—she aims to instill a deep appreciation for culture, expression, and the beauty of Indian classical dance in every student.
Ready to Begin Your Kathak Journey?
Whether you’re taking your first step or returning to the rhythm,
there’s a place for you at Storytellers School of Dance.
Learn, express, and grow through the timeless art of Kathak
in a space built for storytelling and self-discovery.