Testimonials

I started learning at SSD last September and it has been amazing! Ekta ma’am is such a kind, warm and caring guru. Her dedication to this beautiful art form is evident through her thorough style of teaching. She is very patient with us and makes sure that we master the fundamentals of Kathak before teaching us more advanced compositions. I will be performing at my first recital with SSD and could not be more excited! I consider myself fortunate to be learning from such a great guru and eagerly look forward to continuing this incredible journey! :)

– Vaidehi Joshi (Student)

I consider my daughter Sonia and myself to be very fortunate to have found Storytellers School of Dance, an awesome institution. Guru Ekta Popat is a wonderful teacher, admired by all, very learned, dedicated, passionate, kind, loving and always encouraging. We look forward to our Saturday sessions of our Kathak class. The teaching is not only meticulous and systematic, but our Guru Ekta has made our journey enjoyable and fun. We love our Kathak family and look forward to another wonderful year of learning and our journey of Kathak with SSD.
– Dipika Ambani (Student & Parent)

 Jahnvi loves Kathak! She never complains about going to class and anytime she has to miss or we have an off week she’s so upset! Ekta is a wonderful patient teacher who our daughter loves! 

– Nidhi Malpani (Parent) 

I’ve been with Storytellers School of Dance for 2 years now, and it’s been such a fun experience. My dance skills have improved significantly and I have especially fine-tuned my dance movements.  I look forward to dancing with my classmates and Guru for many years to come and hopefully one day can teach a class myself. 

– Jiya Patel (Student)

Our experience with SSD has been nothing but wonderful. The Kathak instructor/guru, Ekta, is extremely patient with the kids and you can see her passion for dance through her own instruction and performances. Kathak, like all other classic forms of dance, requires discipline. To be able to see what the girls have learned and practiced for throughout the year as a final product in the recital, is absolutely beautiful. I've always felt dance is an expression of the soul and to see that come through from my daughter and SSD is really amazing. 

– Sweta Sarolia (Parent)

About one and a half years ago, I embarked on my journey to learn Kathak from Ekta Aunty. She is the most patient, sweet, and kind person I know, making her the best guru and human being to look up to. As the two-year mark comes near, I have realized that there’s no other institution that I would like to learn Kathak from. The experience has made me realize our dance floor is my second home. Every Saturday, she greets us with a warm smile and a hug before we begin our class which makes her passion and dedication to Kathak and us evident.  I would not trade Storytellers School of Dance for any other dance studio. Thank you so much Ekta Aunty for the wonderful environment you have created for me!!!!!

– Aarohi Thakar (Student)
 

We are so blessed to have Ektaji as our daughter’s kathak teacher - she is a great influence on the kids. A great motivator and an extremely dedicated teacher. She went an extra mile to take additional lessons for Nyra to bring her up to speed.

– Disha Bhandari (Parent)

I have been in Storyteller’s School of Dance for the past two years. It has been an amazing experience to have learned different types of Indian stories and to be able to show them in dance form. What makes Kathak so amazing is having a talented, kind, beautiful Kathak teacher like Ekta Aunty. She is the most graceful Kathak dancer I know, and she is so supportive.  I look forward to learning from my guru for many more years.

– Ariyana Patel (Student)

Thank YOU Ekta Didi for opening up this new world for me! I’ve been in love with kathak my whole life but I thought I missed my window of opportunity because I didn’t start a formal training from a young age. But then fortune favored me and our paths crossed and I really want to thank you for taking me on as a student! I know I have a ways to go but I’m really excited about this journey and am in love with this beautiful kathak family ⭐⭐ Thank you for sharing  kathak with Houston!! This whole experience has been one of the highlights of my year so far.
- Rownak Rahman (Student)

On June 1st, 2018 I performed in my first kathak recital and got to witness the awe-inspiring and spell-binding Nritya dhaara!!! Nine months ago I embarked on my journey of learning ‘Kathak’ under my guru Ekta Popat and became a part of Storytellers School of Dance. Ekta ma’am has been the most patient, kind, warm and loving guru I could have found to teach and guide me on this journey of dance. I was also fortunate to travel on this path with my caring, friendly and helpful group of SSD students who have become my kathak family. I eagerly look forward to continuing this beautiful journey for many more years and many more performances with my SSD kathak family!! 🙏🏼
- Aarti Rohira (Student)

As a parent who aspires to have their children learn the purest form of dance SSD has been the best school for the same. I have seen so many teachers teach more fusion dance but no one had the courage to provide the kids with pure and fundamentally best form of dance. Ekta has been the torch bearer of providing this wonderful opportunity of classical dance of Kathak. I couldn’t have asked for more better teacher than her. She has the patience to make our kids have a better understanding of this pure form of art. She is the virtuoso of Kathak. More over I would like to add when Ekta bought forward Nritya Dharaa, my daughter got to be a part of an miracle where she was able to share the stage with not only her Guru, but all the Param Gurus too. 

Heartiest congratulations to Ekta and SSD. More accomplishments to you.
- Sneha Sanghavi (Parent)

As a parent, this experience has been what we were looking for in a dance program and school. The level of dedication and love Ekta shows to her students is unmatched. My daughters, Sahana and Saniya, have really developed a passion for Kathak since being part of Storytellers School of Dance. They recently had their first recital and performed as an opening act to Nritya Dhaara, which is an amazing opportunity. To be able to share the stage with their Guru and their Param Gurus is something that is magical and unique. We look forward to many more years of learning and developing Kathak skills.
-  Dr. Neetee Gadgil (Parent)

As a parent and a student, it was truly a remarkable experience for my daughter and I.  We had an incredible time performing and were really proud to be a part of the Nritya Dhaara event . Thanks for all of your effort and dedication in teaching us what you are truly passionate about.  We are so blessed to have you as our guru.   Sanam & I enjoyed practicing together and have developed much greater appreciation for Kathak. We are really thankful to Storytellers school of dance and proud to be part of it.
- Sejal Shan (Student and Parent)

“It has always been my dream to learn Kathak, but wasn’t sure when and if I’d ever be able to.  I’ve loved being on this journey with my daughter and I’ve enjoyed watching her effortlessly grow and teach me a thing or two.  SSD is the school for you if you want to learn the truest form of Kathak as the instructor focuses on the minutest of details allowing you to learn correct form from the beginning.”
- Sema Patel (Student and Parent)