Mrs. Neha Patel · Artistic Director
Mrs. Neha Patel
The Guru
Mrs. Neha Patel
Artistic Director & Founder · Nritya Traditions
Born and raised in Gujarat, India, Neha began her journey with Bharatanatyam at the age of five under the guidance of Mrs. Khamma Shah. She completed her Arrangetram at just twelve years old and went on to pursue an advanced course in Bharatanatyam over two additional years of intensive study.
Neha later pursued a career in chemical engineering and worked in the field for over a decade — yet her love for classical dance never dimmed. In 2012, she founded Nritya Traditions, Academy of Bharatanatyam, channeling her lifelong passion into building a nurturing home for students of all ages and backgrounds.
"Bharatanatyam is a journey and not a destination."
Neha has completed her diploma in Bharatanatyam from JG College of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad, Gujarat under the guidance of Guru Bijoy Shivram — and continues to train under him to this day. Her belief that learning never ends is one she instills in every student at Nritya Traditions.
Her teaching style is both disciplined and joyful — she creates an environment where students are inspired to strive for excellence while feeling genuinely supported. She conducts summer workshops and continuously refines her choreography to weave modern musical sensibilities into the classical tradition, keeping the art form vibrant and relevant.
Through her devotion, Nritya Traditions has grown from a handful of students to over sixty students across three locations — and has proudly guided multiple students through their Arrangetram debut performances.
Guru Bijoy Shivram (advanced)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
60+ students · 3 locations
Fusion choreography & Arrangetram training
The Art Form
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is India's oldest dance form and one of eight officially designated classical dance forms in the country. Once considered a prominent temple dance, this mesmerizing art form has permeated into performances accessible anywhere in the world, with evidence of its origins tracing all the way back to 200 BCE.
Rooted in the religious and mythological heritage of India, Bharatanatyam requires deep dedication, concentration, and years of disciplined study. The name itself is a compound form: BHAva (expression), RAga (music), TAla (rhythm), NAtyam (dance).
Through the language of nritta (pure rhythmic movement), nritya (expressive storytelling), and natya (dramatic performance), the dancer communicates devotion, myth, and emotion to the audience.
At Nritya Traditions, we honor the depth of this tradition while embracing the modern world — weaving fusion music, contemporary staging, and innovative choreography into a classical foundation that remains true to its roots.