Daily Inspiration: Meet Sareena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sareena.

Hi Sareena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
“From the basement class to New York Runway: The Journey of Sareena Nagpal and Naach Dance Academy”

It all started on a cold January morning in 2019. I was sitting on the stairs of my new home when a friend called. She had seen a dance video of mine and was so impressed that she asked if I could teach her kids. That evening, two children walked into my living room. Within weeks, two became twenty. Then a single Facebook post turned six into thirty-five. Before I knew it, I was hosting a sold-out recital—and Naach was born.

Six years later, I’ve taught more than 1,500 students, choreographed over 200 weddings, and led more than 250 stage performances. Our first show was at a Holi festival in Atlanta. From there, we’ve opened and closed for a designer at New York Fashion Week, performed at Truist Park as talent for the Atlanta Braves, brought thousands together at the Peachtree Road Race, and represented Indian dance at events for global giants like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, U.S. Bank, GE Vernova, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern.

Dance has been my language since I was four—on school stages, through college, and even while pursuing my Master’s in Sustainable Design at Carnegie Mellon. I spent years working as a sustainability expert in cities around the world. But my true purpose revealed itself later: to spread happiness and transformation through dance.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
An artist’s life is never predictable. Clients and audiences constantly push you to be versatile. For example, Norfolk Southern has invited us back three times, and each time we’ve reimagined our performances—from Kathak, to Rajasthani Garba, to Maharashtrian Lavani. I believe reinvention is not just survival—it is the art of thriving.

The road is also spiritual. For me, this is “Divine work”—sharing and celebrating my roots with America. We’ve performed during Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Each show becomes an offering of culture and joy, and every performance is about bringing the fabric of community together.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Naach is not just a dance academy—it’s a window into Indian culture.

I’m trained in Kathak for seven years, certified in Indian folk, and a Bollywood dancer and choreographer since I was a teenager. I began choreographing at eleven and never stopped. What makes me proud is not only the performances, but the healing. Students have told me Naach helped them move past heartbreak, childhood trauma, or anxiety. Dance becomes therapy, community, and family.

Beyond the academy, I’ve inspired countless school students of all ages by performing and teaching at school events and cultural fests. For many, it is their first introduction to Indian dance and music, and watching their curiosity turn into confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Our recitals bring together mayors, commissioners, and judges, putting the Indian community on Atlanta’s cultural map. And unlike schools that focus on one form, we offer Kathak, Bollywood, and Folk under one roof. Students don’t just memorize routines—they learn foundations: weight transfer, posture, storytelling. We empower them to choreograph their own journeys.

What sets us apart is inclusivity. Our students include Americans, Russians, Middle Easterners, and South Asians. Many don’t even speak Hindi, yet they fall in love with the music and culture. Naach is a cultural bridge where anyone can belong.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Two things: resilience and reinvention.

I show up—no matter what. Obstacles always resolve, either by disappearing or revealing a solution. And I constantly reinvent—because as artists, we are lifelong students.

Community is the pillar of Naach. My meditation practice through the Art of Living keeps me grounded and energized. It gives me the clarity to lead, the calm to face challenges, and the fire to keep going every single day.

Pricing:

• Basis for each class- 25$ per class

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naachdanceacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naach_dance_acdmy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naachdanceschool
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sareena-nagpal-1659849/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livelovenaach4433