Today we’d like to introduce you to Parul Mehta.
Hi Parul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the founder of Navrus School of Performing Arts dance school, a creator and a movement addict. I am the driving force behind dance school. We give dance lessons from age 4 to all the way to 60 years old. Our two-pronged approach is to promote diversity as well as support women entrepreneurs through our cultural events. I am here to preserve the art of Indian dance by blending classical and modern styles and sharing it with a global audience. Navrus was opened in March 2017 with one class at five students. Today we have multiple locations with many teachers and students. Our classes follow a systematic structure and curriculum in addition to being high on energy and fun. Our school teaches a wide variety of authentic Bollywood, Indian Classical, Bhangra, Garba, Folk, and others through experienced and talented Instructors. We perform year round at concerts, fundraisers, corporate events, multicultural social/public events and festivals. We do our part in keeping Austin weird, fun and inclusive. We were the recipient of “Best Creative Entrepreneur Award 2019” by Greater Asian Austin Chamber of Commerce
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never smooth ever, you just scramble over the obstacles but keep ongoing. Our recent struggle was during lockdown during pandemic. We were in the middle of our session with over 100 students enrolled when lockdown happened. Being from the arts field, it was really hard and confusing to change our business model overnight to virtual. Our team took technical help from people, redesigned our lesson plan and were successful in streamlining the whole system. We were covered by Spectrum News on their local segment, where we talked about impact and changes to business during pandemic.
As you know, we’re big fans of Navrus School. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
World needs inclusiveness and diversity now, like never before and dance does not discriminate. We have a kids and adults from all different backgrounds and nationalities in our classes learning and performing together, which fosters togetherness. Our focus on the new generation of South Asian-Americans is to encourage them to celebrate the fusion of cultures. We really are paving the way to bring together not only South Asian community but all of Austin. Through our events and dance performances, we foster a positive introduction to our arts, history and traditions. Our partnerships with nonprofits and fundraisers make sure that we take our role of raising money and transforming lives very seriously.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favourite childhood memory is the smell of incense, chai, jute rug and sweat in my dance class at Kathak Kendra, Delhi. It’s one of the biggest institutions of teaching the classical dance from Kathak, which traces its roots from 2500 years ago.
Contact Info:
- Email: navrusdance@gmail.com
- Website: www.navrusdance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navrusdance/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/navrusdance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4VuM0IdpfvvlQz7gM8bHXw
