Staff

Meet our dance teachers! At Upasana, all students benefit from a co-teaching approach, where instructors work collaboratively to guide learning in the studio. This model exposes students to a variety of teaching styles, perspectives, and instructional strategies, creating a richer and more engaging learning experience. By fostering collaboration among teachers, co-teaching also strengthens classroom community, ensuring that students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.

Sonia Chaudhuri

Founder, Creative Director, and Master Instructor

Bio: Sonia is a professionally trained Kathak dancer who has also studied Bharatanatyam, Ballet, and Modern dance in both the United States and India. She began her Kathak training at age four under Smt. Meena Deshpande in Louisville, Kentucky, and later continued in the Jaipur Gharana under Smt. Prachi Dixit in Los Angeles, California. Following her Bharatanatyam Arangetram under Monica Cooley in Nashville, Tennessee, Sonia pursued advanced training in the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak in Kolkata, India, under Pandit Sontosh Maharaj. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Education from Stephens College and a Master of Arts in Teaching with Montessori certification from Belmont University. Her training has been further enriched through workshops with renowned Kathak masters, including Pandit Birju Maharaj, Guru Urmila Nagar, and Guru Amita Dutta. An accomplished performer, Sonia has appeared at major cultural events throughout the United States and at prestigious venues in Kolkata, India. Dedicated to preserving and promoting India's performing arts, she is passionate about fostering an appreciation for Kathak and classical dance among contemporary audiences and future generations.

Mohera Narimetla

Operations Director and Head Teacher

Bio: Mohera has studied Kathak under the tutelage of Sonia since the age of 5 and holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Applied Mathematics and Chemical Engineering, with a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering, from Tennessee Technological University. In addition to her corporate career, she serves in a leadership role at Upasana, helping align the school's artistic vision, educational goals, and operational needs while mentoring the next generation of students. A dedicated performer, she regularly appears on stages throughout the Greater Nashville area. In March 2024, Mohera completed her Nritya Samarpan, presenting a thematic exploration of The Divine Feminine. Deeply committed to preserving the historical and artistic integrity of Kathak, she strives to share its beauty, depth, and complexity with diverse communities and raise awareness of the art form's lesser-known and nuanced aspects through education, performance, and creative initiatives.

Kanak Gupta

Communications Coordinator and Teacher

Bio: Kanak started her journey learning Kathak at Upasana at the age of 5. She has been a teacher at Upasana since 2018 and is an active, senior member of the Sonia Chaudhuri Dance Company. In June 2021, she became the second disciple of Sonia Chaudhuri to present her Samarpan. In 2024, Kanak graduated with a Bachelor's in International Business and Business Systems and Analytics from Belmont University. She is actively engaging in Kathak at a professional capacity, driven by her deep passion.