Leela Dance Collective

Leela Dance Collective is a Los Angeles–based dance company devoted to the classical North Indian dance form kathak—honouring its roots while pushing the form into new expressive territory. Led by co-artistic directors Rukhmani Mehta, Seibi Lee, and Rachna Nivas, the company blends the rich craft of kathak’s fast-paced footwork, pirouettes, and expressive storytelling with contemporary collaboration and cross-genre innovation.

Established in 2016, Leela works not only on stage but as a cultural force: they train emerging dancers, bring kathak into educational settings, and create works that speak to today’s diverse audiences. Their repertoire ranges from traditional solo kathak pieces to full-length dance dramas and interdisciplinary programs that integrate music, theatre, and movement.

At this performance in our Dance Series, Leela Dance Collective presents their work in a close, focused setting—allowing audiences to clearly hear the rhythm of anklets, sense the percussive impact of each step, and feel the intimate energy of dancer-musician interplay. Whether you are new to kathak or already familiar with its tradition, the evening offers a compelling mix of precision, storytelling, and cultural depth.