Founder & Artistic Director
RACHANA PATEL
Rachana Patel is the accomplished Founder and Director of Matru Dance Academy, located in New Jersey, USA. With over two decades of unwavering dedication to Indian classical arts, she is a passionate advocate for the practice, performance, and teaching of Bharatanatyam. Her extensive experience, spanning more than 25 years in teaching Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, and Indian folk dances, continues to inspire countless students through her profound knowledge and love for dance.
A highly qualified Bharatanatyam teacher, Rachana holds the esteemed Visharad title from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharv Mahavidyalaya Mandal and is university-certified. Her lifelong dedication to Indian classical music and dance began in early childhood. She received comprehensive Bharatanatyam training under renowned gurus and further enriched her artistry by studying Kuchipudi and classical vocal music, thereby deepening her command over nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and abhinaya (facial expressions and gestures).
Beyond her classical expertise, Rachana has extensively choreographed and performed in Bollywood and folk dance styles, showcasing cultural diversity and vibrancy in her work. Her talent has been recognized with numerous awards and certificates from tri-state competitions such as Naya Andaz, Dance Pe Chance, and the NICE Competition. Furthermore, her Bharatanatyam performances at spiritual venues like the Guru Ayyappa Temple and Bridgewater Temple have earned her accolades and awards from temple authorities.
Despite holding an Electrical Engineering degree and successfully managing a software company, Rachana has remained committed to her true calling: dance. Through Matru Dance Academy, she instructs students of all ages across New Jersey and beyond, imparting not only technical skills but also the rich cultural values and spiritual significance embedded within Indian dance traditions.
Guru Smt. Rachana’s mission is to blend discipline with devotion, fostering dedicated and confident dancers who will proudly, authentically, and gracefully carry forward the rich legacy of India’s classical and folk dance heritage. She extends her blessings and heartfelt best wishes to her students and fellow artists as they embark on their artistic journeys.
