Storytellers School of Dance

"Originating in Northern India over 2000 years ago, Kathak is a form of Indian classical dance that uses rhythmic footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions to tell stories. Ekta Popat is the founder of local Storytellers School of Dance (SSD). She feels honored that she is able to pass this graceful, intense, and challenging art form on–with its true authenticity–to the next generation. SSD started in 2017 with about 30 students. It has since grown to almost 200 students, ages 3 to 76. Ekta has danced and taught dance most of her life. What she does at SSD is beyond just teaching dance. She offers a complete educational program with a curriculum that has a syllabus, structure, exams, graduations, and a path for a degree. As students progress through the curriculum, they earn different color scarves (dupattas) that signify their progress. SSD is affiliated with Bharati Vidyapeeth University (India) and is one of the only fully accredited examination centers in the Houston area"

"My daughters have been learning Kathak for the past year and absolutely enjoy her way of teaching. They are always excited to attend class and learn new things. Ms. Ekta is very patient and connects with each child as an individual."

"This school is run very professionally. Ekta is extremely organized, passionate, and inspirational. So fortunate to have my daughter begin her journey with such a phenomenal, graceful and caring Guru! Seen so many students succeed under her wings and even transfer from other teachers to her for their classical dance learning. She is one of a kind and truly know how to teach each level so efficiently that students remain engaged and learn bite size pieces at a time without getting overwhelmed. She has a great work ethic and tries to connect to each student individually. Cannot be happier to have such a beautiful soul to grace our community with Kathak lessons ❤️"

"The best Kathak school ever!!! My daughter and I are enjoying learning Kathak for past 2 years with Ekta Popat who is so talented yet so patient with her students no matter what age group. The syllabus is extremely structure and well executed. I highly recommend SSD you are thinking about learning the art of storytelling."

"I joined SSD 7 months ago with no knowledge of Kathak and I have improved significantly in no time and I feel I m connected to SSD from a long time. Our Guru Ektaji is so patient to teach us Kathak. I feel blessed to be part of SSD. From young kids to adults we all enjoy being students of SSD."