Neena Gulhati is  the Director of the Triveni School of Dance in Brookline, a school she founded 40 years ago. She has taught dance to over 5000 students. She has taught thousands of Indian and American students, many of whom have performed their Arangetrams. Neena was born in New Delhi, India and began dancing when she was only four! She performed her Arangetram at Fine Arts Theater in New Delhi in 1961. On Human Rights Day in 1964, Neena was invited to perform at the United Nations General Assembly in the distinguished presence of Mrs. John F. Kennedy, Adlai Stevenson and many foreign dignitaries. Neena moved to the United States in 1967. She has performed extensively in the US and UK and  taught at several universities. Neena has done a series of collaborations with Poet  Robert Bly.  She talked to  Lokvani about her journey as a dance teacher.

Could you describe your journey into the world of Bharatanatyam?
My journey began 66 yrs. ago when my mom bought me my 1st pair of ankle bells. I was so excited I would sleep with the bells under my pillow. Being born & raised in New Delhi, I started learning Kathak. 2 yrs later my dad's work took us to Mumbai. There the school I joined offered Bharat Natyam classes. I loved it and had no desire to look for a Kathak teacher.  I performed my Arangetram in 1961 and after that I went to Lady Irwin College. I continued performing at youth festivals and other cultural events. In 1963 I received  a scholarship to Briarcliff college in NY. It was a wonderful experience culturally and academically. I gave many performances at the Asia Society, International House and  Columbia University. It was most exciting was to be invited to the UN General Assembly on Human Rights Day in 1964. In 1965, after my graduation from Briarcliff, I had another performance at Columbia University where my husband  Raj was present. He came backstage and  introduced himself. Within a year we were married. 1968, the day our son, Rajat was born, Raj was offered a job by the Stop & Shop co. to manage their Operations Research department. A year later our daughter Rachna was born. I was busy with the two  babies but I kept up practice of my dance.

When did you decide to start teaching dance?
In 1970, at a performance at  MIT, I was approached by an American teenager. She wanted me to teach her Indian classical dance. I told her we were looking for a house close to the Boston area and I would be in touch with her soon. In March 1971, we bought a house in Brookline and in April, Triveni was founded. I started with 3 students and now 43 years later, having taught over 5000 students, I still find it very rewarding.

Though you are seventy years young, you are continuing to dance.   Have you found the fabled “Fountain of Youth”?
Last yr. when I turned 70, I thought I would start taking it easy. Immediately my daughter asked why? I had no answer. She felt, and agreed that as long as I have the energy I should keep going. Maybe God has blessed me with the "fountain of youth”.

What is the secret to the success of Triveni?
I have tried hard to teach all my students to love dance and appreciate it as a beautiful art form. I also try not to compare, instead, treat each one as an individual.

How important do you think Bhakti is for a classical dancer?
I think it is the most valuable part of Indian classical dance.  In fact, many of my western students are fascinated w/the spirituality.

What advice would you give to others who would like to teach the art form?
I strongly recommend anyone who loves dance and has the patience, to share her talent and keep this art form thriving.

What is the greatest impact of your work?
From hundreds of thank you cards I receive, three comments I see most are thanks for:
1. Giving them the gift of dance 
2. helping them connect with  their roots 
3. Being a mentor.

What challenges have you faced in your career?
Except for dealing with a few ultra-aggressive mothers, my task of running the school has been, smooth and enjoyable. I am very fortunate to have many senior students who have been with me for almost 30 yrs. They are very talented, dedicated and  hard working. They are a very important part of the Triveni Ensemble. They are actively involved in teaching, planning the annual show and in the production of the annual benefit show. I also have wonderful parents who are on the Triveni Board and provide advise & support.

How do you manage to balance your work with your family?
Balancing my teaching, performing, etc with family activities was tricky, especially when my children were young. Fortunately  my husband was able to take them to their athletic events on Saturdays. I remember one day, after I finished teaching, my 12 year old son was in tears. When I asked what happened he said "I hate your teaching. You don’t have time for us". That day I promised him that Sunday will always be family day.

Now they are both grown up, happily married and pursuing successful careers. Rajat graduated from Brown in 1989 and started working with Morgan Stanley. He is now head of the global capital markets. He has twin boys age 10 & a eight year old daughter. They live in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Rachna graduated from Harvard in 1991 and then went on to law school at Georgetown where she met Rajeev . Both worked for top law firms in Boston. Last year Rachna decided to take time off to enjoy their two children's activities. This year she has partnered with her dad in commercial real estate work. God has been very kind and  blessed us all with good health and we have all enjoyed rewarding careers.

Could you tell us a little about your charity work?
On my 40th birthday, I pledged that each year, I would produce a show to raise funds for deserving charities. Since then we have donated to Mother Teresa's orphanage, India Development and Relief fund, Saheli, Child Relief & You, Akshay Patra Foundation, etc.

Any words of wisdom you would like to share?
Words of wisdom that I got from my mother is my favorite - "No one is perfect so accept each person’s individuality".

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