Dances of India was founded in St. Louis by Asha Prem (right) in 1976. It was the first classical Indian dance company to be established in Missouri. She performed for years in India, including before a former President of India, before coming to the US.
Theckla (Ila) Mehta (below), one of Asha Prem’s first students, has been a prominent member of the company, assisting in artwork, props, and elements of choreography.
Patrick Suzeau, a Professor of Modern Dance at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, has been performing with Dances of India for over a decade. He performs both Bharata Natyam and pieces fused with Indian and modern elements.
Monica Newsam, a professional modern dancer, has also been with Dances of India for years, performing both Indian and modern pieces.
At least forty students have completed their arangetram (dance graduation performance) with Dances of India, both in St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri (where Asha Prem has been teaching for over a decade). An arangetram requires years of training and dedication from the student to this complex art form.