Our Founder
The teacher behind the school
Rekha Garg
Founder & Artistic Director, Mudra Nrityalaya
Disciple of Kalaimamani Guru Shri Madurai R. Muralidharan
Rekha is a dedicated Bharatanatyam artist, performer and teacher, passionately carrying forward the rich legacy of this classical art form. Her dance journey began at the tender age of three, with her first solo performance on stage, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for the arts. She received her early training under Kalamandalam Smt. Rema from Kerala, where she studied both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, developing a strong foundation in technique and expression.
After moving to the U.S. over a decade ago, her artistic journey took a transformative turn as she joined Guru Shri Madurai R. Muralidharan’s Margam series. As his devoted disciple, she has been training extensively in Bharatanatyam, deepening her understanding of ragam, thalam, choreography and the intricate nuances of the art form. Currently part of his Margam 10 series, Rekha aspires to master his jathi creations and their execution, and is also training in Nattuvangam under his guidance.
With a vision to nurture and inspire the next generation of Bharatanatyam dancers, Rekha established Mudra Nrityalaya, where she imparts the values of discipline, artistry and tradition to her students. Her teaching emphasizes both technical precision and emotive storytelling, ensuring that her students not only master the movements but also connect deeply with the essence of Bharatanatyam. She aspires to connect dancers to their inner selves through this art form.
Beyond teaching, Rekha is an active performer at cultural events across the Bay Area. She also participates in her guru’s large-scale productions, performing in notable works such as Vayuputhra, Sanga Tamil and Shakuntalam – A Dance Musical at prestigious venues like the Lady Andal Auditorium in Chennai. She aspires to extend these experiences to her students, offering them opportunities to engage with and contribute to Guru Shri Madurai R. Muralidharan’s grand artistic visions.
Through her dedication to what she is learning, Rekha continues to uphold the classical tradition while inspiring young dancers to find their own artistic voices.
