Meet The Team

Ms. Jyoti Garg is the founder of TAAL School of Dance & the Indian Arts and brings over 35 years of teaching experience in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Semi-Classical, Folk, Fusion, and Bollywood dance. Her journey as a teacher and performer began on the campus of Brown University, where she first shared her passion for Indian dance with students and audiences.

With graduate-level training in Kathak and formal training in Bharatanatyam, Ms. Garg combines cultural depth with a structured, curriculum-based approach to teaching. She also holds a B.S. in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management, bringing strong leadership and organizational expertise to her artistic vision.

She founded TAAL with a vision of creating a community where students can learn, connect with their culture, build lasting friendships, share their art, and give back—while preserving the Indian performing arts for future generations. Under her guidance, TAAL has become a trusted center for Indian arts education, known for its high standards, vibrant productions, and commitment to student development.

Padmashree is a highly trained and accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer with over a decade of teaching experience at TAAL. She has completed advanced formal training in classical Indian dance and brings exceptional discipline, precision, and cultural depth to her instruction.

She is also a dynamic Bollywood instructor with expertise in a variety of styles, including folk, semi-classical, jazz, Latin, and fusion-based choreography. 

After completing her college education, Padmashree pursued a professional career in the medical field, where she continues to work today. Her ability to balance a demanding profession with her passion for dance is a reflection of her dedication, leadership, and love for teaching.

Padmashree is known for her joyful presence, thoughtful instruction, and artistic innovation — always bringing creativity and challenge to the classroom through her dynamic choreography.

Minti is a vibrant and passionate dancer with a lifelong dedication to the art of movement. She has been teaching at TAAL for over 10 years and previously taught in Gujarat, India — bringing with her a wealth of experience, cultural depth, and an infectious love for dance.

Her expertise lies in Bollywood dance, where she skillfully blends energy, expression, and creativity into every routine. Known for her dynamic choreography and positive classroom presence, Minti works with students of all ages, helping them build confidence and joy through dance.

In addition to her work at TAAL, Minti is also professionally engaged in the medical field, balancing her career with her continued commitment to teaching. Her dedication, warmth, and artistry make her an invaluable part of the TAAL community.

Sonia’s journey in the performing arts began at the age of four, and she has since blossomed into a multifaceted artist, teacher, and leader. With over nine years of Kathak training and a Visharad Degree, she brings deep cultural understanding and classical precision to her instruction. Her love for dance extends into Bollywood as well, where her choreography combines joy, expression, and energy.

Sonia began teaching at a young age, recognized early on for her expertise, natural teaching ability, and passion for the performing arts. She creates a welcoming and inspiring environment for students of all ages and skill levels.

A trained actor and vocalist, Sonia has performed lead roles in various musical and theatrical productions. She currently serves as TAAL’s lead acting coach, contributing to script development, choreography, and mentoring performers in both dance and dramatic expression.

In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Sonia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently in medical school. Her unique combination of discipline, creativity, and leadership continues to make a lasting impact both on and off the stage.

Krisha is a passionate and versatile dancer who has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of five. Her extensive training spans over 15 years and includes a wide range of styles — from Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop to Bollywood and Kathak. She brings a dynamic blend of classical technique and modern expression to her teaching.

Krisha has studied Kathak for over nine years and has earned her Visharad degree through the prestigious Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Her love for the art form and years of experience across genres sparked her desire to teach and inspire the next generation of dancers.

She is excited to bring her skills, energy, and creativity to TAAL, where she continues to share her deep-rooted passion for Indian dance.

In addition to her dance achievements, Krisha recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Clemson University and looks forward to pursuing a career in medicine while continuing to stay active in the arts.

Diksha Verma is a professionally trained Kathak dancer, having earned her Visharad degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, India. Her dedication to the art form and refined technique have led her to perform at prestigious platforms, including the renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival, where she captivated audiences with her grace and authenticity.

Diksha is known for her unwavering passion, deep cultural understanding, and commitment to preserving the purity of classical Kathak. Her teaching style reflects both discipline and devotion, creating a learning environment that is both inspiring and true to the tradition.

In addition to her dance career, Diksha holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and currently works in the tech industry. Despite her professional success, dance remains her first love, and she continues to share her artistry with students and audiences alike.

Kristi Govind has been an integral part of the TAAL team for over 10 years, known for her infectious energy, powerful stage presence, and uplifting teaching style. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Kristi brings classical precision to her instruction while infusing every class with enthusiasm and creativity.

She is the founder of the University of South Carolina’s Bhangra team, where her love for energetic, high-impact movement took center stage. Her choreography — whether classical, Bollywood, or Bhangra — is dynamic, polished, and full of life, lighting up performances and inspiring students to give their all.

Kristi is not only a dedicated instructor but also a natural mentor, known for her encouraging spirit, work ethic, and ability to bring out the best in every dancer. Her students admire her for her passion, commitment, and ability to make every rehearsal both productive and fun.

Professionally, Kristi is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and she brings that same dedication and care to her role as a teacher and performer. Her vibrant personality and leadership continue to make a lasting impact on the TAAL community.

Moksh began his dance journey at TAAL at the age of eight, training with the school for several years before continuing to develop his skills independently through dedicated practice and performance. Over the years, he has continued to perform with TAAL while developing his own style and growing as a confident and versatile dancer. His passion for dance, commitment, and natural leadership make him a positive role model for younger students, and he now brings that same energy and enthusiasm to the next generation of TAAL dancers. Moksh is currently a high school senior and honors student with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.