Beneath the Ghungroo: Foot & Ankle Health for Kathak Dancers
Presented by Spear Physical Therapy

You've trained for years. You know every beat, every turn, every landing. But how well do you know what's happening inside your foot when you dance?

This year at the New York Kathak Festival, we're going beneath the ghungroo. Led by physical therapists who are also trained in Indian classical dance, in one hour, we'll walk through the anatomy your practice depends on, the warning signs worth paying attention to, practical tools teachers can use to support their students, and an exercise routine designed specifically for the demands of this form

Whether you're a student, a seasoned performer, or a teacher — this one's for you. See you there.

Rutvi Shah 
Rutvi Shah, PT, MS, CES is a physical therapist and Assistant Director at SPEAR Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan, specializing in performing arts physical therapy with a dedicated focus on Indian Classical Dance. Trained in Bharatanatyam and Indian Folk Dance to the Visharad level from the age of seven, Rutvi's clinical practice is grounded in both physical therapy expertise and deep familiarity with Indian Classical Dance forms - allowing her to assess and treat dancers with a level of specificity that general sports medicine cannot offer. Rutvi's clinical work is driven by a deep commitment to bringing evidence-based, holistic care to Indian Classical dancers and, a particular focus on how foundational positions are taught, with an eye toward long-term joint health and injury prevention. She also provides backstage PT care for Broadway productions and has collaborated with Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam communities across New York City.

Himani Chokshi 
Rooted in the grace and discipline of Indian classical dance, Himani’s journey into physical therapy was shaped by a lifelong appreciation for movement as both an art and a form of healing. Her background as a trained Mohiniattam dancer gives her a unique understanding of the body’s rhythm, strength, and expression, inspiring a treatment approach that is both holistic and movement-centered. Blending manual therapy with Pilates-based rehabilitation, she is passionate about helping individuals restore balance, fluidity, and confidence in their movement. Through her work, Himani strives to help every individual reconnect with movement in a way that feels strong, fluid, and empowering.

Akshaya Savant 
Drawing on her extensive background in balance research and surgical care, Akshaya specializes in dancer anatomy and biomechanics, with a particular expertise in managing post-operative rehabilitation for Indian classical dancers. As a Bharatanatyam dancer herself, she understands the unique structural demands, repetitive joint stresses, and precise alignment required of performing artists. Now practicing at Spear, her primary mission is to provide dancers with elite, specialized physical therapy support that optimizes their movement patterns. By blending evidence-based injury prevention with a deep understanding of dance kinesiology, Akshaya empowers performers to safely return to the stage and achieve peak physical longevity.