Smita Alves

Orange County, California

Smita Alves is a distinguished kathak artist and educator dedicated to the rigorous preservation of Indian classical dance within the Southern California landscape. Born and raised in California, Smita occupies a vital role as a cultural ambassador, possessing the unique ability to translate the deep nuances and rhythmic complexities of kathak for her first- and second-generation student base. She carries over 30 years of training and a professional repertoire as a lead dancer under Smt. Anjani Ambegaokar, touring the U.S. and Canada at venues and events including the Kala Nidhi Dance Festival, Lincoln Center, the United Nations, and the Emerging Artist Showcase through the Music Circle, to name a few.

As the founder of Bhakti Bhav Dance, Smita has developed a pedagogical approach that deconstructs the art’s mechanics to ensure clarity, precision, and discipline remain uncompromised across borders. She provides a specialized roadmap for students born in the U.S., helping them find an authentic voice within the tradition while maintaining an uncompromising standard of technical excellence. This mission is most evident in the Bhakti Bhav Elite, an ensemble of high school dancers Smita mentors to help them transition from hobbyists to professional-level technicians.

Under her direction, her students have earned accolades for choreography and technical execution at numerous festivals and events. Smita’s work is defined by intellectual artistry—interpreting the historical evolution of kathak to ensure it remains a living, transformative discipline. By fostering a community rooted in dedication, she continues to prove that the endless wealth of kathak is a universal language, flourishing with vibrancy and precision in the modern world.