About the Choreographer . :

Smita Miki Patel is a self-taught dancer and choreographer who has found success through her steadfast determination and dedication to a love of Indian cultures. She began competing in 1991, and by 1992 was performing at the regional level in the Federation of Gujarati Associations of North America (FOGANA) competitions. All of her groups entered in the competition earned first place in their initial outing. As if that was not impressive enough, Smita herself won the Best Choreography and Best Costume awards for all of her groups’ performances. This competition would be the first in a long and continuing record of achievement, at FOGANA and other prestigious dance competitions.

As a teacher, she has always reminded her students prior to performances, “You worked hard as a team, go out and do the best you can, and remember to have fun.” Her technique and talent has brought her many rewards, and moved her to establish IPAC, to further nurture the creative spirit and preserve Indian heritage. It has also led her to produce her own vision of a celebration of Indian cultures in April 2000 called Nrityamrit, a Nectar of Dances. Smita describes it as “a journey towards enriching our Indian culture with style.” Today, Smita continues to hone her choreography skills and compete throughout the country.