Our Founders

Henna Khanijou

Henna Khanijou's love for dance began at a very young age, winning competitions as early as 3 years old.

From the start, I’ve been deeply passionate about dance and entertainment. Over time, this passion merged with my love for teaching, confirming that this was the path I was meant to follow. After spending 21 years under the guidance of my Guruji, Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, I felt ready to carry forward his legacy to the next generation.

While I’m professionally trained in Kathak, my enthusiasm extends to Bollywood and Hip Hop as well. I enjoy pushing myself to explore new dance styles and learning about different cultures.

  • What is your favorite travel destination?

    I feel like I still have so much to see! But as of right now, my favorite travel destination is always India. It is a perfect balance of the two - family + leisure.

  • Who is a part of your family?

    I have a supportive husband and a beautiful daughter who has brought good luck into our lives. We have our fur baby Zoro, and our angel Molly. My parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law are also the biggest supporting pillars throughout my life, and I couldn’t imagine a day without them.

  • Do you volunteer? If so, where?

    I am a founding member of the New York Kathak Festival, a 501(c)3 organization based out of NYC working to build Kathak in NY.

  • What is your current job title and where do you work?

    If only KalaKriti could be our full-time job. But sadly, not yet (yet being the operative word). I love what I do for my full-time job, other than teach dance! I work at a Fertility agency in NYC where we work with Intended Parents to help complete their families!

  • If you could give a younger person career advice, what would it be?

    Never set your heart in stone on what you want to do at a young age. It is great to have goals and set goals, but always be open to change. Know your mind and body enough and listen to its signs.

Henna Khanijou

Henna Khanijou's love for dance began at a very young age, winning competitions as early as 3 years old.

From the start, I’ve been deeply passionate about dance and entertainment. Over time, this passion merged with my love for teaching, confirming that this was the path I was meant to follow. After spending 21 years under the guidance of my Guruji, Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, I felt ready to carry forward his legacy to the next generation.

While I’m professionally trained in Kathak, my enthusiasm extends to Bollywood and Hip Hop as well. I enjoy pushing myself to explore new dance styles and learning about different cultures.

  • What is your favorite travel destination?

    I feel like I still have so much to see! But as of right now, my favorite travel destination is always India. It is a perfect balance of the two - family + leisure.

  • Who is a part of your family?

    I have a supportive husband and a beautiful daughter who has brought good luck into our lives. We have our fur baby Zoro, and our angel Molly. My parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law are also the biggest supporting pillars throughout my life, and I couldn’t imagine a day without them.

  • Do you volunteer? If so, where?

    I am a founding member of the New York Kathak Festival, a 501(c)3 organization based out of NYC working to build Kathak in NY.

  • What is your current job title and where do you work?

    If only KalaKriti could be our full-time job. But sadly, not yet (yet being the operative word). I love what I do for my full-time job, other than teach dance! I work at a Fertility agency in NYC where we work with Intended Parents to help complete their families!

  • If you could give a younger person career advice, what would it be?

    Never set your heart in stone on what you want to do at a young age. It is great to have goals and set goals, but always be open to change. Know your mind and body enough and listen to its signs.