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Manaswini Arts

Strike Your Style, Rule Your Rhythm

Inclusive Indian semi-classical, folk, and Bollywood dance in Tampa — workshops, cultural events, and choreography for every body.

Manaswini Arts co-founders mid-pose in yellow outfits, arms extended in a dance movement outdoors.

Our story

What is Manaswini Arts

Manaswini Arts was born from a shared love for dance — a love that has brought us joy, strength, and fulfillment over many years. Founded by Manali Phadke, trained in Bharatanatyam, and Ashwini Katre-Kulkarni, trained in Kathak, Manaswini Arts is the coming together of two distinct classical journeys rooted in rhythm, expression, and tradition.

Though our professional paths led us beyond full-time classical training, dance remained a constant in our lives — grounding us, uplifting us, and connecting us to community. Through Manaswini Arts, we saw the opportunity to blend our experiences, styles, and passion to create something meaningful: a space that nurtures dancers, celebrates culture, and opens doors for dance lovers of all backgrounds.

Read our full story

What we offer

Dance, for every occasion

  • Workshops

    Seasonal workshops, also featuring accomplished guest teachers.

  • Competitions & Cultural Events

    Dance competitions and community cultural celebrations.

  • Wedding & Private Events

    Choreography for weddings, sangeets, and private celebrations.

  • Customized Routines

    Routines tailored to groups and individuals, at any level.

Why dance

What dancing can offer you

  • Kids

    • Coordination
    • Focus
    • Discipline
    • Teamwork
  • Adults

    • High-energy workout
    • Flexibility
    • Stress relief
    • Social fun
  • Seniors

    • Balance
    • Stability
    • Mobility
    • Mental sharpness

We believe dance is for every body — regardless of age, size, shape, or experience.

Our choreographies are thoughtfully tailored to suit individual needs and abilities, including dance lovers with any physical limitations. Dance should feel empowering, never restrictive.

Meet the founders

Two journeys, one stage

Manali Phadke, co-founder of Manaswini Arts, smiling in a yellow kurta with pink embroidery.

Manali Phadke

Co-FounderBharatanatyam

I am a research scientist by profession and an Indian classical dance artist. I trained in Bharatanatyam at Nrityanjali Academy in Thane, which taught me rhythm, technical precision, and expressive storytelling. For me, dance is meditation — it takes me to a place where I can be true to myself and carefree.

Read Manali’s story
Ashwini Katre-Kulkarni, co-founder of Manaswini Arts, smiling in a pale green floral kurta.

Ashwini Katre-Kulkarni

Co-FounderKathak

Born and raised in Kolhapur, India, dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I received formal training in Kathak under the guidance of a renowned guru in India, which deeply shaped my understanding of rhythm, grace, and storytelling through movement. Dance has been my constant ever since — my way of finding calm and reconnecting with myself.

Read Ashwini’s story

Gallery

Moments from our journey

  • Manaswini Arts co-founders Ashwini Katre-Kulkarni and Manali Phadke in white kurtas with green and red dupattas, greeting the audience with a namaste before a Paithani-patterned backdrop.
  • Ashwini Katre-Kulkarni and Manali Phadke mid-pose in yellow outfits, arms extended in a dance movement outdoors.

Google reviews

What our dancers say

  • Amruta Joshi

    August 2026

    “This is now my 3rd experience dancing under the guidance of one of Manaswini’s founders - Ashwini Katre Kulkarni.Her beautiful vision and execution skills, in choreographing semi-classical based dances are admirable. I have learnt so many nuances of semi-classical Kathak dance form from her. She is very patient , passionate and disciplined as a teacher and will somehow magically get the best out of you ( every single student)! Manaswini’s co-founder Manali Phadke is a wonderful bharatnatyam dancer by training. But she has choreographed a multitude of Indian folk dances as well. For us she had choreographed a Marathi lavni dance form. She is very meticulous, patient and a passionate teacher. She strives to make sure that our performance is nothing less than perfect! 🤩 I would highly recommend them for guiding anyone for a stage performance or an event! They both are extremely dedicated and talented professionals! And truly, it’s very rare to find this kind of highly qualified training nowadays! 💃”

  • Gaurvi Karve

    August 2026

    “I am so excited that Ashwini and Manali decided to get together to bring Manaswini Arts to our community and beyond! I have known Ashwini for several years as a friend, dancer, and instructor, and can think of only superlatives to talk about her dancing and teaching prowess. Whenever we have worked in a group, both Ashwini and Manali have been our go-to for learning the steps and enhancing our performances. They both are classically trained, which is evident in how they present different dance forms, provide breakdown of steps, and brainstorm stage formations. Their passion and enthusiasm for their own and others' growth as dancers make you want to put in your best. Go ahead and enroll in their workshops, you will end up wanting more!”

  • Preeti Potnis

    August 2026

    “Manaswini Arts is truly a wonderful place to learn and appreciate dance as an art form. The instructors are highly professional, dedicated, and passionate about teaching. I thoroughly enjoyed dancing with them and learned so much, not only about dance techniques but also about discipline, expression, and culture. My children also had a fantastic experience learning folk dance at the school. The teachers create a positive and encouraging environment that helps students build confidence while developing their skills. I highly recommend Manaswini Arts to anyone looking for authentic dance education and a wonderful learning experience.”

Come dance with us

Whether you are planning a celebration, looking for a workshop, or dancing for the first time since childhood — we would love to hear from you.