"In the variable timing of her cyclonic spins and thrown poses, in the wit and mathematical wizardry of her bare feet and bell-ringed ankles, in her broad and amusing storytelling, precise enough to make the invisible palpable, she showed herself an expert in all sides of her art."

— Brian Seiber, New York Times

“If I didn’t study and love the music of the art form as deeply as the movement, I’d be extracting its heart and soul.”

“Speak has made its mark, touching many hearts.”

“The Artistic Directors of Leela Dance Collective have chosen an ambitious mission, to honor ancient traditions and bring them forward, made relevant to the present. There is no question that they are successful.”

— Mary Pat Cooney, LA Dance Chronicles

“Dance aficionados in the city witnessed an enthralling combination, as the two dance forms collaborated to feature rhythm, poetry, storytelling, music and dance.”

“Rachna is on a mission to spread the knowledge on Kathak that was given to her by her Guruji and to help create an infrastructure for the arts so people can have the opportunity to pursue it fully.”

“...Nivas radiated power and grace.”

“But those senior artists were outshone by Rachna Nivas as the queen. Charismatic, and resplendent in purple velvet and jewels, she poured emotion from every economical, natural gesture. And at the end, when she wailed over the lifeless body of her husband, Nivas channeled the sorrow of a lost nation.”