Outstanding Women Video Interview: Ekta Jain — A Life in Rhythm, A Legacy in Language
BOSTON — For Ekta Jain, dance is far more than performance. It is preservation. It is storytelling. It is discipline shaped by tradition and passed forward with devotion.
In this special video interview as part of our Outstanding Women of 2026 series, Jain reflects on a journey that has touched thousands of lives across generations — blending classical artistry with community leadership to strengthen cultural identity within the Indian diaspora.
As Founder and Director of Ekta Dance Academy, Jain has trained nearly 3,000 students since launching the academy in 2005. Rooted in the Jaipur Gharana tradition of Kathak and enriched by Bollywood, Salsa, and Hip-Hop influences, her work creates a rare space where classical Indian dance coexists with contemporary expression. Students ranging from age four to 70 have studied under her guidance, with many going on to perform nationally and internationally.
Click here to watch the full interview.
Yet for Jain, the true reward lies not in accolades but in transformation — watching students discover confidence, carve out space for themselves, and step onto stage with pride.
Multural impact extends beyond dance. As Co-Chair of Baal Yuva Vibhag, the youth educational department of Hindi Manch, Jain mentors children in Hindi language, anchoring, and stage presence — helping young people build fluency while strengthening their connection to heritage. She also works closely with seniors, leading dance workshops and outreach initiatives that foster movement, joy, and belonging.
Grounded in compassion, patience, and respect — values she credits to her upbringing — Jain views art as a form of service. Whether choreographing mythology-based storytelling, presenting folk traditions, or supporting women-centered productions, she sees her work as part of a larger mission: preserving language and culture while empowering individuals.
In recognition of her enduring contributions to arts and community leadership, Jain has been named one of the Outstanding Women of 2026 by INDIA New England News. She will be honored at the 23rd Annual Women of the Year Awards Gala on March 14 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel, alongside other distinguished leaders and changemakers.
Watch the full video interview as Ekta Jain shares her philosophy of devotion through discipline — and how dance continues to build bridges between generations, language, and identity.
