The Natraj School of dance - a cornerstone of Indian culture in Aotearoa - was founded in a seemingly unlikely place, Lower Hutt.
It's owner, Prabha Ravi opened its doors 25 years ago, and since then more than 1000 students have learned classical Indian dance under her tutelage.
In 2017, Prabha was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the ethnic and dance communities and in celebration of the school's latest milestone she is embarking on her most ambitious stage production yet.
She speaks to Kathryn.