Get to know USN’s Shakti Club
The Shakti Club is one of USN’s newest organizations, and its 28 K-12 students have already been making an impact in the school and the greater Nashville community.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
A new club has emerged at University School of Nashville and has already begun to make waves in the school. The Shakti Club is a student-led organization that is both a space for cultural education and a creative outlet for students passionate about Indian traditions.
"What I love is that Shakti is a K-12 group, which means it is very inspirational for the younger students to see a student-led organization," said USN Parent Divya Shroff.
On Saturday, March 22, the Shakti Club earned the special distinction of being the only student-choreographed and led dance troupe to perform at Cheekwood’s annual Holi celebration, a colorful festival that celebrates the arrival of spring.
“We’re so excited that Shakti could participate in such an important event,” said Eesha. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our love for Indian culture with a broader audience and to be part of a celebration of diversity.”
Shakti, which means "empowerment" in Sanskrit, is a place for students to come together, explore Indian culture, and learn from one another. The club offers a dynamic mix of activities: Bollywood dance choreography, performances, cultural discussions, and educational outreach. Through these activities, the Shakti Club fosters a deeper understanding of Indian traditions while also providing a platform to engage with social issues, such as the education gap in India and the importance of cultural appreciation.In 2024, Eesha Nachnani '28 founded the club with the mission of bringing the beauty of Indian culture to the school’s students through Bollywood dance, performances, and thoughtful discussions about social issues.
“The Shakti is a space where students from all backgrounds can come together to explore and appreciate Indian traditions, music, and social issues,” said Eesha.
Founded just a year ago, Shakti has quickly become a staple at USN, introducing students to the vibrant world of Bollywood dance and Indian culture. Despite its relatively short existence, the club has made a significant impact, both within the school and beyond, in the Nashville community. "What I love is that Shakti is a K-12 group, which means it is very inspirational for the younger students to see a student-led organization," said USN Parent Divya Shroff.
On Saturday, March 22, the Shakti Club earned the special distinction of being the only student-choreographed and led dance troupe to perform at Cheekwood’s annual Holi celebration, a colorful festival that celebrates the arrival of spring.
“We’re so excited that Shakti could participate in such an important event,” said Eesha. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our love for Indian culture with a broader audience and to be part of a celebration of diversity.”
“It’s about more than just dance,” said Eesha. “We also have discussions about important topics like cultural appreciation, the education gap in India, and how we can uplift underrepresented voices, including fundraising to help underprivileged kids who do not have access to education.”
Shakti’s impact extends far beyond the Indian and South Asian students at USN. The club is a testament to USN’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While Shakti offers Indian and South Asian students an opportunity to connect with their roots, it also educates others and builds stronger bridges within the school’s broader community.
“We’re a school that prides itself on diversity, and by having a group that represents Indian culture, we’re able to bring attention to traditions that everyone may not know about,” said Eesha. It’s a way to celebrate the many cultures within our community.”
With a strong foundation already in place, the Shakti club’s future looks bright. The club continues to grow, with about 28 members spanning USN’s K-12 grades. The club also hopes to continue expanding its reach and influence within the school, involving younger students and fostering collaboration with other affinity groups.
“I’d love to see younger students get involved, and I hope it becomes a club that’s woven into the fabric of USN’s cultural life for years to come,” said Eesha.
As Shakti Club continues to grow, it remains a great example of how students at USN are using their creativity, artistic expression, and cultural heritage to make a meaningful impact on their school and the community at large. With its unique blend of dance, education, and social awareness, the Shakti Club is sure to inspire many more clubs that appreciate cultures from across the world.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More -
Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.