Thejolakshmi Achari

Chilanka Dance School, founded in December 2024, is a passion project born from over two decades of experience in three professional dance styles. The school offers a welcoming environment for dancers of all levels and is dedicated to giving back, with all profits donated to St. Jude’s Hospital to support children in need. Alongside teaching, I manage the business’s finances, marketing, and website activity. I carefully track expenses and ensure funds are allocated toward the hospital, while using social media and local outreach to attract new students. The website is regularly updated with class schedules and event news, ensuring an engaging and user-friendly experience. Chilanka Dance School is not just about dance; it’s about making a difference through art.

• SkillsUSA Member since September of 2024
• Going to state competitions for Additive Manufacturing

• DECA member since September of 2024
• Gained Marketing experience through DECA sessions and DECA sectionals

I have assisted at Family Dental Practice in both Glenview (since June 2023) and Naperville (since June 2024), where I performed various accounting tasks, such as assisting with data entry for patient billing, organizing and filing financial records, and tracking office expenses to ensure accurate financial documentation. I supported the payroll process by entering employee hours and verifying timesheets, and I also helped reconcile accounts payable and receivable. Additionally, I gained exposure to managing insurance claims, ensuring that proper documentation was maintained for reimbursement purposes. My role also involved assisting with financial reporting. I helped generate basic reports and summaries for the practice manager, ensuring the office’s financial records were up-to-date and accurate.

At Samskriti Foundation, where I’ve been volunteering since August 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills. In my role, I’ve taken on responsibilities that required initiative, effective communication, and the ability to coordinate with others. I’ve led dance lessons, created lesson plans, and mentored newer volunteers, providing them with the tools and guidance they needed to succeed. These experiences have strengthened my ability to motivate and lead teams, while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and learning.

I have been passionate about Indian dance since August 2013, and I have trained in three distinct styles: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi. Through years of dedicated practice, I continue to develop my skills in each style, deepening my understanding of their unique techniques, rhythms, and cultural significance.