Whether moving on stage or at study, Tiana Salvi (’25) is hard to miss. You’ve likely seen her around campus: under the RPAC lights with Kinetic Krew, at the center of the spirit dance formation or in the library hard at work. Tiana recalls her journey in dance starting as a very young child.

“I was born a dancer,” Tiana said. “When I popped out of the womb and got the ability to stand on two legs, I’d always be baby-bouncing to the Bollywood music my parents would play. I just keep doing that.”  

Tiana began dancing at a young age, but enrolled in classes at five years old. The rigorous environment provided her with a framework to both develop technically as a dancer and a member of the Indian community.

“Indian dance is very culturally focused,” Tiana said. “It was a really good way for me to reconnect to that heritage and find people in similar situations. It was like a subculture within us because we were all second-generation.”  

The hours Tiana put into practicing at the studio paid off, and as she built a foundation for her skills, she began to value musicality more. Kinetic Krew captain Arthur Wu (’25) admires Tiana’s duality.

“She loves to interpret smoother songs with choreography that hits the beats super fast,” Arthur said. “It speaks to her as not only a dancer, but as a choreographer, that she is able to balance those dynamics from smooth to super hard-hitting.”  

Though she started dancing hip-hop and choreographing alone in her bedroom during the pandemic, her high school dance classes fostered a new kind of community compared to classical Indian or Bollywood dance. Tiana appreciated the openness of the dance style and its contributions to bringing her out of her shell.

“When you get to that community level, especially with hip-hop, we’re always cheering for each other and giving feedback regardless of our experience levels,” Tiana said. “Because we’re a community, I understand that I don’t have to be quiet.” 

When Tiana speaks up, she always finds a way to move the conversation along. Game Theory and economics teacher Sam Lepler appreciates the momentum she brings to class.

“She’s got the complete package,” Lepler said. “She understands things quickly and is able to get underneath the surface, she’s very personable, very kind and very fun. You can be yourself around her.”  

Whether inside the classroom, at the dance studio or outside at the lunch tables, Tiana’s drive and energy uplifts those around her. Arthur commends the drive and humility she models in Kinetic Krew.

“She’s shown me a new kind of work ethic,” Arthur said. “Tiana always comes in super prepared. In the rare moments that she isn’t, she isn’t afraid to say ‘I’m sorry’ and take accountability. She’s dancing for her team.” 

Outside of Harker, Tiana leads through dance at her studio, the Mona Khan Company. She teaches dance classes there, and despite her initial reservations, found that it came naturally to her.

“It’s not fair to the kids when I keep holding the expectation here, and they’re down there,” Tiana said. “You always need to find a middle ground. If you meet them, then you can compare them to themselves. If they exceed your expectations, you can match them.” 

Close friend Sangwhie Yim (’25) attended a hip-hop workshop as a Dance Production audition. She attests to the care and attention Tiana gives her friends.

“I was very lost and nervous, and she could tell,” Sangwhie said. “She would bring me to her line, teach me steps on the side and make sure I knew what was going on. She does a good job of being very straightforward and sincere but also empathizing and making you feel seen and heard.” 

Tiana’s adherence to her core values, hard work and care instilled in her by a lifetime of dance, allows her to truly express herself. By building a box she operates in, she is then able to step out of it.

“Creativity without discipline and rigor is useless,” Tiana said. “When you figure out what to look for, what makes a dance successful versus unsuccessful, you’re able to do interesting things. Establishing those fundamentals on your own is really important because it allows you to add that groove.”