Sharing her culture through dance.

• Position: Mangala Maddali interviewed - Interview

Forget the mall: Whenever Mangala Maddali, 17, of Clinton, Miss., has enough free time, she drives seven hours to Atlanta to study Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance, with her favorite dance instructor. She lived in India until she was 9 and began learning Kuchipudi at age 3. Upfront talked to the Clinton High School senior about what dancing means to her.

What is the significance behind the dances?

Each piece depicts a mythological story or is in praise of a Hindu god or goddess.

What do you like most about dancing?

Being able to express myself in the most extraordinary ways. It's a very beautiful sort of dance. Not only does it involve a lot of vigorous footwork, it also has a lot of flowing, graceful movements.

How does it make you feel?

When I perform, it feels like I'm...