When Prarthana moved from India to regional Australia in 2017, she didn't feel comfortable in her skin.
The now 15-year-old was insecure about how she looked and sounded, but she wanted to fit in.
"They made fun of me for wearing eyeliner and bindi even though I told them it was a part of my culture," she said.
"I was desperately trying to speak in an Aussie accent because I was so embarrassed of mine."
Prarthana and her family came to Mildura in regional Victoria, about 600 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
She said it was hard not to compare herself to everyone else.
"I looked at all the white girls and thought that I was ugly," Prarthana said.
"I hated my eyes, my skin colour, my culture and everything about me," she said.
Sharing culture and courage
Practising an ancient art form has helped Prarthana build confidence in herself.
She's been dancing since she was five years old, learning the Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam.
The word is a portmanteau of Tamil words meaning expression, melody, rhythm and dance.
Prarthana takes to the stage adorned in traditional Hindu jewellery and bright, colourful saris, using intricate hand and facial gestures to tell a story.
"It tells stories about our religion and gods. I learn a lot from it," Prarthana said.
Without someone to pass on the skills and knowledge in Mildura, Prarthana started taking online classes.
But she wasn't the only one in search of a teacher.
After performing Bharatanatyam at cultural events, some locals asked Prarthana if she could teach them.
"I'm still learning myself so I wasn't sure about it, but with encouragement from my teacher, I said yes," she said.
"I teach two classes a week, and it's a mix of little kids and adults. I love the challenge.
"It makes me feel so proud and I love sharing my skills and my culture."
Just focus on the music
When Prarthana dances Bharatanatyam in front of her community she feels happy and confident.
But it comes with its challenges.
"I'm so scared of performing in front of people, public speaking, even presentations for my class," Prarthana said.
"I usually shake before going on stage because I'm so scared," she said.
"But once the music starts playing, that's all I can think of, the next step."
Bharatanatyam is a vessel for Prarthana to share her own story too, as the deep connection to her roots helps her feel more comfortable in her skin.
"When I dress up and put on all the jewellery and the costume and makeup it makes me feel really pretty and proud of myself and my culture," she said.
'You're beautiful the way you are'
As Prarthana teaches the next generation the ancient art of Bharatanatyam, she wants other young brown girls to feel proud of who they are.
"You don't need to change and try and fit in to the standards, because you're beautiful the way you are," she said.
"I've realised that my brown skin is beautiful."
Prarthana said she shouldn't be embarrassed about her accent either.
"It's the way I grew up and it's who I am," she said.
"So just be yourself and don't be afraid of what other people have to say.
"Because our culture and tradition is beautiful."
The ABC's Takeover Mildura program gives a voice to young people across the Sunraysia region. If you would like to find out more, go to the Takeover website.
