Memories of the year 2023-2024 Kulture Kool continues its efforts in cultural outreach through community engagement at public events, corporate events, special workshops and educational assemblies in public & private schools. Kathak students performed at the UNEESCO CID Indian Dance Festival in Athens, Greece in July 2023 Konnekt Global, Kulture Kool’s youth run nonprofit celebrated a successful year of community service with a Family Day in Dec 2023. SUMMER CAMP – SOLD OUT for 2024! Kathak students performed with the cast of Umrao Jaan Ada-the Musical, at Times Square, Feb 2024 Workshop of Kathak students and Flamenco students of CMG Dance Project Arangetram of Bharatanatyam student Sanjushree Bastia
Director’s Note Tag you Facebook.com/KultureKool r photos #kulturekool Dear Students, Parents and Patrons, hopes for the future. Our 15th year milestone recital is called UTSAV - celebraƟons of India. Over 200 students will enthrall you with a visual treat in this themed audio visual show, showcasing their abundant talent and enthusiasm. ir appeared for language proficiency tests through which they received the seal of biliteracy from the New Jersey Department of er of USA. This achievement came on the heels of our incredible experience at the UNESCO CID Dance FesƟval in Athens, Greece last year, where our students had the chance to perform on an internaƟonal stage. The energy and inspiraƟon from that event made it clear that we needed to create similar opportuniƟes closer to home, so more students could experience the magic of cultural exchange and professional development. Fast forward eight months, and we've done just that! We now have our very own UNESCO CID secƟon, a hub for dancers and professionals in the Northeastern USA. We're hosƟng our first dance fesƟval on June 22nd, featuring parƟcipants from all over the world. This new secƟon and the upcoming World Dance & Diversity FesƟval are just the beginning of a larger vision to elevate the cultural arts, foster cross-cultural connecƟons, and create unforgeƩable experiences for our students and community. Don’t miss the fesƟval on June 22 in Secaucus New Jersey. Many of our students and teachers will be performing at this evening event. we parƟcipated in more than 50 local events, assemblies and workshops. We have reached thousands of viewers from elementary school students to families and arts connoisseurs, spreading the joy of Indian dance, music and culture throughout our communiƟes. Konnekt Global, Kulture Kool’ www.konnektglobal.com. The pilots of the students’ arƟsƟc journeys are our very talented Program Directors & Teachers. Thank you for your incredible talent and mentoring, for always thinking of your students first and bringing so much art, joy and personal expression into t heir lives. I truly am honored to be working with all of you. A shout out to my incredible team: Ruchika for her event management superpowers, including this one, Shiwani for our engaging and impacƞul social media strategy, Jigna for her impeccable customer service and scheduling skills and Sejal for handling all the accounƟng challenges of our varied class structures. I am so grateful for your support and commitment. Videography for the main recital (June 1) is being done by Per Anum Media & photography by Fred Mastromarino Jr. We strongly recommend that you enjoy the show without having to worry about recording it or taking pictures. Please sign up for your USB drive at the registraƟon table. Photos will be available for digital download at a small cost within a few weeks. Looking back at the last 15 years, I'm filled with pride at our achievements. We have grown from a small group of culture enthuy and learning can flourish. We want to broaden our outreach, engaging with even more people and sharing the rich tapestry of our culture. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community. Your belief in our mission has been the port us as we embark on the next phase of our journey. achieve great things. Archana Athalye Director, Kulture Kool South Asian Cultural Center
Hindustani Vocal (L-R): Anika Lin, Vismaya Vijay, Aarushi Zalavadia & Uma Vyas (L-R): Abeer Anatman, Trisha Bansal, Ayana Virkar & Mauryan Anatman Rajesh Paranjape RAJESH is an Electrical Engineer, but has decided to dedicate himself entirely to music. He took intensive training from Dr. Ram Deshpande, a leading Hindustani vocalist. He is a Sangeet Visharadh (Bachelor Degree) from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He performs widely in India & in the USA including at the New York Consulate. He is a thorough, patient, and creative teacher. Under his tutelage, students have grown to understand & enjoy classical music. Anshi Agashiwala Divyaj Shah Sayali Jawdekar Alka Singh Sanjay Tillu Sahana Patel Nilesh Agashiwala *Graduating Tabla Dibyarka Chatterjee DIBYARKA Chatterjee is the son & disciple of Pandit Samir Chatterjee. He has performed with maestros like Pandit Jasraj & Utd. Shujaat Khan and has collaborated in world music projects with groups like the Dance Theater of Harlem, the Battery Dance Co., and with fusion musicians/ composers like Salman Ahmad (Junoon), amongst others. Dibyarka has a Masters in Fine Arts from Goddard College and regularly conducts tabla classes & workshops at numerous institutions such as Columbia University, Dartmouth College & NYU. He has been teaching in NY & NJ for more than a decade. (L-R): Vivaan Patel, Aatman Sheth & Arian Kolar ► Back (L-R): Akshara Pawan Adur, Anaaira Aran, Prisha Prabhu ► Front (L-R): Soham Anupam Makhija, Aravv Modhe & Amar Subramaniam
Vasudha Narayan VASUDHA started learning classical carnatic vocal & veena from the famous artist, Vidushi Smt Jayamma of Mysore, at the age of 5. After passing her proficiency exam at age 17, Vasudha & her guru started performing in concerts together. Her mastery of music allows her infinite freedom for creativity thus adding imagination & depth to every piece. She is a renowned composer & has accompanied various ballets & dramas. Aside from classical veena & vocal, Vasudha is also a great light music singer. She is the disciple of H.R. Leelavati, Director of Sangeeta Nataka Academy of Karnataka. She teaches students from basic till proficient levels including Manodharma Sangeeta which includes Raga-Alapana, Kalpana Swaras and Nerval rendition. Carnatic Vocal (L-R): Jayita Iyengar & Tavia Abdul Rasheed (L-R): Vrindha Vijay & Neharika Thoppil ◄ (L-R): Navaneeth Ganesh, Jitesh Iyengar, Srivatsan Sanjeev Kumar, Varsha Vishwanathan & Kiara Sunder Saketh Ram ►
Kathak Parul Shah With an M.A. in dance education from Columbia University specializing in Indian classical movement, PARUL has been teaching Kathak in the pure form, for over 20 years in an effort to promote Kathak appreciation in the Metro Area. She has presented her solo & group works at major venues around the world, including City Center’s first Fall for Dance Festival in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, Asia Society in New York, Jacobs Pillow in M.A & at the Japan Forum Foundation in Japan. She has collaborated on numerous international projects & presented in Asia, Europe, & North America. She is currently a doctoral student researching intersectionality of race, class & gender in dance & dance education. ▲ Back (L-R): Dhwani Agarwal, Meenakshi Oberoi, Navya Gupta (graduating) & Indusubhra Munsi Front (L-R): Nandita Dani & Priesha Pujara ▲ Back (L-R): Vedika Kaur, Sunaina Sood, Rihanna Patel, Aanya Patel, Mansi Kaur Front (L-R): Aarohi Karnani & Sreshta Dharmavaram ►L-R: Priesha Pujara, Sankirtha Kapoor & Siddhi Agarwal ▲ Back (L-R): Anushka Singh, Simran Bassi, Mira Ashwin & Aarushi Patel Front (L-R) Kavya Singh, Ishannita Munsi & Riya Shah ▲ Back (L-R): Tanu Agarwal & Madhura Palaniswamy Front (L-R): Deepika Rajagopalan, Sandhya Nair & Anuradha Singh Unnati Oza Pia Padovano
Kuchipudi Kuhokee Kumari Das KUHOKEE Kumari Das, disciple of Guru Gargi Chattopadhyay, has trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi since the age of six, completing her Bharatanatyam Arrangetram and Kuchipudi Rangapravesham in 2011. She has performed in prestigious platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly, Lincoln Center, as well as the nation’s top universities. In 2019, Kuhokee was awarded a New York City Council Citation for her contribution in Indian classical dance. Kuhokee has completed her Master’s degree in Biology at Queens College, where she also taught Anatomy & Physiology. She is a published clinical researcher and is currently working at the Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai in Neurology Research Administration. Kuhokee’s work can be found online on YouTube and Instagram under the handle @kuhokee. Top to Bottom: Kanika ChhadaGupta, Suhana Gupta & Maanvi Jaiswal ◄ Top photo Back (L-R): Anshu Gowda, Eva Nishandar, Navya Patel ◄ Front (L-R): Myra Agrawal, Myra Jadhav, & Divisha Gugnani ◄ Bottom photo Back (L-R): Arya Rathod Shah & Reva Pappu, Middle (L-R): Aarya Saksena, Samika Sanyal & Mishika Bhargava Front (L-R): Kala Kukreti, Maya Mehndiratta & Amara Arora ▲ Back (L-R): Nidhi Kalra & Beena Jani Front (L-R): Anshula Mansharamani & Cynthia Thek Sana Jagmohan Kathak..cont
Bharatanatyam Sudha Dhamodharan SUDHA is a dedicated teacher who believes dance is as much about self-discovery as it is about technique and engagement. Her students have been well received in the tri state area, and perform regularly at various venues, temples, fundraising events, and many have completed their Arangetram. She began learning Bharatanatyam under Smt Pushkala Gopal. She did her Arangetram under legendary Gurus Kalaimamani K.J. Sarasa and Guru Padmini Ravi. Later, she studied briefly under Kalaimamini Dr. Srekala Bharath. She continues her journey under Guru Padmini Ravi’s guidance and senior mridangist and Indian classical music audio expert Shri Dhamodharan Srinivasan. She brings years of experience as an Educator. Prior to devoting full time to dance, as a certified k-12 Chemistry teacher from NCERT, and MS in Environmental Science, she worked in the classroom in the Montville Township School district and was awarded Support Professional of The Year. Back (L-R): Aara Shah, Shridhruthi Bandi, Sarada Ramanathan, Saranya Saha, Nia Venkatesh Front (L-R): Akshara Adur Pawan, Prisha Prabhu & Aadhya Gurumurthy (L-R): Neysa Vineet, Charvi Kanna, Tavia Abdul Rasheed & Jayita Iyengar Back (L-R): Karishma Wilson, Sridhruthi Bandi, Samsara Leela Yett, Inaya Setty, Sahana Ram Front (L-R): Vaishvi Sriram, Jansi Lathia, Dipanshi Ganguly-Chmiel, & Yashesvi Viswanathan (L-R): Garima Verma, Vipina Kunnummal, Divya Chandrasekar & Sonali Wilson
Best Wishes to Tavia Abdul Rasheed for her upcoming Arangetram. She is a student of Smt. Sudha Dhamodharan. We applaud her for her dedication & commitment to this art. SRI ARTS Top (L-R): Samyuktha Saranraj, Laya Keerthna Gopinath, Krithi Pantangi & Siri Surikanti Bottom (L-R): Siva Raghumandala, Samyuktha Saranraj, Swetha Manikantan, Siri Surikathi & Laya Keerthna Gopinath SRI ARTS (L-R): Geetika Immaneni, Shri Varenya Praveen, Disha Murugan , Sanjana Elaiyaraja, Srinithi Sridharan & Haasini Sharron Prasad SRI ARTS (L-R): Anisha Senthilkumaran, Anjali Arvind & Eva Pandian (L-R):Keshvi Mulani & Nirvi Patel Bharatanatyam
Voice & Musical Theater Maleesa De La Cruz MALEESA has a Bachelor's degree from Montclair State University in human ecologyfamily and child studies, and is certified in early childhood education and elementary education. She also holds a minor in Musical Theater. She recently finished her masters in Theatre Studies from MSU too. She is about to complete her 19th year of teaching for the Secaucus school district and is without doubt one of the favorites! She is the Director of the Secaucus High School Theater productions and is also the advisor to the Clarendon Drama Club (since its inception 17 years ago) as well as the Clarendon School Chorus. She continues to try and perform in musicals with community theater groups throughout New Jersey and is the 2020 winner of Fearless Icon, a musical theatre based singing competition. (L-R): Vir Patel, Saranya Naik Zaveri & Aidan Mudambi Drums Chris Feil CHRIS has been playing drum set for over 35 years. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and has studied with professionals like Sonny Igoe, Tommy Igoe, Billy Ward, Rod Morgenstein, Dan Haskins and Tony Bienert. “One can never stop learning” are his words of wisdom. He has recorded drum set on numerous sessions and plays live with many musical acts. He fills in as house drummer for open mic/jam sessions in NY and NJ. Chris loves teaching drums, percussion and is adored by his students. (L-R): Anshi Agashiwala & Riya Shah
Piano Anshi Agashiwala Suhani Parashar Midori Howell MIDORI Howell, pianist, has performed throughout the United States and the South of England, and has often collaborated with artistic colleagues in chamber ensembles. A versatile accompanist, Ms. Howell performed as an accompanist in Carnegie Hall. She accompanied world-renowned violinist Eugene Fodor in a master class performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, and as resident accompanist for master classes with Met/ Wagnerian artist, Carol Yahr, and Australian bass-baritone, Kerry Henderson. Ms. Howell holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Towson University, where she was employed as Adjunct Faculty until her relocation to New York. Also as Adjunct Faculty at Adelphi University, Midori was resident accompanist for Opera Theatre of Adelphi and piano faculty. She has taught children and adults of all ages. Midori has prepared her students for the Trinity School of Music exams and her students have emerged with the highest honors. Aravv Modhe Vayun Hari Vrindha Vijay Ameya Athalye Kavya Singh Anushka Singh Karishma Wilson Lineysha Goel Virender Malhotra Suri Avashia Adhiraj Sharma Anaya Gandhi Pari Avashia Myra Dharia Nishkaam Gandhi Nysa Sidana Shridhruthi Bandi Eva Nishandar
Piano (Midori Cont..) Erga Halilaj Born and raised in Tirana, Albania, ERGA started her journey at 6 years of age and graduated with honors from University of Arts in Tirana, Albania. Following her graduation, she started her working career at the Philharmonic Orchestra of Albania as a pianist. She worked there for ten years and left Albania as she was awarded a full scholarship from the University of South Florida for her outstanding academic achievements. Two years later she earned a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance. Over the years, Erga has performed in many concerts as a soloist, soloist with orchestra and chamber musician. Her wide repertoire includes: Mozart Sonatas, Beethoven Sonatas, Hayden Variations, Beethoven Variations, Scriabin Sonata, Debussy Preludes, Brahms- Paganini variations, Chopin Sonata, Chopin Ballade, Gershwin Rhapsody in blue, Liszt piano concert nr 1, Chaconne Bach, Shostakovich Sonata, Grieg Sonata, Rachmaninoff piano concert# 1, etc. Some of the concert halls that Erga has performed are The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, New York, NY, Barness Recital Hall, Tampa, FL, University of Arts Hall, Tirana, Albania, Red Hall, Pristina, Kosovo, Ministeru Victoria, Malta, Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland. Erga has over 12 years of experience as a piano teacher. Some of the institutions that she has taught piano are the University of Arts and Jordan MisjaArtistic Lyceum, Tirana, Albania, Gozo Visual and Performing Arts School, Malta, University of South Florida, Tampa Florida. Arihaan Dhir Trisha Patel Aarvi Vora Inaya Faraz Atharv Banagude Anaisha Goel Srivatsan Sanjeev Kumar Vismaya Vijay Dipanshi Ganguly-Chmiel Abir Dua Piano Arjun Paramsetty Riaan Nishandar Aria Shah Kabir Shah Atharv Brahmbhatt Kaashvi Goel Aayansh Brahmbhatt Alishba Faraz Nirvi Patel Madhav Srivatsan
Piano - Virtual Ofer Bashan OFER Bashan completed his B.Mus. in classical piano performance at the Academy for Music & Dance in Jerusalem. He also received the prestigious Billy Joel Merit Scholarship for his Master’s in composition at the NYU. In Israel, he released three solo albums (original music), and numerous of his songs have being played all over the Israeli media. In addition, Ofer has written for the most successful and iconic Israeli artists-singers. He has also written music for film, modern dance performances, video-dance, festivals, liturgical music, concert music & more. His music is performed all over the world, including China, London, USA & India. He has taught piano at the NYU (adjunct instructor), and served as a pianist in few prestigious institutions. Ofer now resides in London, UK. Vedha Bairoliya Anezka George Janki Bairoliya Ryan George Krish Bairoliya Pranav Sridhar Richa Choudhary William Wong Mahika Valasa Ryan Gera Myeisha Bhansali Karishma Santosh
Guitar Eran Phillips ERAN Phillips is an experienced Guitar player, songwriter and producer. Teaching at Kulture Kool for 11 years, Eran is focused on creative freedom with strong fundamentals, starting with Classical Guitar basics and on to popular music, rock and jazz. He has been training students for the prestigious Trinity School of Music exams with outstanding success! Aanya Kumar Krish Parashar Aarush Lal Jitesh Iyengar Hiyaan Dalal Vrindha Vijay Soham Gandhare Aarav Phatak Kiaan Gera Ankush Goel Arjun Agarwal Sanjay Manoharan Prisha Sidana
Guru Kool Back (L-R): Aayan Thacker, Adhvik Venkatesh Krishnan, Soham Aadesh Gandhare, Arjun Singh & Utkarsh Chhaya Front (L-R): Kiara Buddhdev & Sajiri Aadesh Gandhare Archana Athalye ARCHANA has a Masters in Communication and more than 28 years of experience in events, tour management and A&R. She is the founder and Director of Kulture Kool and is committed to promoting cultural education and diversity. She has designed Guru Kool as an exclusive program aimed at helping young children internalize the beauty of South Asian languages and cultures through hands-on, play-based activities in a group setting. She conducts various workshops on Indian culture at public institutions all over the tri-state. Back (L-R): Veera Desai Mehta , Alaia Chevallier, Soumya Kapoor & Jiya Kekre Front (L-R) Uma Kukreti, Saisha Arora & Maya Mehndiratta Back (L-R): Kavya Singh, Siddharth Dhand, Sunaina Sood, Aryan Shah & Vismaya Vijay Front (L-R): Kanushi Singh, Sohila Sikand & Keya Hathiramani Rutherford Class Back (L-R): Samarth Anand, Aaryanya Jaiswal & Aayansh Jaiswal Front (L-R): Sahana Iyengar, Adira Chhatbar Zeitoune ,Ayana Virkar & Inaaya Panjwani Montclair Class Back (L-R): Rahm Patel, Nikita Gupta, Sarit Patel, Neev Desai Mehta & Syna Mehta Front (L-R) Alaia Chevallier, Maya Mehndiratta, Vikram Sood & Soumya Kapoor ◄ (L-R): Jacob Govil Backup, Sahitya & Kavya Kumar, Shrey, Suhana & Krish Gupta, Zayden Porbandarwala & Kala Kukreti
Guru Kool ...cont Back (L-R): Arya Sharma, Sahana Sharma & Anjali Neelam Boswell Front (L-R): Jaiden Tej Paul, Maya Navya Mohan & Jahaan Chawla Manchand Hoboken Class Back (L-R): Avyan Dev Paul, & Ayan Sharma, Milan Mainthia, Nikesh Avir Mohan, Veer Sethi Front( L-R): Kiana Sharma Back (L-R): Aanya Gajria, Kabir Sahu, Divyana Bordoloi Bisen & Aamir Arun Patel Front (L-R): Asha Bhatt-Hira, Kiaan Sahu, Shivani Lenaghan, Ayaan Shreejesh Nair, Riya Kadimcherla & Varin Gajria Mudra Hari & Vayun Hari Guru Kool– Edgewater Class Bhavna Singh BHAVNA has been working with Kulture Kool since 2014. She is an experienced educator with the diverse ability to teach Indian culture, traditions, Hindi language, Culinary art and Yoga. She is artistically gifted and creates unique crafting activities to supplement lesson plans. She has a Masters in Organic Chemistry and follows her passion to spread cultural values through language, food, health and wellness.
Hetal Sampat HETAL was an interior designer before pursuing her career in Montessori education 9 years ago and completed her Montessori teacher training in Early Childhood education. Dr. Montessori said, "You must find the work that satisfies your spirit." This work renews my spirit daily and I am honored to guide the children as they grow. As someone who can speak six languages and read-write four out of the six, being a multilingual teacher brings her joy! Kulture Kool Team Ruchika Grover Ruchika has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Marketing along with a Masters in Business Management. She is a seasoned project manager having worked at professional and financial services firms including KPMG & Bank of America. Ruchika brings to KK her love of organization and bringing people together by expanding the Events component of Kulture Kool. Sejal Agashiwala Sejal has done her Diploma in Fashion Designing and Home Science. She has worked in the Fashion Industry in India for many years. Currently she is working as an Assistant Teacher at a public school working with children with special needs. At Kulture Kool she handles accounting & billing. Jigna Naik Jigna holds a degree in accounting and joined Kulture Kool in 2020. She handles customer service, scheduling, and office administration to ensure that daily operations run smoothly. She also works at another non-profit as a Senior Accountant. She is trained in Manipuri classical dance and loves to work with children. Shiwani Singh Shiwani has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, IT, and Psychology. She handles social media, content creation, & social media networking and relations for Kulture Kool. Back (L-R): Krishna Patel, Karishma Wilson, Aarav Pierson & Ellora Patel Front (L-R): Radhika Pierson, Aria Shah, Priya Wilson & Zara Patel Gujarati
Hindi– Virtual Amiya Parikh Azaad Nathiani Aashna Dangaich AASHNA has a PhD in linguistics with focus on the acquisition of languages in children (3 years to 12 years) in a multilingual environment. This gave her the opportunity to understand the benefits of children learning multiple languages and its impact on their cognitive development. As a Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant at New York University, she has been teaching Hindi at the elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. She also attended a number of Startalk and ACTFL workshops which helped her improve teaching pedagogy and make it more learner oriented. Era Goyanka Daivik Chhaya Bela Singh Sehgal Congratulations to Anshi for receiving the coveted Seal of Biliteracy from the NJ Department of Education for HINDI this year. She is amongst the first students in her school to get this seal for proficiency in Hindi language! Anshi Agashiwala Sareena Sabharwal ◄ Back (L-R): Sameera Sikand, Kavya Arora, Anushka Singh Front (LR): Inika Hathiramani, Jai Dhand & Sankirtha Kapoor Hindi Tarun Pande TARUN holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and had worked in the corporate sector for 7 years before starting his own business in 2002. Being raised in the Hindi heartland of India, the love for the language comes easily to him. His early tutelage in Hindi came from his grandfather who was a Hindi scholar and a professor. Later in college years he introduced kids to ‘ Nukkad Nataks’ – Indian street plays, which he conceptualized and wrote dialogues for. He also holds a degree in English Literature which makes him a suitable candidate to teach Hindi to kids brought up with English as their first language. Nikita Gupta & Sara Chandan Top (L-R): Rajan Grover, Rohan Grover Bottom (L-R): Shireen Sikand & Pia Singh Sehgal Idhant Gupta Ayaan Nathiani Divyana Bordoloi-Bisen Sanjana Garg
Bollywood Dance Roshi George ROSHI had a passion for dance since she was a kid and has enjoyed teaching dance for events when in school and college. She has been a Zumba instructor for children in the board of education of her county (in NYC) and a Bollywood dance teacher for kids and adults at other institutions as well. She has done several assemblies, after school enrichments and cultural outreach programs at schools and other public institutions in NJ. She also produces events and is a great emcee. (L-R): Varsha Viswanathan, Dhyani Patel, Meghna Susheel, Sonia Pascale, Aarvi Patel, Anya Vijayakumar, Arika Jain & Anika Sinha Back (L-R): Hetal Sampat, Deepti Purohit, Shikha Datta, Daksha Jhaveri & Shivani Patel Front (L-R): Chatu Ranwalage, Cynthia Thek, Tripti Singh & Nidhi Kalra Back (L-R): Asha Kansagra, Sonya Doshi, Sahana Shah & Freya Mahanthappa Front (L-R): Myra Shah & Myra Lalit Bhangra Ashwin Kumar ASHWIN Kumar, is a versatile dancer & dance teacher trained in various Indian classical, folk & western classical dance styles. His passion towards dance made him quit his HR job & take up dance as a career. He loves to perform & enjoys teaching dance. He has collaborated with various Indian & American dance companies/schools in New York & New Jersey and has performed widely all over India and overseas. He is also a certified yoga instructor. (L-R): Virender Malhotra, Anika Sharma & Kulvir Bassi Smitha Rao
Back (L-R): Niveda Madhavan, Myra Dharia, Shreesh Patel & Navya Dhansinghani Front (L-R): Amyra Choudhary, Anjali Neelam Boswell & Elena Sharma (L-R): Aditi Patel & Rashmi Iyer BollyX & Bollywood Dance Meredith Higgins & Henna Khanijou Sharma MEREDITH is professionally trained and has competed in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, pointe, and musical theatre dance. Her passion for Bollywood started by becoming a background dancer for BollyX the Bollywood Workout. She has been certified for 8 years and is honored to be a part of the Kulture Kool Family! HENNA started learning Kathak at the age of 7. In her teen years she choreographed and taught Bollywood dance as well. After moving to college at the University at Buffalo, Henna continued her passion for dance by joining the South Asian Fusion Dance team on campus—UB Zeal, leading the team to make victories on and off-campus throughout the Western New York region! Now, Henna is located in Jersey City, NJ and continues to teach Kathak, Bollywood, and BollyX classes in the area. BollyX- featured on ABC’s SHARK TANK! , BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with the hottest music from Bollywood. (L-R): Serena Nguyen, Riya Shah, Vidhi Shah & Laila Khan Back (L-R): Kala Kukreti, Zuri Shah, Aarav Pierson, Radhika Pierson, Leela Cantor & Leena Jani Front (L-R): Ayan Shah, Zara Shah, Satya Pierson, Uma Kukreti, Kian Walther-Puri & Zahira Shah