Rakta Devi at Aangan Dance Salon

Devi. Goddess. The ultimate energy of divine femininity. However, girls and women all across the world are taught that the biological processes that give us this energy every month are disgusting and dirty. In some parts of the world, women who are on their period are not allowed to enter places of worship or be near God. A girl is preparing in joy to visit the Mandir, or temple. But before she can take her first step inside, the priest tells her to leave and come back only when her period has finished. She is confused, how can something that is natural stop her from receiving peace and blessings from God? The blood starts coursing through her strongly. She vows to spread rivers of blood in front of every temple, until she is able to pray. Through Kathak and Tandav styles of dance I wish to tell a story that many women around the world feel every day. The stigma of periods causes women to feel "unclean" even when it is a normal and natural process of our bodies. Normalizing menstruation is one of the first steps in tapping into our divine feminine selves.

Run Time : 10 minutes

Indian Cabaret at Dixon Place

“Indian Cabaret”, takes brings dance styles that offer technique, entertainment, and a deep connection between the audience and women. The dances are on the theme of love in the modern era and have dialogue interwoven throughout. The Indian Cabaret show would have 3 components:

Mujra: The first stop in Indian Cabaret is the Mughal Era. Usually performed in “Kothas”, a dance sequence with elements of Kathak and ghazals.

Lavani: The next stop is during Shivaji’s rule (set for our purposes during a later time during the 1900s) at the Tamasha. Using classical and folk elements this part will explore Phadachi Lavani and Baithakichi (sitting) Lavani.

Item Songs: Ending with a modern-day Bollywood version of Cabaret dancing with item songs from the most classical moves. Usually influenced by Bihari rhythms and style, cabaret now has a completely new meaning.

Run Time : 30 minutes

Celestia at Manhattan Movement of Arts and Bridgewater Balaji Mandir

(Lead Choreographer and Lead Artiste)

Music is Emotion, and dance, stylized story-telling! Celestia is an engaging-enticing mélange of tales told through dance in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Contemporary styles, and Hindustani music fusions. Revel in melody and movement, and luxuriate in the aesthetics of color, form and composition! Brought to NJ and NYC audiences by Renu Foundation for the Arts.

Run Times: 100 minutes

Samsara at Carnegie Hall with Gurukul Performing Arts

Gurukul was invited to perform an original piece entitled ‘Samsara” at the All Indian Festival at Carnegie Hall by Three Aksha. Samsara is the story of a beautiful tree who falls victim to environmental hazards through Hindustani classical music and Kathak. Original music by Rushi Vakil and choreography by Shivani Badgi and cast of 30 dancers from Gurukul Performing Arts.

Run time : 9 minutes

Shiva Stuti at Manavi Event at the Indian Consulate in NYC

Manavi Sexual Assault Awareness Month Event at the Indian Consulate in NYC. Performed two Kathak solo items of Shiva Stuti and Hope. Shiva Stuti choreographed by Guru Dr. Maya Rao and Hope choreographed by Shivani Badgi

Run Time : 10 minutes

Indian Cabaret at Tamasha 2019

American Cabaret originated from the French and was an entertainment show featuring dancers in a smaller venue with a seated audience. Frequently the show would feature singing, Jazz music, and even political satire. Indian cabaret has been popularized by actresses such as Helen as a unique dance style.

This version of The Indian Cabaret is different. It brings the audience Indian culture mixed with the spice of Bollywood that everyone knows and loves. We travel through time from the Tamashas of Shivaji’s rule, to the Kothas of the Mughal Era, all the way to the glittery bars of Bollywood, we promise to keep you entertained all the way.

Devdas: A Dance Spectacle 

Performed in the lead role of Paro from November 4th - November 20th at Theatre for a New City in New York, New York. 

 An old Indian story about love and loss, set in the story of a reality dance competition. Through the use of original music composed by Aalap Desai and innovative Indo-contemporary choreography by star choreographer Swarali Karulkar, Junoon Performing Arts and Hypokrit Theatre Company bring to the stage the oldest Indian love story, as its never been seen before, where women rule, and love and loss is just a transaction.

Tamasha 2016 

Presenting some new work for the amazing upcoming festival Tamasha NYC! I always believe in using dance to make a difference. Using a combination of my favorite styles of dance, I am speaking out on an extremely important subject, especially for us women currently in college. Look out for more information and sneak peeks! Visit their website for more information: tamashanyc.org