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Laura Gonzalez I graduated in 2007 from Texas State University with a major in Mass Communications in Advertising and a minor in Communication Design. My past dance experiences include being a dance team officer for 3 years on a team that won state and national awards and being apart of Dance 3 Ensemble and a select co-ed team that won state and national awards. My hobbies include: reading, dancing, scrap booking and road trips. I aspire to improve the life of those around me and inspire dedication. |
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Natalya HaveliwalaHey, I am Natalya Haveliwala. Dancing is my passion and I love it! I have had 5 years of training with one of the best teachers, Arzan Gonda. My hobbies are reading, playing basketball, and of course dancing. I am not sure of what I want to make of my life in the future, but I hope dancing is a part of it. Dancing is very important to me, for it's my life now. It's a pleasure to be a part of the Rhythm India dance company! |
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Rena JanarthananRena Janarthanan is a Biology Graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington and is awaiting the commencement of Medical School. From the time she was 7, she has been into music and dance. Her liking for dance grew out of choreographing dances amongst friends for simple social gatherings and has now become a more concrete Interest. Her dance styles comprise of a very wide spectrum ranging from Bharatanatyam and Bollywood to Jazz and Ballet. She was the Dance Choreographer and Co-ordinator for Fine Arts Society of India at UTA and has depicted in her pieces how color and imagination are inseparable units of dance. In addition, to her professional career, dance will always be an integral part of her life |
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Monica JethvaMonica Jethva is a student at Lone Star College-Cy Fair, studying to get her degree in Marketing-Business. She hasn’t had much experience before joining Rhythm India, however has always had a passion of performing. She has seen various others perform very well and takes their achievement as a great motivation in becoming a well performer. Her first performance with the troupe took place at the “Bollywood under the Stars” event at the Sienna Plantation. After performing, she knew this was something she wanted to do for a long time. Her plan for her dancing future is to become an Instructor to people who feel self-doubting and un-motivated as she did once. She also plans on keeping Rhythm India and dancing with her for the rest of her life. Being a part of Rhythm India and working with Arzan has changed Monica’s life because she knows that if she can do this much in her life and enjoy it, she knows she can accomplish anything.
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Reva KakkarReva Kakkar is currently a third year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine. Her dance background includes a variety of experiences. She has choreographed for and participated in performances by the Rice South Asian Society. She took lessons at and performed with the Jhankar School of Dance. Reva has also had taken introductory lessons in hip-hop, salsa, and swing dance. She is really excited about being a member of the Rhythm India Dance Troupe and looks forward to performing! |
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Ekta KakkarEkta Kakkar is currently a senior at Rice University. She has participated in a variety of dance collaborations. She has choreographed and participated in many performances by the Rice South Asian Society. She took lessons at and starred in a dance performance by the Jhankar School of Dance. Ekta has also had basic introductory training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, and cha cha. She is very excited about being a member of the Rhythm India Dance Troupe and looks forward to future performances. |
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Ekta PopatDance became an integral part of my life at a very young age. My mother says I learned how to do Garba even before I learned to walk. Seeing how much I enjoyed it, she placed me in formal dance lessons. I started my training in Bharata Natyam at the age of 6 and did my Arangetram at age 11. I have also taught Bharata Natyam for several years . I used to believe that dance is an art that cannot be learned by everyone. Arzan has made me believe that dance can be taught to anyone, as long as they have the right attitude and the desire to learn. One of my biggest thrills in life is performing on stage. The feeling of being on stage is very exciting, yet very relaxing. I am very thankful to Rhythm India and Arzan for teaching me so much and giving me the opportunity to continue my passion. I am also extremely thankful for my ever supportive husband and two beautiful children, who make it possible for me to do this. |
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Zenia SunavalaI'm Zenia Sunavala, curently a freshman at Clements High School in Sugar Land. I have been a student of Arzan Gonda for now over five years, and have performed at several events. Acting is also something I enjoy doing, in which I have three years of experience in Theatre. My hobbies besides dancing are: acting, swimming, playing piano, and arts/crafts. My mother has been an ispiration and the biggest supporter and fan who continuously encourages me to excel. As far as my career goals, studying medicine seems to be my future. The love of dance is my heart and soul which will always stay with me, as that is who I am. I truly am proud to be a part of the Rhythm India Dance Company. |
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Namitha VijayNamitha Vijay has been performing various dance forms such as Kathak, Hip-Hop, Western, Indian Pop, and Bollywood fusion since the young age of 5. She has represented Informatics and the highlighted faculty in many popular interviews, shows and functions in Singapore. |
ABOUT RHYTHM-INDIA
Bollywood and Indo Fusion Dance
Rhythm India was founded by Arzan Gonda in 2004. Rhythm India provides the very best in Bollywood dance training & performances in the greater Houston Area. We cater to all ethnic backgrounds & age groups…AGE IS NO LIMIT!! Rhythm India performs year-round at concerts, wedding receptions, private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, social/public events and festivals. We also provide private lessons and training for special events. You do not have to be a professional dancer or have any prior dance training to enjoy dancing. With the right guidance and a positive attitude, we believe that ANYONE can dance!! Today Rhythm India is growing and expanding it's classes & services to people throughout Houston.
Rhythm India Strives to….
- Create public awareness of traditional and mainstream South Asian culture, and to continue celebrating our culture and heritage through our work.
- Make a difference through dance. We will continue to raise money for causes that are dear to us by having our "Dance For Life" fund-raisers every other year. Our goal is to create interesting, inspiring, and thought-provoking work and at the same time help make a difference.
- Produce art that represents the times. Bollywood dance is never static, it keeps changing & adapts to other new styles of dance.
- Formalize the discipline of Bollywood dance. By doing so, students can learn systematically through standardized basic steps & learn a repertoire of moves that are essential to developing a strong Bollywood dance base.
- Promote total well-being. Use your entire body and focus your energy in a much more involving and enjoyable way! Dance away your stress and burn those extra calories.
- Make dance accessible to people of ALL ages, skill levels, abilities and backgrounds. Everyone can benefit from Rhythm India classes! With the right guidance and a positive attitude, we believe that ANYONE can dance!!
Rhythm India Past Performances:
- 2009 Holi Celebration - Oyster Creek Park, Sugarland
- 2008 | Dance for Life Gala - ZAH Center
- 2008 | ZAH 10th Anniv Gala - ZAH Center
- 2008 | Developments in Literacy - Marriott Westchase
- 2008 | AIM for Seva - Meenakshi Temple
- 2004 | Passage to India - The Miller Outdoor Theater
- 2003 | Library Inauguration - ZAH Center
- 2003 | Dance Houston - Tatham Fine Arts Theater
Rhythm India Dance Company Professional Dancers
Professional Opportunities
Rhythm India is now looking for dancers for their 2009 -2010 performance season. We are always looking for full-time & part-time talent to join our company and are continuously recruiting new talent throughout the year.
Dance Company Audition Dates and Schedule
Spring Auditions for the Dance Company are complete and several new company dancers were chosen. Dates for the Fall Auditions will be announced soon.
Audition Format:
- It's going to be a very informal audition!
- You can audition as a solo dancer or if you feel more comfortable in a group, feel free to audition in a group and bring your friends along.
- Come dressed in comfortable and appropriate active/exercise or Indian attire.
- You may dance in non-marking sneakers, dansneakers, jazz shoes or barefoot.
- Fill out an application form. Warm up and get ready to learn a short choreographed dance, instructed by Arzan Gonda which will last for around 30 minutes.
- Judging will be done in small groups.
- Also prepare another 2 -3 minute dance of your choice. This should be choreographed in advance. Bring your own music for the audition (can be performed solo or in a group).
- Results will be individually emailed a week later.
- We just want to see you dance with energy, passion & have a whole lot of fun!!
ALL Dance Experience is Relevant!
Bollywood dance has elements of Jazz, Hip–Hop, Arabic and Latin Forms. If you are trained in any other dance style besides Bollywood, and are open to learning a new style feel free to contact us for an audition. We welcome all genders and ethnicities. Please contact us to arrange an interview & audition.
If selected, you will get commercial dance opportunities, and potential teaching positions at Rhythm India Centers located at several different locations. You will then be contracted as a Rhythm India Troupe Dancer. Company dancers participate in choreography, class instruction, and perform with Rhythm India at special events.
Requirements
You must be available for weekend (morning/afternoon) rehearsals during shows or other productions and also be available for dance performances and events held locally. If you have the talent or are not sure if you do, and you just want to have fun dancing then come for the audition. You will be trained by an experienced Bollywood choreographer which will help you to nurture your skill to its best possible level. We are looking for people who are passionate & committed dancers.