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&nLaura Gonzalez Bollywood Dance Classesbsp;

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.

Arthi Gunaseelan

Rhythm, Beat, Music, Tempo and Grace have been the words that I have been exposed to ever since I was 6 years old. As a BarathaNatyam student of Temple of Fine Arts, a very prestigious dance school in Malaysia, I was fortunate to have started performing on stage from a very young age through the annual Indian festival called Navarathri. As I grew up, I made it a point to continue performing not only during Navarathri but also at special school functions and as an undergrad at Michigan State University I was fortunate to have choreographed dances for the annual school concerts. The excitement, energy and confidence that I feel when I amon stage with a million eyes staring back at me is what ultimately motivates me to continue performing year after year. Being a part of Rhythm India Dance Company is going to help me experience this feeling a lot more through the amazing shows that we put on.Dance has always contributed to the happiness in my life and I foresee that trend continuing in my future too.

 Company Dancer Natalya

Natalya Haveliwala

Hey, 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!

Tanisha Hirani

Hey I’m Tanisha Hirani and I am a student in Clements High School. I have been dancing since I was very young. Dancing is my biggest passion and I enjoy every bit of it. I have performed in many places such as dance roles in plays including performing as a peacock in the play of Island of the Animals and starring in the lead role of being a “mean fish”. It has been a great experience throughout all these years of dancing. My other hobbies include shopping, reading and socializing.

&nCompany Dancer Monicabsp;

Monica Jethva

Monica 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.

 
 

Ranjita Jonnalagadda

I have been obsessed with Bollywood music and dance since I learned to speak Hindi. I graduated from UT, Austin where I was the choreographer for a dance team that won two 1st places for two consecutive years. I also have experience with jazz, hip-hop, and a few Indian classical forms of dance. In my free time, I take vocal lessons, do volunteer work, and teach dance to kids in my local Indian community. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication Disorders, but hope someday to make a career out of my passion for dance.

Paulomi Mehta

I am an Environmental Specialist by profession but dance is my passion. I began my dance training as a child learning Folk Dances in India with the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. I have participated in many performances with the Darpana Academy and was awarded a scholarship for dance from the government of India.  When I dance, I really enjoy it and I am sure I am going to learn many new things as I am going to be a part of the Rhythm India Dance Troupe. I am really excited and looking forward to performing.

Sampurna Mukherjee

Since my childhood,dance has been something which always brought a smile to my face. It has been my passion and love ever since I started listening to music. I was always sure that I would pursue it in my future. Then I came across Arzan Gonda and got attracted towards all the glory and grace she brings to her dance. Arzan is my inspiration and I consider myself fortunate for being able to work with her. I really feel proud to be a part of the Rhythm India family as it gave me the opportunity to accomplish my dream of dancing. Three cheers for Rhythm India.

Shreeya Patel

I am Shreeya Patel, at present a freshman at Travis High School (in FBISD). I have experience in traditional Kathak and Bollywood dance forms. I have performed for the First Indian Film Festival of Houston, Raghav’s Concert, and Bollywood Blast. I have also performed at several events for diverse organizations such as Pratham, Vibha, University of Houston, Doctor’s Association, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, and Chevron Technology Company. I love learning and performing different styles of dance. My interests, other than dance, are: reading, water activities, tutoring, and music. I enjoy learning about science and my career path will be headed towards the Medical Field. I am very fortunate to be a part of The Rhythm India Dance Company and this is a great opportunity for me to enhance my dancing skills. I am eagerly looking forward to work with Ms.Arzan Gonda.

 Bollywood Indian Dance Houston Dancer

Ekta Popat

Dance 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.
 

Zenia Sunavala

I'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. 

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 2010 - 2011 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.

2010 Dance Company Audition Dates and Schedule

Saturday April 24th - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
OR
Sunday April 25th - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Auditions will be held at:
India House
8888 West Belfort
Houston TX 77031

Please contact Arzan to schedule an appointment

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.