Dance Troupe

Some of the pictures in this slideshow are courtesy of Decca Photography

Anushka Oak

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain". Dance has always been a part of my life since I can remember. In 2004, I began dancing with Arzan Auntie and also began my classical training in Kathak. I love learning new dance styles to expand my repertoire of skills, but the most exhilarating part of dance is the thrill I feel the moment I step on stage. Rhythm India has offered me so many amazing opportunities and so many memorable experiences. Arzan Auntie has always been there for me and in her I find a teacher and a mentor. I am so proud to be part of Rhythm India!

Sneha Dama

Someone once said, “You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart.” There has not been a single day where I haven’t had the urge to dance. Starting at the age of six, I have been classically trained in Kathak and completed my kathak pranam ceremony, and I can say that my guru is one of my main role models in my life. She is the one person who has helped me shape my life and become the person I am today. I am 19 years old majoring in Business at the University of Houston. Along with dancing, volunteering is another activity I am extremely passionate about. I would like to thank my parents and friends for always supporting me. And a special thanks to Arzan for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Rhythm India dance troupe family!

Anvi Dave

I started dancing when I started walking. When I was a year old I started dancing to Madhuri Dixit’s Ek Do Teen. Seeing my passion towards dance my parents put me in a classical dance school at age 6 yrs, and I completed my Rangpravesham in Kuchipudi style (Indian Classical dance) at the age of 11. I was a part of Shiamak Davar's Institute in Ahmedabad (India) for 3 years. Dance has always been my first love, my strength and my passion. Even though my dance styles are Indian Classical, Semi-Classical, Bollywood, Hip-Hop and Tollywood, I love to learn other dance styles too. I started to choreograph when I was 14 yrs, and opened my own Dance School in Ahmedabad, India. Besides dance I am currently pursuing my degree in Information Technology from University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL). Dancing has always been part of my life, and I thank Arzan Gonda for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Rhythm India Dance Company so that I can continue my passion. I am proud to be a Rhythm India Company Dancer :))

Rahul Gaur

I have a background in electrical engineering and I work in a leadership role in the oil and gas industry. Dance has always been something I have thoroughly enjoyed ever since I was a kid. I think it is the most fun type of cardio there is .I have had some training in the street jazz form but majorly my interest in dancing stems from my unmatched love for Indian cinema. After moving to Houston I was looking for a place that would help me learn the Bollywood style of Dancing and provide me with opportunities to perform on stage .Turns out Rhythm India is just that and a lot more . A lot of team work and collaboration go into the choreography sessions which are super fun. Moreover, by partnering with Non Profits for charity events, the organization provides one with a channel to raise funds for the underprivileged. It feels great to be part of a company that has so much to offer. Cheers to the Rhythm India family!!

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.

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

Dance is a form of expression for many people, to me it's that and much more. It's my way of living and connecting to my daily actions. It's when I forget about my worldy life and create a world in which I live to emote through dancing. I have been dancing since I could barely walk and have been told numerous times from family friends and relatives that I have my mothers passion for dancing. From a very young age I have been moving my hips and shaking my legs to the latest and hottest bollywood hits. Growing up I have participated in the theatre arts, taking roles in dancing and choreographing and contributing culture to the South Asian community. I feel that dance is quite the paradox being that it should be taken serious yet light because a dancer has to be serious about her dancing and focused while also dance being a way to be light and just having fun! Other than dancing I enjoy playing various other sports in order to promote a healty lifestyle, and I love to act, using it as another option to express myself. Family is a big deal to me and I find that exact feeling when I am with my Rhythm India family and Arzan Gonda is like a great role model to all of us as she is exactly what symbolizes the dedication and professionalism a person should have as a dancer. All of this is why I am proud to call myself a Rhythm India company dancer!

Monica Jethva

They say you should always have something that will help you stay sane in life’s hardships. Dancing is my way of “getting away”. The adrenaline rush that comes before I perform is what I live for. Seeing the crowds cheering for me and bumping to the music is what gives me that warm feeling of confidence. Knowing that someone can enjoy what I enjoy is part of the adventure that dance brings to me. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource and Development at The University of Houston. Dancing has always been a part of my life, and I hope to continue my journey with Rhythm India.

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.

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.

Ranjit Prakash

I am Ranjit, and I'm excited to be a part of the Rhythm India Dance Company. I was looking for a dance troupe after I graduated from Ohio State Univ about a year ago. I was not fortunate enough to start dancing before walking :p, I started growing a beard by the time I realized I had a knack for it. My inspiration came from Hrithik Roshan's Coca-Cola ad with Aishwarya Rai. I tried to imitate the dance steps and pulled it off. Then I tried imitating the dance moves to "All rise" by a Korean pop star and pulled it off too. My sister noticed this and asked me to do something about it. So I joined Flyerz Dance Company in Chennai and was with them for 2 years. I continued dancing through graduate school in cultural events and group competitions across the campus. In the meantime I had found my role model in Michael Jackson. A particular quote from him that always guides me: "Dancing is not about thinking, its about feeling. You have to become the drums, become the bass". I have been self teaching the MJ style of dance and have performed it at a couple of events. I am also an admirer of Prabhu Deva who has always inserted elements of MJ's magic in his choreography for Indian film music. Indian songs always get me excited and I am looking forward to providing some great performances for Rhythm India, thanks to Arzan.

Raheel Rajabali

My passion for dance started when I danced at an event for special needs kids in February of 2009. At the time, I was doing my undergrad in Computer Science at the University of Houston. Dance became a second life for me. I could get on stage and be whoever I wanted and dance my heart out. Dancing in front of crowds started to boost my confidence and self-esteem. Since then I have performed at numerous shows, weddings, and charity events. Currently, I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Houston and I am pursuing my Masters in Business Administration at the same university. I have trained and developed my skills in Bollywood Fusion, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Latin dancing skills. I look forward to enhancing my dancing skills and learning new dance forms by becoming part of the Rhythm India family.

Monika Rao

Dance is my passion. I have been dancing since before I can even remember! When I was a baby, before I could even walk or talk, my Mom tells me I used to bounce up and down and throw my hands in the air whenever Indian music started playing. Then when I was 4 years old, I used to dance everywhere; whether it be in the grocery store or in the middle of the parking lot. From then on, my mom knew I would be a dancer and enrolled me in dance classes. I have experienced different styles of Indian dance in my life. I started my classical training in Kathak when I was 4 and continued training for 12 years. I also started my classical Bharatnatyam training when I was 6 and completed my training when I had my Arangetram when I was 15. Not only have I done classical dance, I also love Bollywood! Most of the Bollywood dancing I have done, I choreograph either by myself or with friends. I have performed in Bollywood Blast, I choreograph Bollywood songs for Culture Fest at my School, and choreograph songs for performances at talent shows, diversity nights that I also take part in. I also love do do raas and garba! Aside from dance, I love to play sports such as volleyball, basketball, and tennis, and I play the flute in my school band. I have never been in a dance team before and Rhythm India is everything I could have asked for! I absolutely love it!

Shreya Ruxmohan

For me, dancing is not just a pastime- it’s a passion. Dancing down the aisles of the grocery store as a three-year-old, I didn’t have a care in the world. What’s weird is that eighteen years later, nothing has changed. Even during my undergraduate years at the University of Texas at Austin, I found myself randomly twirling my hands on the walk to class. As a member and choreographer of an all-girls Bollywood dance team at UT Austin, I was able to dedicate countless hours to practices, performances, and competitions. After graduating, however, I missed that part of my life. Thanks to Arzan and the dance troupe, I am able to continue to do what I do best- dance like no one is watching! I am currently in the process of applying to dental school. During my year off, I plan to commit a lot of time to things that I will not be able to do once I’m in graduate school, like spending quality time with my parents, sister, and friends, traveling, and most importantly, dancing with Rhythm India!

Namrata Sirur

Dance has been my passion ever since I was a 3 year old shaking to the rhythm of my mother’s sewing machine. Since then, I’ve honed my dancing skills by enrolling in classes ranging from Bharata Natyam to Belly Dance or teaching myself through recorded Bollywood and Hip Hop videos. I’ve also enjoyed performing and choreographing dances for several cultural shows and competitions throughout school and university. I am incredibly excited to be a part of Rhythm India Dance Company and to get the chance to not only perform on a regular basis, but also to learn and continually improve. Apart from dance, my hobbies include being a foodie, a news and politics junkie, Hindi movie fanatic, and Harry Potter aficionado.

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.

Parita Thakkar

Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It's the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy," by Jaques D'ambroise. This quote is very dear to my heart. I have been dancing for fun ever since I was a little kid. Whether it is in front of the T.V. in my living room, or at a family wedding. However, dancing really became a passion about four years back. I danced and trained at the Anjali Dance Company for two and a half years with Mr. Mahesh Mahbubani. Recently I have begun training in Kathak classical dance with Mrs. Uma Nagarsheth. In Februrary 2011, I began training with Mrs. Arzan Gonda, and am now very happy to be a part of the Rhythm India Dance Company! Other than dancing, my hobbies include swimming, shopping, hanging out with family and friends, and watching movies. I attend the University of Houston and it will be my second year of Undergrad this coming Fall 2011. I am double majoring in Economics and Business Finance. I plan on going to law school in the future and also continuing to dance, hopefully having a side career as a dance instructor. Dancing and performing brings me much happiness and it is and will continue to be an eminent part of my life.

Namitha Vijay

Namitha 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. She has also been published for Kathak dance performances in “India Se” magazine while representing India its Republic day, 2008. Winner of best dancing teen at an event held by Sangam Hotels in 2006, Namitha has performed Indian classical dance for the Indian Prime Minister during his visit to Thailand and for the President of India during his visit to Singapore. She has also been featured in various TV shows both in Singapore and abroad. Namitha has had the opportunity to perform and be filmed with international dance troupes and is very excited to be a Rhythm India Company Dancer.

Brittany Nicole

I love to dance, dance, dance! I started dancing at the age of three as a classically trained ballet dancer and all throughout my teen years. I then transitioned into cheer-leading and later became a Professional NFL Cheerleader. I took a few years off of dancing, which gave me the opportunity to discover my true purpose and develop my knowledge and career as a Nutritionist focusing on holistic health, educating communities on prevention through foods. I am now ready to return to my first love, my truest and most highest form of essence here on earth. Dance. I am more than excited and grateful to join the very talented Rhythm India Bollywood Dance Company.

Bhavana Kaki

I started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 7 and completed my Arangetram in Boston. While in college I competed nationally on a bollywood fusion team and went on to found and lead a classical team that competed nationally as well. I contributed to theme ideation, choreography, formations, and music selection. After 3 years of competing, I co-founded and served as co-director of a national classical competition to provide this dance form another platform to grow. I hold a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and am currently embarking on my professional career journey. Aside from dance I enjoy traveling, volunteering, and catching up with my friends.

Company Audtion 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

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 Arzan 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.

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!!

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 Past Performances