Business Details
14 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in NJ/NY for All Ages
Shehnaaz Dance Academy (SDA), founded in 2012, has established itself as a premier performing arts institution in the NY/NJ region. With over a decade of experience, we have trained more than 1,000 students in diverse dance forms including Indian Folk, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak. Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined expertise in classical and modern dance, with many holding advanced degrees in dance and related fields. SDA's unique approach combines technical mastery with cultural immersion, offering programs that foster self-confidence, discipline, and artistic expression.We maintain rigorous quality standards through our affiliation with Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal for Kathak certification. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our community partnerships with over 15 schools and regular performances at cultural events across the Tri-State area. We prioritize personalized attention, with instructors who tailor instruction to individual learning styles while maintaining high technical standards. Our track record of successful recitals and student achievements reflects our dedication to nurturing both artistic talent and life skills through dance education.
Services
Bollywood Dance Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Kathak Certification
Bharatanatyam Training
Corporate Dance Workshops
Holiday Dance Camps
Private Lessons
Event Choreography
BollyJazz Fusion
Cultural Immersion Programs
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Over a decade of experience training 1,000+ students in diverse dance forms
- Certified instructors with advanced degrees in dance and performance arts
- Affiliated with prestigious Indian dance institutions for authentic training
- Proven track record of successful community performances and recitals
- Customized programs for different age groups and skill levels
Associations and certifications
- Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal
What people say
Built confidence
Amazing teacher
Professional recitals
Cultural enrichment
Expert instructors
Services
Bollywood Dance Classes
Structured Bollywood dance programs for ages 3-15 develop technical skill and cultural appreciation. Classes focus on rhythm recognition, choreography memorization, and performance artistry. Students progress through levels with increasing complexity, culminating in stage performances. Our curriculum builds coordination, musicality, and self-expression while preserving traditional elements. Instructors emphasize proper posture and technique while making learning engaging for young dancers.
Kathak Certification Program
Affiliated with Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, this program offers formal Kathak training from elementary to advanced levels. Students master footwork patterns, hand gestures, and storytelling techniques while studying rhythmic cycles and cultural context. The structured curriculum prepares students for official examinations and includes costume presentations at annual showcases. This program combines traditional teaching methods with modern pedagogical approaches for comprehensive learning.
Corporate Dance Workshops
Customized dance-based programs enhance team collaboration and cultural awareness for corporate groups. Workshops incorporate diverse dance styles and cultural elements tailored to organizational objectives. Participants develop coordination and communication skills through choreographed routines. These interactive sessions provide unique team-building experiences while promoting diversity appreciation and stress relief through physical activity.
Holiday Dance Camps
Immersive dance camps combine technical training with creative exploration during school breaks. Campers engage in multiple dance styles, choreography projects, and cultural activities. Programs include science experiments, crafts, and performance preparation to develop well-rounded artistic skills. The camps foster social development through group activities while maintaining technical dance instruction in a fun, engaging environment.
Private Dance Lessons
Personalized dance instruction caters to individual goals and learning paces across all styles. Sessions focus on technical refinement, performance preparation, or personal skill development. Instructors create customized lesson plans addressing specific needs while maintaining proper technique and injury prevention. These lessons provide concentrated attention for rapid progress and tailored feedback in a supportive learning environment.
People
Shehnaaz Jagasia
Founder and Creative Director
Classically trained in Bharatanatyam with over 20 years of teaching experience, Shehnaaz holds two Masters degrees in Biochemistry and Human Molecular Genetics. She founded SDA in 2012 to combine her scientific background with dance passion, developing innovative BollyHIIT fitness programs while maintaining traditional dance instruction.
Anushya Mamtora
Director of Operations
With 15 years of Bollywood dance experience and a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism, Anushya manages SDA's Jersey City operations. She combines her media background with dance expertise to develop business strategies and community partnerships while teaching advanced dance techniques to students.
Chinmay Ashar
Head Choreographer
Professional dancer with 15 years of experience in hip hop, locking, and Bollywood styles. Chinmay brings expertise from national competitions and television appearances, including India's Got Talent. He combines technical mastery with business acumen from his Kelley School of Business education to develop SDA's choreography curriculum.
Suvarna Joshi
Prabhakar Degree holder in Kathak from Lucknow Gharana tradition with over 15 years of teaching experience. She combines her academic background in Dance Studies from Columbia University with practical instruction, balancing classical technique with modern performance requirements while maintaining cultural authenticity in her teaching approach.
Mahi Malhotra
Location Partner
Award-winning dancer with over 15 years of training, including taekwondo expertise. As Millburn location partner, she combines her performance experience with educational achievements as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist to develop community-focused dance programs that build both technical skill and personal confidence.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Hip Hop, Bhangra, and BollyJazz for ages 3-15 with progressive levels from beginners to advanced students.
Do you provide performance opportunities?
Yes! We host Winter Showcases annually and partner with schools for cultural events, with students performing for 200+ audiences in professionally produced shows.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold advanced degrees in dance or related fields with certifications from prestigious institutions like Kalakshetra and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
Can adults join classes?
Yes! We offer adult classes in Bollywood, Bhangra, and fusion styles with flexible options including 4-class packs, 8-class bundles, and single sessions.
Do you offer cultural programs?
Our cultural immersion programs include Hindi language lessons, Indian musical theater productions, and holiday camps combining dance with traditional arts and crafts.
