Business Details
South Asian Dance Education & Cultural Performances
Ajna Dance is a premier performing arts organization dedicated to celebrating South Asian culture through dance and music. Founded on the principles of cultural inclusion and artistic excellence, we specialize in classical Indian dance, folk traditions, and Bollywood styles. Our team of professionally trained artists delivers immersive educational programs, community events, and performances that engage audiences of all ages. With partnerships spanning 500+ schools and cultural institutions like Lincoln Center, we create transformative experiences that deepen understanding of South Asian heritage. Our customized residencies, workshops, and assemblies integrate dance with curriculum-based learning, fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and life skills.Recognized as an MWBE Certified Business, we bring 25 years of expertise in blending traditional art forms with contemporary expression. From school programs to corporate wellness initiatives, our work emphasizes accessibility, joy, and authentic cultural storytelling. Through dynamic performances at museums, festivals, and private events, we make South Asian culture vibrant and relatable. Our commitment to innovation ensures every program adapts to diverse needs, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats. With a team of passionate teaching artists, we continue to inspire communities through the power of movement and cultural connection.
Services
Dance Residencies
Cultural Workshops
School Assemblies
Corporate Events
Private Performances
Family Programs
Festival Celebrations
After-School Classes
Summer Intensives
Virtual Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of expertise in South Asian dance education and cultural programming
- Our team includes professionally trained artists with experience at Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Museum
- Customized programs integrate dance with curriculum-based learning for K-12 students
- We partner with 500+ schools and cultural institutions across New York City
- Our MWBE certification demonstrates commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts
Associations and certifications
- MWBE Certified Business
What people say
Loved it
Positive energy
Engaging performances
Cultural enrichment
Professional instructors
Services
Dance Residencies
Our multi-week dance residencies combine classical Indian techniques with modern pedagogy to create immersive cultural experiences. Programs adapt to school curricula while teaching technical skills, historical context, and creative expression. Students develop teamwork and cultural awareness through collaborative choreography and storytelling.
Cultural Workshops
Hands-on workshops introduce participants to South Asian dance forms through guided practice and cultural context. Offered in formats from single sessions to multi-week series, these programs emphasize accessibility and joy while teaching traditional movement patterns and their cultural significance.
School Assemblies
Dynamic performances and interactive demonstrations bring South Asian culture to life for K-12 audiences. Assemblies include live dance showcases, audience participation segments, and educational components about festival traditions and dance history tailored to school curricula.
Corporate Events
Customized cultural experiences for workplace wellness and diversity initiatives. Programs include dance workshops, festival celebrations, and performance-based team-building activities that promote inclusion and cross-cultural understanding through movement and music.
Private Performances
Professional dance performances for weddings, galas, and private celebrations blend classical precision with Bollywood energy. Our artists create customized routines that reflect clients' cultural heritage while delivering visually stunning entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages.
People
Minila Shah
Founder
With 25 years of experience, Minila Shah founded Ajna Dance to celebrate South Asian culture through performance and education. Her expertise spans multiple Indian dance forms, and she has choreographed for international media platforms while appearing on major television networks.
Alisha Desai
Assistant Director
A 20-year dance veteran, Alisha Desai specializes in Bharatanatyam and musical theater. She focuses on cultural education through movement, emphasizing joy and accessibility in teaching students from diverse backgrounds.
Shreya Rawat
Teaching Artist
Shreya Rawat holds a BFA in Dance from Point Park University and teaches multiple styles including Bollywood and contemporary. Her approach emphasizes self-expression and the holistic benefits of dance education for children.
Meha Sadana
Dance Instructor
With 22 years of experience in Bharatanatyam and Bollywood styles, Meha Sadana focuses on creating body-positive dance environments. She emphasizes emotional well-being and personal growth through movement exploration.
Tanya Chauhan
Cultural Educator
Tanya Chauhan brings 10 years of expertise in Indian dance forms to her role as both performer and educator. Her teaching philosophy centers on cultural authenticity and making traditional dance accessible to modern learners.
Questions
What age groups do your dance programs accommodate?
We offer programs for all ages from early childhood (3K) through adult learners, with specialized curricula for different developmental stages.
Can you customize programs for specific cultural events?
Yes, we create tailored programs for festivals like Diwali and Holi, as well as corporate diversity initiatives and private celebrations.
Do you offer both in-person and virtual classes?
We provide flexible programming options including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats to accommodate different organizational needs.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our teaching artists are professionally trained in multiple Indian dance styles and have extensive experience in both performance and education.
How do you incorporate cultural education into dance classes?
Our programs integrate historical context, movement storytelling, and cultural traditions while teaching technical dance skills.
What locations do you serve for school programs?
We primarily serve NYC schools but also work with institutions in surrounding areas including Connecticut and Long Island.
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