Ajna Dance

Business Details

Celebrating South Asian Culture Through Dance & Education

Ajna Dance is a premier performing arts organization rooted in South Asian culture, dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Indian dance through education, performance, and community engagement. Founded in New York City, our mission is to foster cultural inclusion and creative expression by blending classical Indian dance, folk traditions, and Bollywood. With decades of collective experience, our team of professional artists and educators delivers immersive programs to 500+ schools, cultural institutions, and corporate partners, making South Asian heritage accessible to diverse audiences.

We specialize in customized residencies, interactive workshops, and vibrant performances that empower individuals to explore identity, build community, and develop life skills through the transformative power of dance.

Services

Dance Workshops Cultural Performances School Residencies Corporate Events Private Parties Family Workshops Summer Programs After-School Classes Festival Celebrations Teacher Training

Highlights and features

We have 25+ years of experience in South Asian dance education.
Our team partners with 500+ schools and cultural institutions.
We offer customized programs for diverse educational settings.
Our artists blend classical, folk, and Bollywood traditions.
We are a certified MWBE business with proven expertise.

Associations and certifications

MWBE

What people say

Kids had so much fun Phenomenal instructor Interactive and informative Colorful vibrant event Students loved the experience

Website

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Services

Dance Workshops

Our immersive dance workshops introduce participants to Indian dance traditions through interactive learning. Customized programs for schools, corporations, and community groups combine classical techniques, folk dances, and Bollywood energy. Each session promotes physical wellness, cultural appreciation, and creative expression for all skill levels.

School Residencies

Multi-week residency programs integrate Indian dance into school curricula with age-appropriate instruction. Students explore cultural heritage through movement while developing teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Culminating performances showcase learning and celebrate diversity in educational settings.

Cultural Performances

Vibrant live performances showcase the diversity of Indian dance traditions. From classical Kathak to energetic Bhangra, our productions educate and entertain audiences at cultural festivals, corporate events, and community celebrations across the East Coast.

Private Parties

Customized dance experiences for weddings, birthdays, and private celebrations blend Bollywood glamour with traditional elements. Interactive workshops and professional performances create memorable celebrations that honor South Asian heritage through music and dance.

After-School Classes

Weekly after-school programs teach technical dance skills while fostering creativity and cultural awareness. Students learn classical and contemporary Indian dance forms in a supportive environment that builds confidence and artistic expression for young learners.

People

Minila Shah

Founder

Minila Shah has dedicated her 25-year career to advancing South Asian dance through choreography and education. Her expertise spans Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bollywood styles, with notable appearances on major television networks and film productions.

Alisha Desai

Assistant Director

Alisha Desai brings over two decades of dance experience to her role, specializing in Bharatanatyam and musical theater. She focuses on making Indian dance accessible while nurturing students' creative and cultural growth through joyful learning experiences.

Shreya Rawat

Teaching Artist

Shreya Rawat holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and teaches multiple styles including Bollywood and hip hop. She emphasizes self-expression and physical wellness, with a decade of experience connecting with young learners through movement.

Meha Sadana

Dance Instructor

Meha Sadana combines 22 years of training in Bharatanatyam and Bollywood with a focus on emotional expression. Her teaching approach encourages students to find personal meaning in dance through vulnerability and creative exploration.

Tanya Chauhan

Cultural Educator

Tanya Chauhan has taught Indian dance forms for a decade while performing extensively. Her passion for cultural preservation focuses on helping children connect with South Asian heritage through accessible, joyful dance instruction.

Questions

What age groups do your dance programs accommodate?

We offer age-appropriate programs for preschoolers through adults, including specialized classes for K-12 students, corporate groups, and community events.

Can we customize a cultural program for our organization?

Our team works closely with clients to create tailored dance experiences that align with specific event themes, educational goals, or cultural celebrations.

Do you offer virtual dance classes and performances?

Yes, we provide interactive virtual workshops and performances that engage remote participants while maintaining the cultural authenticity of our in-person programs.

What makes your dance education programs unique?

Our programs combine technical dance instruction with cultural education, integrating Indian dance history, storytelling traditions, and cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.

Are your instructors qualified to teach dance safely?

All our teaching artists are professionally trained in multiple dance styles and experienced in adapting techniques for diverse abilities and educational settings.

How can we book a performance or workshop?

Contact us via email or phone to discuss your needs - we'll help design the perfect cultural experience for your school, business, or event.

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Reviews (4)

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Kristen Kullberg

Apr 06, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Ajna Dance Studio is an amazing organization! They adapted their workshops for our virtual classrooms and our students are still abuzz with excitement!

Jean Cook

Dec 30, 2020 Report

Anja Dance company did a live stream assembly for our K-8 students the week before Diwali. They did an excellent job presenting the celebration of Diwali to our students. Then we switched to learning Indian dancing. What fun! Teachers and students alike got up, moved, danced, did hand and feet movements, and best of all smiled and laughed. A 7th grade boy came up to me afterwards and told me how much fun it had been, as did many other students and teacher. Learning in isolated pod classrooms in person has been a challenge, but this enlivened us all! This group is incredibly professional and wonderful

Sonya Quallis

Sep 11, 2020 Report

Ajna Dance conducted 2 assemblies celebrating Holi for our over 600 students in Pre-K - 5th grades. The assembly consisted of the history of various types of Indian Dances followed by a demonstration of each dance. Students and staff were fascinated during the performances. Ajna made it all come to life even more when they asked for audience participation. The students and staff both equally enjoyed all aspects of the assembly and are looking forward to others. Ajna staff members are friendly, polite, knowledgable, engaging, and professional. We will definitely book Ajna Dance for future assemblies

Nathalie Coppens

Aug 07, 2020 Report

We had Ajna at our (bollywood obsessed) daughter's 4th birthday party to teach a workshop. All kids (& adults!) had a blast. The teacher Rashmi was so lovely & very engaging. A fantastic experience!