Beyond the Studio
The Story Behind My Name
For most of my childhood, my name was just a name—Gaitrie Ramnarine—something my family called me with love and familiarity. But when I entered high school, it became something else entirely. It became a challenge, an obstacle, something that set me apart in a way that I wasn’t always comfortable with.
Growing up in the Bronx, surrounded by so many different cultures, I wasn’t the only kid with a unique name, but mine seemed especially hard for people to pronounce. Teachers would hesitate when they got to my name on the attendance list, sometimes butchering it completely, sometimes just giving up and asking, “Do you go by anything else?”
My classmates didn’t have the patience to figure it out either. Some took the easy way out, shortening it to “G” or “Gai”—names that didn’t feel like me but were easier to say. Others turned my name into a joke, stretching it out as “GUY-TREE” or twisting it in ways that made me feel different in a way I didn’t want to be.
At that age, all I wanted was to fit in. To have a name that didn’t stop the teacher mid-sentence, that didn’t require me to explain where it came from or how to say it properly. I remember wishing, just for a moment, that I had a name that sounded more “normal.”
But as I got older, I started to realize that my name wasn’t the problem. The discomfort I felt wasn’t because my name was too different—it was because the world around me wasn’t used to names like mine. And that wasn’t my burden to carry.
It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I truly began to understand the deep significance of my name. In Hindu tradition, names are not chosen casually—they carry meaning, purpose, and spiritual resonance. Many names are derived from Sanskrit and are often connected to deities, virtues, or natural elements. They’re selected with care during a namkaran ceremony, where astrologers and elders may be consulted to align the name with the child’s birth star, time, and planetary influences. A name is believed to shape a person’s destiny, reflecting their inner qualities and the aspirations of their family and community.
When I named my children, I found myself returning to these traditions—honoring the lineage, the symbolism, and the sacredness of naming. That process helped me reconnect with my own name, Gaitrie, which is often linked to the goddess Gayatri, a symbol of wisdom, enlightenment, and protection. Understanding this shifted something in me. What once felt like a burden transformed into a blessing. My name wasn’t just a label; it was a legacy.
Now, as an artist, teacher, and mother, I fully embrace my name and all that it represents. Gaitrie carries history, culture, and strength—it connects me to my Indo-Caribbean roots, my family, and the journey of migration and resilience that brought me here.
It is the name I sign on my work, the name I proudly introduce myself with, and the name that reflects who I truly am. Through Devi Performing Arts, I honor the traditions my name represents, sharing the beauty of Indian and Caribbean cultures through movement, storytelling, and community. Every time I say my name, I carry the history of my ancestors, the lessons of my upbringing, and the vision I have for the future.
So to the younger version of me who once wished for something simpler—I see you. I understand you. But trust me, your name is beautiful.
From Rhythm to Resilience: My Journey as a Dance Entrepreneur
The path from dancer to entrepreneur hasn’t always been clear or easy, but it has always been rooted in one thing—movement. My journey began with a simple yet powerful desire: to share the joy and richness of Indian dance while creating a space for healing, cultural connection, and community. Dance, particularly Kathak and Bollywood, has always been more than performance for me—it’s been my language, my grounding, and my offering to the world.
Founding Devi Performing Arts was an act of both vision and necessity. I wanted to build a space where people of all backgrounds could feel seen and celebrated, where movement could be explored not only as art but as a tool for self-discovery and transformation. What started as a dream grew into a thriving community—and that has been my greatest joy.
Dance as a Mind-Body Practice
Dance isn’t just physical—it’s deeply mental, emotional, and spiritual. Through rhythmic footwork, hand gestures, and expressive storytelling, forms like Kathak and Bollywood bring us into deep presence. As someone with a Pitta dosha, I’ve had to learn how to cool and ground my fiery energy. Ayurveda has become a guiding compass, helping me balance intensity with grace. Mindful movement—when paired with breath and intention—becomes a healing ritual, a return to center.
Cultural Storytelling and Identity
One of the most sacred aspects of Indian dance is its storytelling. With every movement, we carry generations of wisdom, resistance, and cultural pride. When we dance, we step into something larger than ourselves—we honor ancestors, preserve tradition, and shape the future. For me, dance is a way of reclaiming identity. It allows us to say, “This is who I am,” in a world that so often asks us to dilute or hide that truth.
Empowering Through Movement
You don’t need to be trained to move. You just need to start. For those feeling stuck or disconnected from their bodies, small steps—swaying, breathing rhythmically, or walking mindfully—can be transformative. Movement doesn’t have to be performative. It can be healing, playful, or simply joyful. Through my classes and workshops, I aim to create judgment-free spaces where people feel safe to explore their bodies and voices.
Building Confidence and Community
Some of my favorite moments come not from the stage, but from the quiet growth I see in my students. I think of one young girl who started off shy and barely spoke. Over time, through gentle support and the collective spirit of our dance family, she stepped forward—literally and metaphorically—into her power. That is the magic of community-rooted movement: it builds more than skill; it builds confidence, courage, and connection.
Eleven years into this journey, I continue to be humbled and inspired by the people who walk through our studio doors. Dance is my offering, but what I’ve received in return—friendship, strength, purpose—is immeasurable.
Here’s to dancing with heart, moving with intention, and always finding your beat.
Bridging Cultures Through Dance:
Why My Classes Attract a Diverse Community
Growing up in the Bronx, I was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures—a place where languages, traditions, and music blended effortlessly. Though I was born in Guyana, my upbringing in New York exposed me to a world of diversity that shaped who I am today. It was in this vibrant environment that I learned to embrace different traditions while still holding onto my Indo-Caribbean heritage.
Fast forward to Buffalo, where I’ve been teaching Indian dance for over a decade. One of the most interesting aspects of my journey is that many of my students are non-Indians. At first, I wondered why. Indian dance is deeply rooted in tradition, storytelling, and cultural expression—so why is it that the majority of students walking through my doors don’t share that cultural background?
The answer lies in what I’ve always known to be true: Dance is universal. Movement transcends borders, and storytelling through dance speaks to something deep within all of us. Buffalo is a city with its own rich history of diversity, and people here are eager to learn, explore, and connect through art. Many of my students come from backgrounds where dance wasn’t necessarily a big part of their culture, but they are drawn to the rhythm, expression, and energy of Indian movement.
For some, my classes offer a chance to experience something new and exciting, a way to step outside of their comfort zone. For others, it’s about finding community and connection—a space where they can move, express, and celebrate culture, even if it’s not their own. And for many, it’s simply the joy of dance itself.
I don’t see my role as just teaching choreography—I see it as building bridges. My classes create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to come together, to learn, and to experience a culture that might be different from their own, but that resonates with them on a deeper level.
To me, Buffalo’s openness to cultural exchange is a beautiful thing. It reminds me of my childhood in the Bronx, where people from all walks of life found ways to celebrate and embrace each other’s traditions. It’s proof that dance, at its core, is about unity, understanding, and shared joy.
So whether you come from an Indian background or not, my classes are a space for everyone—a place where culture is shared, movement is celebrated, and stories are told in the most beautiful way possible: through dance.
Celebrating 11 Years of Devi Performing Arts
A Journey of Passion, Community and Culture
Eleven years ago, I took a leap of faith and founded Devi Performing Arts—not knowing exactly where the journey would lead, but holding onto a deep belief in the power of dance, culture, and community. What began as a dream to share the beauty of Indian classical and folk dance has now grown into something far beyond what I could have imagined.
This journey has been filled with unforgettable moments—stages lit with the energy of passionate performers, classrooms filled with eager students taking their first steps in dance, and communities coming together to celebrate traditions that connect us across generations. From teaching young children their first Bollywood steps to guiding adults in rediscovering movement, every class, every performance, and every conversation has been a part of something truly special.
But this path has not been without its challenges. There were tough decisions, moments of uncertainty, and times when the weight of building something from the ground up felt overwhelming. There were times I questioned if this was sustainable, if people truly understood the importance of this work. Yet, through every challenge, the unwavering support of this community kept me going. Seeing the joy in a student’s face, witnessing the confidence bloom in a dancer, and feeling the collective energy of a performance has made every struggle worth it.
To my incredible students—whether you have been with us for years or just joined—thank you. You are the heartbeat of Devi Performing Arts. You show up with curiosity, dedication, and passion, and you remind me every day why this work is so important.
To the dancers and collaborators who have poured their artistry into our performances—your talent and devotion have helped shape what we do. Together, we have created stories that honor tradition while embracing new creative expressions, and I am deeply grateful for your trust in this vision.
To the organizations, institutions, and grant funders who have believed in our work—your support has allowed us to expand our reach, create meaningful programming, and bring dance to spaces where it had not been before. Your belief in our mission has made a world of difference.
To my family and friends—who have stood beside me through every triumph and every challenge—thank you for your patience, encouragement, and love. Your support has been the foundation upon which this dream was built.
This milestone is not just about celebrating the past—it’s about looking ahead. There is still so much to create, so many stories to tell, and so many lives to touch through dance. I am excited for what’s to come and honored to continue this journey with all of you.
To my dance family—past, present, and future—thank you for being part of this wild, beautiful journey. Here’s to 11 years of Devi Performing Arts—and to many more years of movement, culture, and community!