Blog Post 2

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!