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.