ABOUT US

Shivam Dance Academy, NZ – known as SDANZ – Kathak, Folk and Bollywood Dance school in Wellington, Run by Parita Pathak Bose

Since it's inception in 2009, SDANZ prides on not only teaching and performing professional, creative, energetic dance styles, but also playing a big part in the personal development of all our students.

With over 20 years of teaching and choreographing experience, Parita started this dance school in Wanganui, Palmerston North and then Wellington. Her vision is to create a dance community that shares the same passion and energy, providing a platform for young talent.

SDANZ is a community uniting children, youth, and adults through a shared love of  dance. We focus on helping our students consistently succeed, as well as improving their  mental, physical and overall health. More than a dance school, SDANZ is a big family. We welcome people of all dance backgrounds and age groups – AGE IS NO LIMIT!!! We provide professional dance training through various classes for all age groups and skill levels. Whether you want to learn a new style, prepare for a performance, or just try a fun new way to stay in shape – we have the right class for you!

SDANZ Values

  • Provide a sense of belonging with a safe and fun environment to learn Indian dance, create beautiful memories and meet new people.

  • To give the students self-confidence, exposure through stage appearances and also be able to give them the opportunity to perform infront of a range of audience.

  • SDANZ is an opportunity to express, stride and be creative at this work hard, play hard, institution. The performances are extensive and great outlet to showcase all the different talents we have at SDANZ. Recognize, grow and showcase the greatest talents is what we stride in.

  • Offering dance as an outlet for creative self-expression for all ages. 

  • Students are taught how to teach and pass on these various dance forms to the newer generations in order to preserve the art form by giving them teaching, choreography  and leadership opportunities.

  • Teaching and promoting the knowledge and awareness of  Indian culture.

  • Dance and SDANZ in particular has proven to play a big role in youth development and help with mental health in young adults.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Thank you for joining the SDANZ family! 

We are super excited to be part of your beautiful dance journey. Just a few key notes to remember when you join us!

  • Please wear comfortable active wear and sports shoes for Bollywood, and a tunic/kurti with tights/palazzo for Kathak. You can also purchase SDANZ-branded t-shirts and hoodies from KIAZ on 37 Taranaki Street.

  • Please bring along a water bottle, deodorant, and a sweat towel. Because it’s a dance class, you’re bound to sweat - we all do! So please make sure you apply a roll-on deodorant and a spray on deodorant or perfume  before and during class. For Kathak, please also bring along ghungroos and a book to write theory in. Most importantly a big smile, willingness to learn and just have some fun!!!

  • We encourage our students to help spread the word about us, so the more things you can tag us in, the better! It's especially welcomed when our students collaborate together to create awesome content and while doing that don’t forget to tag us. Just remember not to use any full videos from dance practices, or copyrighted music. We like keeping our routines a secret before performances.

  • We are a highly social dance class that encourages everyone to grow. However, we discourage students from engaging with other dance classes of the same form (Kathak, Bollywood and Folk). This includes joining other classes, sharing information about SDANZ or our dances. This is because we protect the SDANZ brand dearly and this causes conflicts of interest. We encourage students to learn different styles as long as they do not conflict with any of the SDANZ styles. Whatever we discuss at SDANZ is confidential. You are welcome to use SDANZ choreography for personal functions, school events etc, as long as you acknowledge and credit SDANZ.

  • Please arrive at class on time, or inform the tutor personally if you're running late or can’t make it to a class or rehearsal. We understand there are last minute changes in plan, but if you can please alert the tutor with any planned days off that will be much appreciated! We love making these classes fun, friendly, safe and providing a healthy environment for all. If you have any feedback and suggestions or something that you’d like to discuss, our door is always open.

  • Payments are due by the 2nd week of each term. Please send a screenshot of the payment with the student’s name as the reference.

    There is no additional cost for exams, extra practices, and rehearsals. You may have to pay for any costumes/jewelry/props hired or purchased for performances, including  SDANZ merchandise.

  • We have a collection of beautiful costumes which we hire out for performances. These are expensive and part of sets, so making sure they are looked after with care is very important!. This may include washing, dry cleaning, mending, and airing them, as well as making sure they don't smell when returned or additional fees may incur.

  • We highly encourage all students to perform on stage. The experience helps support the personal development of our students – many feel it’s an incredible experience, and a real achievement. As you’ll be part of a tight-knit class, we appreciate commitment and dedication once you’ve agreed to a performance. To help you feel prepared, there will be additional practices and rehearsals at no extra cost.