"Autistic is Artistic" Meet The Dancers

Our dance group consists of 10 young dynamic dancers, that have grown together to become an empowering force with the common goal of bringing 'Kathak' into the 21st century and whilst adhering to the traditional style, they add their personality and influences of a modern day and age. Each member of the group brings a different element to the dance space, as they are all working women with different lines of profession and together add vital parts to make a strong dance entity.

Meet The Dancers:

SHIVANI BHANDARI SETHIA
Occupation: Kathak Teacher

"The sound of music... The tinkle of the ghungroos... The lights on the stage... Bring life to my soul. Dance is my passion... my passion defines me."

Dance and music has always been an important part of my upbringing. Trained in Jaipur gharana originally, have continued my journey in London picking up the intricacies of Lucknow. Performing and training with a group of friends is an icing on the cake.


TRISHNA KUMARI

Occupation: Research Laboratory Technician / Kathak Teacher

"I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance to better myself"

The rainbow of personalities that shine together on one stage is a unique quality that unleashes our creativity to present Kathak in such an extraordinary performance

PAYAL PATEL

Occupation: Political Risk Insurance Broker / Kathak Teacher

"Innovation is born when boundaries are pushed beyond the conventional scaffold"

This project is a culmination of three things... A love of Kathak... A passion to perform... The bond of friendship. 'Autistic is Artistic' has been our most challenging project as it has tested each one of us mentally, physically and emotionally. We have crossed our thresholds of comfort as we enter the stage tonight, and take you on a special journey that aims to raise awareness of a cause that is dear to our hearts.



DHRUTI DATTANI 

Occupation: Marketing

"Through limitations comes creativity"

Growing up with and dancing with a group of friends that have grown close with a common passion to dance is what makes us different. This bond is unrivaled and unraveled every time we perform as a force.  It is an honor to perform for such a cause and realize new horizons with the dance form too.

HEENAL AMIN 
Occupation: Classroom Assistant at The Sybil Elgar School

"To touch... To move... To inspire... Dance.... The Rhythm of Life" 

My two separate but parallel paths of my life finally meet on one stage...- Autistic is Artistic. I am very grateful to be able to share my passion and knowledge of over 4 years of working with Autism with 9 other Kathak dancers who I have shared the stage with for over 12 years.



 

FALGUNI UPADHYAYA 
Occupation: Learning Support Teacher 

"Freedom from gravity, Flight from life, is my dance" 

When I dance alone, I feel free. But it is when I dance with my group, I feel elevated. Our collective energy along with the simple music made from our ghungroo’s makes Kathak a spiritual journey. I have been fortunate to work with two very special people on this project, without whom ‘Autistic is Artistic’ would not be possible. To them I say thank you! The opportunity to raise awareness about Autism (a cause very dear to our heart) has pushed us beyond boundaries; I have reached new heights both physically and mentally as well as emotionally.

ANEESHA SHAH 
Occupation: Dentist

 "Live.... Love.... Feel....Dance!"

Dance is the bond that draws the 10 of us together. We've grown up together so naturally inspire each other. This show is the first of our 'creations' as artists in our own right and showcases not only our talent but our compassion and benevolence in wanting to increase awareness and raise funds for such a great cause. Enjoy the show!



 HIMA DATTANI
Occupation: Physiotherapist

“In the words of my grandfather ‘Simple living, high thinking’.......... Forever dancing”

For me dance is the purest most natural form of therapy. It has a holistic energy, cleansing and harmonising the mind, body and soul.

SEEMA PATEL 
Occupation: Marketing and Arts Coordinator

"The sky's the limit"

To me, dance is about expression of freedom from which creativity is born. When you dance without boundaries, you are bearing your soul. As a group that is connected through dance, we've tested boundaries many a time, which is why we are what we are, and do what we do. No journey is complete without taking footsteps, but we've been fortunate to have each other throughout the long, and often arduous walk. 



JESAL PATEL

Occupation: Designer / Care Manager

"Unparalleled, Intensity, Transcendent, Poise. A Painting of Life." 

Dance is a form of expression allowing me to release tied up emotion, be free and become one with the dance form. As a group of 10 dancers and friends we work well as a team, but my contribution to the team is my interpretation of dance as dyslexia gives me a unique perspective. Having worked with Autistic Adults in New York, I experienced personal growth as a dancer and choreographer, which has enabled me to share my knowledge and experiences for this project.."Autistic is Artistic"