Date Update: Garba & Dodhiya Workshop is preponed to Monday, Aug 11, 6–8 PM
Our Creative Director – Niki PATEL
At the heart of Spirit of Dance Academy is our visionary Creative Director, Niki, whose artistic journey and dedication have shaped the soul of our academy. With over 15 years of professional experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator, Niki brings a rare combination of classical depth, creative innovation, and heartfelt mentorship to every class she leads.
Niki’s dance journey began in India, where she trained extensively under some of the most respected gurus in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Her foundation in these classical styles gives her choreography a strong technical base, while her love for Bollywood and folk forms like Garba and Dandiya adds color, rhythm, and energy to her performances.
Since relocating to Canada, Niki has become a well-respected figure in the South Asian arts community in Vancouver, known for creating inclusive spaces where dancers of all backgrounds feel seen, challenged, and inspired. Her unique ability to connect tradition with modern expression allows her to choreograph pieces that are both meaningful and entertaining — capturing the richness of Indian culture while resonating with today’s generation.
As a teacher, Niki is nurturing, intuitive, and committed to personal growth. She believes in bringing out the best in every dancer — whether it’s a child stepping into class for the first time or an advanced performer preparing for the stage. Her students admire her not just for her skill and artistry, but for her ability to build confidence, foster creativity, and make every class a joyful learning experience.
Niki’s leadership has guided Spirit of Dance Academy into becoming not just a dance school, but a community — a family — where the spirit of Indian dance is kept alive, vibrant, and evolving.
Our Instructors
Nisarg Shah
Nisarg Shah is A Software Engineer by profession and a choreographer by passion, Nisarg Shah brings over 15 years of rich experience in the field of dance. He is the Director of Studio MJ, one of the most recognized dance schools in Hyderabad, known for its commitment to excellence and artistic innovation.
Nisarg specializes in Bollywood and Indian Contemporary dance styles and is also an accomplished Garba and Dandiya folk dancer, having earned multiple awards at competitive levels. His deep understanding of rhythm, movement, and expression allows him to choreograph with creativity and cultural authenticity.
In addition to leading performances and workshops, Nisarg has served as a judge for various online and offline dance competitions, offering valuable insights and encouragement to emerging talent. His unique teaching methods blend discipline with enjoyment, making his classes engaging, accessible, and inspiring for both beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Nisarg is passionate about sharing his knowledge and continues to leave a lasting impact on the dance community through his artistry, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
Vaidehi Shah
Vaidehi Shah is a dedicated Kuchipudi dancer who began her classical training at the age of six and completed her Arangetram as a young teen. Her artistic journey continued as she expanded her movement vocabulary through formal training in classical ballet, jazz, and modern/contemporary dance, allowing her to blend traditional technique with a global dance perspective.
Vaidehi brings a deep appreciation for both semi-classical dance forms and the vibrant folk traditions of Garba, embracing the full spectrum of Indian movement arts. Guided by a strong commitment to the precision and philosophy of the Natya Shastra, she views dance not only as performance but as a path to meditation, mindfulness, and inner connection.
As she steps into her role as a teacher at Spirit of Dance Academy, Vaidehi approaches instruction as a deeply reflective process. Her classes emphasize intentional correction, technical strength, and self-awareness, helping students build a solid foundation from which their unique artistic expression can grow.
Shachi Shah
Shachi Shah began her dance journey at the age of six, and ever since, dance has remained her grounding force—a source of energy, self-connection, and joy. Her training spans a diverse range of styles including Bharatanatyam, Jazz Funk, Hip-Hop, and Garba, each one enriching her understanding of movement and deepening her expressive artistry.
With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, Shachi finds immense fulfillment in guiding others through their own dance journeys. She believes that dance is a powerful tool for building confidence, creativity, and personal empowerment, and she strives to create a supportive space where students can discover that for themselves.
Kangana Sinnarkar
Kangana has been training at Spirit of Dance Academy for over seven years, building a strong foundation in Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood dance. Her dedication and passion for the art form naturally led her to assist in classes, where she nurtured her teaching skills over time. Today, she proudly serves as an instructor, bringing warmth, energy, and creativity to every class. With a deep love for both classical and cinematic styles, Kangana continues to grow as an artist while inspiring the next generation of dancers.