We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sindhu Karanam. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sindhu, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
If I had to pinpoint the most surprising thing I’ve learned since starting Bollywood Dance Central, it would undoubtedly be the profound level of commitment from our parents.
When I first opened the studio, I expected parents to see our classes as just another fun, after-school activity for their children. What I’ve discovered, however, is a much deeper partnership. It’s truly surprising and heartwarming to see how invested they are, not just in their child’s dance education, but in the entire community we’ve built.
We see parents meticulously preparing costumes , practicing choreography with their children at home, and coordinating with other families to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their enthusiasm on show days is infectious; they aren’t just spectators, they are our biggest cheerleaders. This dedication transforms a simple dance class into a shared family experience, fostering a supportive and vibrant atmosphere that is the true heart of our studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Our mission is to empower kids and adults to master the rich culture of South Asian dance forms. For us, it’s about more than just teaching steps; it’s about sharing a passion for an art form that is vibrant, expressive, and full of history.
What makes Bollywood Dance Central special is our incredible team of talented performers who focus on technique, style, and all the details in between. We are dedicated to taking our students from good dancers to great dancers. We offer weekly recurring classes at all levels for various age groups, so whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned performer, there’s a place for you in our community.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how we see the world was the day we hosted our first major student recital.
For months leading up to it, our focus was purely on the logistics: the venue, the costumes, the lighting cues, the seemingly endless spreadsheets. We saw it as a massive project to be managed, a culmination of business and creative effort. We were so wrapped up in making sure every technical detail was perfect.
But on the day of the show, standing backstage, something shifted. We weren’t just seeing a schedule being executed. We saw older students helping the little ones with their hair, parents volunteering to organize groups, and a palpable buzz of shared excitement and nervous energy. When the curtains opened and the first group of kids ran onto the stage, the roar from the audience wasn’t just polite applause—it was a strong feeling of collective pride. Every parent was cheering for every child, not just their own.
In that moment, we realized we hadn’t just built a dance school; we had built a community.The recital wasn’t the product; the product was the community that came together to make it happen. It fundamentally shaped our understanding of success, showing us that the most beautiful things are created not by one person, but by many people pouring their hearts into a shared vision.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I grappled with the decision to continue after the lockdowns hit. The physical connection and communal energy of the studio felt irreplaceable, making the transition to online classes feel impossible. I vividly remember the feeling of shutting down in person and moving online. The fear of losing everything was palpable, but the thought of letting our community down kept me from giving up.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
At Bollywood Dance Central, the cultural value we protect at all costs is the authentic preservation and celebration of our Indian heritage.
For us, dance is not just a series of movements; it’s a vibrant language that carries the stories, traditions, and emotions of Indian culture. We believe it’s our responsibility to be guardians of this art form. This means we go beyond simply teaching the latest Bollywood steps. We strive to instill in our students an appreciation for the “why” behind the dance—the rich history, the cultural context of the music, and the expressive storytelling that is the soul of Indian dance.
In a world where culture can sometimes be diluted, we are fiercely committed to presenting it with the respect and depth it deserves. We ensure that our studio is a place where the joy, color, and spirit of Indian values are passed on authentically, creating a genuine connection to the heritage for the next generation.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that she was someone who dared to build a life around what she loved, and in doing so, she gave others the courage to do the same.
I hope they say that she believed the most important thing you can do is listen to that quiet but persistent pull toward what truly excites you—your passion. For her, it was the rhythm of dance, the richness of her culture, and the joy of teaching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bollywooddancecentral.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollywooddancecentral/?hl=en
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