Meet Nikita Rao | Bollywood choreographer, founder, and artistic director of the Nikita’s Bollywood Dance Academy.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikita Rao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi NIKITA, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As an immigrant coming to the U.S., I deeply missed the sense of home and longed to preserve the roots, culture, and values I grew up with while finding a way to fit into my new environment. I wanted my children to grow up with that same connection to our heritage. Being passionate about Bollywood dance, I saw it as the perfect medium to bridge these worlds.

When my daughter was 4, I enrolled her in a classical dance class, but she didn’t enjoy it much. To keep her motivated, I began teaching her and her friends on my own. What started as a small initiative soon turned into a passion project. Without realizing it, I was taking steps toward becoming a choreographer and living my dream. Encouraged by friends who saw my potential, I decided to pursue this professionally. Eventually, I was ready to leave my 10-year career as a marketing manager and start my own dance school, combining my love for Bollywood dance with my desire to pass on our culture

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nikita Rao, a renowned Bollywood choreographer and the founder and artistic director of Nikita’s Bollywood Dance Academy. Our academy specializes in teaching Bollywood dance, blending hip-hop and modern styles with traditional Indian dance forms. You offer a variety of services, including wedding and event choreography, both in-person and online classes, and costume rentals.

our work is showcased across various platforms:

Instagram: We share choreography videos, class updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your dance academy.

Facebook: Our page provides information about your academy’s offerings and highlights your journey as a classical dancer turned Bollywood choreographer.

YouTube: Our channel features dance performances and tutorials, including warm-up routines and full choreography sessions.

TikTok: We engage with a broader audience by sharing short dance clips and collaborative content.

Our dedication to promoting Bollywood dance and culture is evident through our active online presence and the diverse services offered by your academy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Local sightseeing, nature treks, delicious food and drinks, plus a fun mix of breweries, wineries, and nightlife would make for a perfect trip for my friend

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Support from my family, specially my husband, friends and community

Website: www.nikitabda,com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitasbollywooddanceacademy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-s-bollywood-dance-academy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nikitasbda/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikitasbda

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikitasbda

Image Credits
none