WASHINGTON — A Southern California-based Indian dance academy has been chosen to perform at the Diwali Dance Fest at Walt Disney World, marking a significant milestone for the Santa Clarita group.
Ghungroo Dance School was selected from 25 teams out of more than 400 applicants, reflecting its growing reputation and strong performance record, according to a media release.
Founded by instructor Jini Valiaveettil, the school offers weekly classes in Bollywood and semi-classical dance for students of all ages, from children to adults.
The academy has built a reputation for inclusivity, attracting participants from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds while focusing on rhythm, movement, and community engagement.
“Bollyhop has become such a hit across Southern California,” Valiaveettil said. “We’ve created something that resonates with dancers from many different cultures. It’s exciting to see students connect with Indian music and movement in a new way.”
The teaching team includes Karthika Ashok, who specializes in classical Indian and Bollywood dance, and Manya Aggarwal, who brings a contemporary edge through Bollyhop, a fusion of Bollywood and hip-hop.
The mix of traditional and modern styles has helped the school connect with younger audiences and expand its reach.
Ghungroo dancers regularly perform at major cultural events across Southern California, including the inauguration of the Radha Krishna Dham Hindu Temple in Tarzana and regional Indian Independence Day celebrations that draw large crowds.
The academy is also active in community outreach, partnering with CRY America to support programs for underprivileged children in India through cultural initiatives. (Source: IANS)
