THE HEART BEHIND SAIYAARA

Our Story.

The heart of Saiyaara: a welcoming space where children can discover Bollywood dance, confidence, connection and belonging.

OUR STORY

Everyone can dance.

Saiyaara was created to give children a place of their own — somewhere to enjoy Bollywood music, learn to dance, build friendships and feel part of a community.

We believe dance is a way to express feelings, celebrate culture and grow in confidence. Every student brings something different, and we want them to feel encouraged to be themselves.

Inspired by a lifelong love of dance and the next generation, Saiyaara is built around a simple idea: everyone can dance, and everyone deserves a place to belong.

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WHY SAIYAARA BEGAN

Why I started Saiyaara.

Dance has been part of my life since childhood. It gave me confidence, helped me express myself when words couldn't, and brought friendships and experiences that have stayed with me throughout my life.

As I grew older, I realised dance had given me much more than the ability to perform. It helped shape the person I am today.

When I became a father to my two daughters, Jasmine and Aishani, I began thinking about the opportunities I wanted them, and other children, to experience.

That's why I created Saiyaara Dance School: a place where children can feel comfortable being themselves, make lasting friendships, grow in confidence and discover the same joy that dance has brought into my life.

Everyone Can Dance.

Family together ahead of the daughters' dance performance — A family moment from our dance journey.

MEET THE TEACHER

Shannil Varma

Founder · Bollywood Dance Teacher

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Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. But when I look back, it's not just the performances, competitions or achievements that mean the most to me. It's the people I've met, the friendships I've made and the person dance has helped me become.

Growing up as an only child, I didn't always have a circle of friends to spend time with or share my experiences with. Dance gave me that.

The dance groups I joined became so much more than people I rehearsed and performed alongside. We grew up together, challenged each other, celebrated our successes and supported one another through life's ups and downs. Some of my closest friends today are the people I danced with all those years ago. They're no longer just friends; they're family.

Dance also gave me opportunities I might never have had otherwise. Competing and performing pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraged me to think creatively and taught me to believe in myself. The confidence I developed through dance has stayed with me, shaping not only the performer I became but also the person I am today.

When I began teaching children, I realised how much I wanted to pass those experiences on.

I want Saiyaara to be more than somewhere children come to learn choreography. I want it to be a place where they feel welcome, build genuine friendships, discover their confidence and find the same joy in dance that I experienced growing up.

I want them to challenge themselves, celebrate each other's achievements and feel proud of what they can accomplish together.

Of course, I want my students to become wonderful dancers. But if they leave Saiyaara with greater confidence, lasting friendships and memories they'll treasure for years to come, I'll know we've created something truly special.

Because to me, dance has always been about more than the steps. It's about finding a place where you belong.

From the Stage to Saiyaara.

The performances, people and experiences that shaped the journey — and what I hope to pass on.

01 / THE STAGE

Where the stage took me

I've always loved the stage. The music, the energy, the anticipation before a performance and the feeling of bringing something you've worked so hard on to life.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have opportunities to perform, compete and be part of dance groups that constantly challenged me to improve. Competitions were particularly special. They encouraged us to think outside the box, push creative boundaries and take chances on ideas that hadn't been tried before.

Those experiences taught me that a memorable performance doesn't happen by accident. It takes preparation, creativity, teamwork and the confidence to give something your all.

Today, I bring those lessons into every performance I help create.

02 / WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Their moment to shine

For weddings and events, one of my favourite moments is watching families and friends take the stage after weeks of rehearsals. They've put in the effort, overcome their nerves, shared plenty of laughs and worked together to create something special.

And then comes that moment when the music ends and the crowd erupts in cheers.

Seeing the smiles on their faces, knowing how much work they've put in and watching them receive that recognition is what makes it all worthwhile for me. It's their moment, and I love being able to help them make the most of it.

For the children I teach, I want to create those same opportunities to experience the excitement and pride of performing.

03 / PASSING IT ON

What I hope to give others

Having spent years on stage myself, I understand what it takes to prepare for a performance, from building confidence and learning to work as a team to developing the presence and expression that bring choreography to life.

I want to help my students discover what they're capable of, feel confident stepping onto a stage and experience the joy of performing alongside their friends.

Whether I'm preparing a child for their first performance or helping a family create a memorable wedding dance, I approach it with the same care and commitment.

Because for me, the most rewarding part isn't being the person behind the choreography.

It's watching the people I've taught take the stage, enjoy their moment and walk away proud of what they've achieved.