Meet the Team

Nileeka has been dancing from the age of 7 and is additionally trained in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Street, Hip-Hop and several other dance styles. Trained initially at the Spotlight School of Dance and later Pineapple Performing Arts School, she has a strong background in commercial dance. During the past 10 years her focus has turned to Bollywood, Bhangra and Semi-Classical Indian dance styles. Mentored by Bollywood Grooves Founder & Director, Vandana Alimchandani, Nileeka’s business ideas and unique choreography did not go unnoticed. She was soon offered the role of Assistant Manager at Bollywood Grooves and stayed in this position until the company closed in September 2010.

Despite her years of training, Nileeka never dreamed that she could make a career doing what she loves. Nileeka graduated from The University of Warwick with a 2:1 in Law and the Warwick Prize for ‘Excellence in Learning’. A self-confessed over-achiever, Nileeka’s strong-willed attitude and perseverance have helped her make BDL the brand it is today. Part of her charm is her passion to succeed; she always believes in herself and in others. She speaks her mind and has an honest, intelligent and compassionate approach towards her clients & students.

Nileeka’s first job was in Advertising, which taught her about branding – already the cogs had started working and she was thinking about what life would be like if ever she started her own brand! She then worked for ‘The Times’ Newspaper in the Sales, which gave her an insight into strategy, planning in business and reaching targets and goals – something she that is evident from BDL’s achievements so far. In the end, Nileeka left Law, Media and Sales for Bollywood, mainly because she loves it, but also because she found someone great to do it with! Jennie and Nileeka have been running Bollywood Dance London now since 2010, having first met 7 years ago when they both worked for Bollywood Grooves. They are fondly referred to as the ‘Dynamic Duo’ by the staff at Danceworks!

The thing that Nileeka loves most about her job is teaching and meeting people. As well as teaching weekday evening classes at Danceworks, she also teaches the weekly slots at Pineapple and LA Fitness. On Saturday afternoons, she can be found teaching hen parties or first dance choreography to many an apprehensive bride and groom! She trains the professional BDL troupe and runs the BDL Kids Academy on Sundays. Nileeka also offers private classes from her home-studio in Shad Thames. If you ever have a one-to-one class or first dance lesson with her, the first thing she will ask you is if you’d like a cup of tea…so the last thing you should know is that she makes an excellent brew!

Accomplishments include: WINNER of the 2012 Asian Achievers Award for Contribution to Arts, Media & Culture, Face of MOVE IT 2012 representing Bollywood Dance, Face of American Express Departures & Centurion Magazine’s ‘India Issue’, Choreographer for Nestle’s Flat Belly Workout, Guest appearance on BBC2′s Newsnight, Mystery Guest on Russell Howard’s Good News, Guest Appearance on ITV1′s The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Guest Appearance on BBC1′s Blue Peter, 5* rating by The Daily Mirror for Nileeka’s BDL Drop In Classes (2011), Quoted by The Daily Telegraph on the ‘Indian Dancing in Schools’ debate with David Cameron (2012)

Performances include: Adnan Sami Concert (Wembley Arena), The Asian Music Awards 2011, 2012, Diwali on The Square 2010, 2011, 2012 (Trafalgar Square), Career Academies (O2 Arena), Mardi Gras Festival (Sadler’s Wells), Disney Channel Kids Awards (London Excel Arena), Monte Carlo Bay Hotel (Monaco), Montebelli (Tuscany), Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel (Sri Lanka).

Choreography for music videos/stage: Labh Janjua, JoSH, Arjun, GoldKartz, Ash King.

“People have asked me why I chose to be a dancer. I did not choose. I was chosen to be a dancer, and with that, you live all your life.”
Martha Graham, Blood Memory

Dance has always been a way of life for Jennie. She has been dancing from a young age and always striving to try new styles. Very influenced by Bollywood, captured by the costumes, music and moves, she was very passionate about mastering this particular style since it is a part of her culture. After dancing in community shows for many years, she joined Bollywood Grooves in 2002 to further her training and become part of a renowned troupe. Inspired by Artists like Janet Jackson, she was also training in Street Dance at Sylvia Young Theatre School. Captivated by the art of Belly Dance in recent years, Jennie has since been motivated to include this seductive and sultry style to her repertoire and teaches a specialised course known as BellyBolly at Danceworks in Mayfair. Jennie has choreographed for weddings, taught workshops at schools and at large festivals all over the world.

When Jennie met Nileeka in 2002, they had no idea their journey would take them this far. They both have a passionate approach to the company and that is evident in both their work ethic and working relationship. In the two years since BDL began, Jennie is consistently driving to push the troupe on to the next level, onto bigger and better things. She is a versatile dancer with a head for business.

Jennie is normally the first person you will speak to when you call in to find out about our classes, courses or dance services. She will always answer your query with a smile – even if you ask her a ridiculous question! Jennie deals with much of the business adminstration of BDL as well as teaching private classes from her home in North London. She coordinates most BDL Performances, Hen Parties, Workshops and Corporate events, and always ensures that each client has a very personal service.

Accomplishments include: The Opening Ceremony for London 2012 Olympics. A guest appearance on BBC Newsnight, The Kumars at No. 42B, Adnan Sami Concert at Wembley Arena, Diwali on The Square, B4U Diwali Show, Live Vibe at Mermaid Theatre, Bhangra Showdown – Sadler’s Wells, Move It Dance Exhibition – Olympia, Zee TV Mela – NEC Birmingham, Vitality Show – Olympia, Mayor of London’s Bollywood Extravaganza – The Scoop, Mind, Body, Spirit Exhibition at Earls Court.

Anamika Roy is has been a Senior Choreographer for Bollywood Dance London for the past 2 years. Prior to this she was choreographer, teacher and performer for Bollywood Grooves Dance company, performing at large scale dance events such as Move-It (Earls Court), T-Mobile’s Big-Dance (Westfield) and Workshops around the UK and in London. She began her foray into dancing at the age of 5 in Delhi. There she trained in the Indian Classical dance form (Odissi) which she pursued for 5 years. After obtaining the Arangethram qualification, she later diversified into Jazz and Contemporary Bollywood styles.

Anamika has worked with a range of high-profile choreographers, including the noted international Jazz dancer, Ashley Lobo (Socha na tha, Dhoom). She progressed quickly within his company and within two months was offered the role of Instructor, which she held for over a year. As an active participant in several forms of dance, Anamika has won accolades for her contributions both here and abroad; she was awarded the Celesta International Prize in choreography, presented to her in Lucknow, India.

Her journey through dance continued when moving to the UK to complete BA honours in Dance Studies. During her time in London, both with Bollywood Grooves Dance Company and now Bollywood Dance London, she has become famous for her grace, elegance and fantastic core classical training that comes through in every performance. She is a valued member of the troupe, a star choreographer and a notably impressive teacher. She teaches the Level 1 Class at Westfield London and the Level 2 Class at Danceworks Bond St.

Jassie Kalsi has been dancing for 15 years and teaches Modern Indian and Bhangra styles. Her first performance was at the age of 9, where she performed a solo piece to friends and family. Since that day Jassie hasn’t stopped! She pursued her dancing and performed every year at a local charity event for her local temple until the age of 20, whilst performing at other occasions for friends and family too. She has been teaching professionally since 2004 and has created her own distinctive style, inspired from the true Bollywood Queens of bygone eras.

She has performed for Bollywood Dance London at several major public and media events. As Senior Choreographer of BDL she is the main class teacher for the BollyKids Course. She has also previously taught Level 1 Students and co-ordinated 3 rounds of BDL Student Shows at various Central London venues. Jassie has performed at Westfield London, Move It Earls Court, The Vitality Show, The Regent Street Festival, The Mayor of London’s Bollywood Extravaganza, BBC’s Comic Relief, for Sony Entertainments, B4U, Zee TV and internationally in Monaco, Malaga, Paris and, most recently, Mumbai. Jassie spent a month in the heart of Mumbai, dancing amongst the stars, attending dance classes and rehearsals, and even teaching an intensive Bollywood workshop herself in India. This experience is one that she will remember forever!

Jassie believes that when she dances, she dances with her soul. Her performing and teaching attributes are drawn from her own personal experiences throughout the last few years. She is graceful, varied, and has a positive artistic flair to her work. Her classes come with lots of energy, passion and excitement to get you in the mood for a great workout whilst learning fun, simple steps along to a routine. Learn with Jassie and experience a magical journey into the world of Bollywood!

Jassie’s motto is: “Life is beautiful…dance your way through it…” – and who could resist joining her!

Sherene has been dancing for over 20 years and is trained in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern. She has also competed in the UK Bikram Yoga Championships with an impressive performance. Shestudied at the Stella Mann College where she took a three year Musical Theatre Diploma. Upon graduating in 2004, she has been working as Professional Dancer, Singer and Actress. She has done several UK Tours, Television work & Theatre shows. As well as being a teacher and performer for Bollywood Dance London, she is also part of the legendary Pineapple Cheerleading Team! Sherene teaches every Saturday at the famous Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden. In 2007, she started dancing with Bollywood Grooves and then moved over to Bollywood Dance London in 2010.She has been a star performer throughout her career with us some highlights being:

• International Performance for BDL in Monaco.
• Performance with Adnan Sami at Wembley Arena.
• Performance to Celebrate the Festival of Holi at HSBC HQ, Canary Wharf, which was live-streamed to 24 different countries.

She regularly teaches Hen parties, Kids parties & School Workshops of all styles. She is, however, particularly passionate about Bollywood dance! The infectious music, bright colours and emotions are what really draws her to this style. She hopes that she can share this passion with her students and show them what Bollywood Dance is really all about!

Gabrielle has been dancing, teaching and choreographing for many years. She trained at Millennium Dance, specialising in Jazz, Commercial and Musical Theatre styles. Gabrielle has danced for pop artists such as Jamelia and Blue, appearing in music videos and on stage in Joseph and his amazing Technicolor Dream, at the London Palladium and taking on a principle role in Fame at the Broadway Theatre. She has also appears as a dancer in the trailer of the up and coming film ‘Northern Soul’, directed by Elaine Constantine.

Gabrielle recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Community Dance from Laban Dance Conservatoire to expand her teaching and choreography skills. She is qualified to REPS Level 3 in Personal Training and holds an ETM (Exercise to Music Certificate). Her strengths lie in her energy and passion and making people feel at ease when teaching them.

She particularly enjoys working bringing different styles of dance to those it isn’t usually available to, and Bollywood is often a very popular choice!

She has been a member of Bollywood Dance London now for 2 years and loves the variety of performing and teaching with the company. Her highlights include; teaching 100 secondary school children a routine to ‘Jai ho’ in a gym the size of a football pitch, performing at Diwali on the Square, Opening the Adnan Sami Concert at Wembley Arena and appearing on BBC’s Newsnight!

She has a wealth of experience teaching schools workshops as she also works freelance in primary schools teaching Dance, Drama and Music. She is particularly experienced with the primary years. Gabrielle also loves teaching hen parties and has had some wonderful feedback from our clients. Any class taught by Gabby is filled with fun, laughter and her fantastic & infectious energy. We are extremely blessed to have her as part of our team.

Amy originally joined Bollywood Dance London in 2011 and brought with her a wealth of experience from the UK and beyond. She has a 2 year BTEC qualification in dance leading her onto a 1 year course in dance studies at Middlesex University. Amy then went onto train intensively for three years in Dance & Musical Theatre at Bodywork Company Dance Studios, Cambridge.

Since leaving Bodywork studios Amy has continued to develop her performing career by teaching various types of dance styles including Bollywood, working on films and television. Amy has additionally become a part of the management team to International Allstarzz, the UK’s no1 sports dance team. Amy has performed and choreographed at Twickenham stadium, Old Trafford, Hong Kong Rugby Stadium and for SkySports.

Amy recently spent a year teaching different styles of dance at an International school in Thailand where she loved sharing and expressing her passion for performance to International students. She learnt so much from the culture, lifestyle and personalities that Thailand extended to her and is excited to share what she has experienced with her students in the UK.

Upon returning from Thailand, Amy is teaching again with Bollywood Dance London and we are so pleased to have her back! She regularly performs with the BDL Professional Dance Troupe and regularly teaches Hen Parties, Kids Parties and Workshops all over London and the UK.

Though Amy has an extremely impressive and varied portfolio, she would have to say that Bollywood is one of her favourite styles to teach and perform. She particularly enjoys the storytelling element of Bollywood dance and loves sharing the song meanings with her students. Her choreography is always fun, lively and energetic so you are guaranteed to have a fantastic party if you are lucky enough to have her as your teacher!

Sowmya has been dancing for over 15 years and is trained in the Indian classical style of Bharatanatyam. She believes that dancing must be in her genes because it has felt so natural to her from a very early age! She grew up watching Bollywood movies and enjoying the colour, vibrancy, and glamour of this exciting style. She now enjoys sharing and exploring those very same things with her students!

Her style is a mix of classical and ‘filmy’; focusing on feeling & expressing the song whilst performing those high-energy moves. She is also experienced in Belly dance and Latin styles & loves incorporating them in her routines. She is passionate about teaching and has conducted/assisted in several workshops for adults and kids. She also takes private one-to-one lessons for special events such as weddings and competitions.

Sowmya joined BDL in 2010 and has participated several high-profile performances with the BDL Professional Troupe. Last year’s highlights include: performing for the Mayor of London’s ‘Diwali in Trafalgar Square’ event, The Launch of the Panasonic Lumix Camera at London Zoo, and Childline Bollywood Ball at The Intercontinental Park Lane.

Maxine joined BDL in October 2011. Her main dance styles are Contmeporary, Bollywood, Kathak and Jazz. She gained her diverse training through her degree at University of Surrey – where she gained her BA (hons) in Dance and Culture with Professional training year. This included learning Kathak and African Caribbean dance styles. During her professional placement she was Education Assistant at Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds, this involved teaching for the company all over Yorkshire and taking professional classes each morning. Whilst at University, maxine taught as an associate of Surrey Uni including Jazz, Flexibility and Exercise classes.

After graduation Maxine completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Dance Performance, this took the form of Mapdance, a postgraduate contemorary dance company. With Mapdance Maxine toured the UK for 6 months showcasing 5 different works by world-renowned choreographers, including a contemporary and Bharatanatyam dance piece ‘Body Talk’ by Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company.

Since moving to london to persue a professional career in dance in 2010 maxine has danced for BDL, Flatfeet Dance Company, Siobhan Kerry Dance Company and Laysa Dance Company – part of Kala the Arts. Maxine was also Rehearsal Director for Kala the Arts, a South East Asian Arts Company.

As well as performing Maxine has been teaching for 10 years and for the last two years companies including BDL, The Cheerleading Company, Flatfeet Dance Company, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company, Hampshire Dance and many more. Maxine’s varied dance training allows her to teach many groups as a community dance artist and she specialises in teaching children and adults with disabilities as well as older adults with dementia. As part of the BDL Professional Troupe, her highlights have been performing at The Trafford Centre in Manchester, The Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge and also at Admiralty Arch in London in aid of Comic Relief.

Farzana dances with passion and views dance as a way of ‘true expression’. Her childhood was spent watching Bollywood movies, which developed her interest in this unique style. She was mesmerised by the catchy film songs and more importantly the dance!Farzana joined BDL in 2011 to train in the ‘BellyBolly’ style. She later joined the professional troupe and began teaching and perfoming immediately. Farzana enjoys Bollywood dance as it gives her the opportunity to be involved in choreographing to famous Bollywood tunes and interpreting the message of Indian cinema. In particular, she feels BDL not only incorporates ‘Pure Bollywood’, but also includes varied styles of Indian dance such as Semi Classical, Bhangra. She also loves that BDL includes other styles such as Contemporary, Commercial and Bellydance; in this sense the choreographies become more challenging and integrated with the Western dance world.Farzana loves the fusion of different dance styles with Bollywood and that’s what makes her choreography so unique. She is a talented dancer and perfomer, but her true joy is sharing her love of Bollywood with others. Her BDL highlights include: Opening Adnan Sami’s Concert at Wembley Arena and performing in ‘Move It’ at Earls Court, Olympia.

Farzana not only performs with the professional troupe but also teaches Hen parties, Kids parties and Corporate Workshops.