DRIBBLE ACADEMY WORKSHOPS
MY JOURNEY WITH DRIBBLE ACADEMY
I started out at Dribble Academy as a student of basketball. Gradually, through this association, I also learnt more about the inspiring work that Dribble Academy Foundation does in empowering children in underserved communities, like Gejha village of Noida, through sports, and basketball in particular. Along with basketball training and access to a safe space to play sports, Dribble Academy also imparts important life skills to children to help them in their overall development. Believing strongly in its mission, I initiated dance workshops, Dance Without Limits, at Dribble Academy in 2022. These workshops provide a safe space and an inclusive environment for children to express themselves through dance. We explore different dance forms from across India and the world, even as we engage in discussions on issues such as inclusivity and mindfulness.
Each workshop (typically 8-10 hrs) is designed as a multi-day engagement, with Practice Sessions leading to Performance Day , where workshop participants perform at a community event that celebrates a special day of global significance, a national day, or a festival.
DANCE WITHOUT LIMITS
Celebrating International Women’s Day
(Mar 2025)
This workshop culminates in a performance to celebrate International Women’s Day (Mar 8). Before the performance, I deliver a speech emphasizing the significance of the day that celebrates the achievements of all women - daughters, sisters and mothers. I encourage girls to dream big, and work hard towards achieving those dreams. I thank parents for supporting their daughters, and being the wind beneath their wings. Together, we can make dreams possible!
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Bringing in Boys with Hip Hop
(Jul 2024)
To get the boys to join in, I partner with Aryan, a male friend from school, to hold a co-ed dance workshop focussed on hip-hop.
Performance Day
Practice Sessions
Celebrating International Dance Day
(Apr 2024)
This workshop culminates in a performance to celebrate International Dance Day (Apr 29). Before the performance, I deliver a speech emphasizing the significance of dance as a universal language that transcends cultures and brings everyone together.
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Cheering on our Teams at the Midnight Basketball Tournament
(Mar 2024)
This workshop leads to a half-time dance performance at the Midnight Basketball Tournament, hosted by Dribble Academy. The Tournament is an annual event which sees the Gejha village community congregate at Dribble Academy’s basketball court to cheer on local teams. The Foundation’s donors are also seen enjoying the matches and the cultural performances.
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Celebrating Mindfulness Day
(Sep 2023)
This series of classes explore Bhangra, a folk dance from Punjab, and ends with a performance on Mindfulness Day (Sep 12) at Dribble Academy. Before the performance, I speak about the power of mindfulness – being present in the moment with both our mind and body focused on the same task. Integrating mindfulness into our daily routine can be transformative when it comes to achieving our goals!
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Summer Fun at Dribble Academy
(Jun - Jul 2023)
This series of classes encompasses two workshops – one for older children (‘seniors’) who participate regularly in Dance Without Limits workshops, and the second for younger children (‘juniors’) who are new to the workshops. The ‘seniors’ act as mentors for the ‘juniors’ in these classes. In both workshops, we explore elements of Garba and other folk dances from Gujarat. Before the 3 routines on Performance Day, I deliver a speech about inclusivity, and my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to dance, regardless of their background or ability. This is the mission of Dance without Limits!
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Celebrating Mother’s Day
(Mar-Apr 2023)
This workshop explores Ghoomar and elements of Kalbelia, folk dances of Rajasthan. It culminates with a performance celebrating our mothers on Mother’s Day at Dribble Academy.
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
Celebrating Republic Day
(Dec 2022 - Jan 2023)
In this series of classes, we dance to popular Bollywood songs ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Chak De India’ that celebrate the spirit of the nation. This workshop ends with a performance on India’s Republic Day (Jan 26) at a cultural show organized in a nearby residential society. The children wear ribbons on their wrists and paint their hands in the colours of the Indian National Flag!
Performance Day
Practice Sessions (Select)
