“Ms. C, thank you so much! The teens/tweens had an amazing time getting Henna. For many of them this was their first time and they were beyond excited!!! The Bollywood dance family program was also amazing. I love how it brings the whole family together!!!
Thank you!”
Amy Moscia, Assistant Youth Services Librarian
“Thanks, Ms. C! Bollywood dance was an amazing experience! I loved learning about the culture and the dance moves! 🙂 You were able to connect with even our most reluctant teens, got them up, dancing with a smile! I look forward to your program again in the future!!!”
Rachel Hart, Reference Librarian
“Swati and Community Bollywood Dance Project are wonderful! From a hesitant group of teens and preteens at the beginning of the workshop, Swati shared her own experiences, introduced the group to India, and taught the group 3 different Bollywood routines pulling all of the group members out of their shells. She got them smiling and feeling the groove by the end of the dancing, encouraging them to travel and try out new experiences. The henna provided was an extra beautiful way to end the evening, providing the group with a lovely souvenir. I highly recommend welcoming Swati to your own library or school!”
Vanessa Nelson, Youth Services Associate
“Thank you Swati C. for a fun-filled, educational evening! The Upper Dublin children and their parents had an excellent time learning about India and dancing like Bollywood dancers.
Swati is fantastic with children of all ages and engaged everyone in the room. She even had the dads dancing up a storm. I would have her back again anytime.
Thank you for a memorable evening!”
Jennifer Roberts, Head of Children’s Services
“I loved this class for the kids! I liked that you gave them lessons on Bollywood and didn’t just dance. I think they’ll remember this for a while”
Taylor Johnson, Head of Dance Camp
“This workshop was a really valuable lesson for our kids who aren’t exposed to other cultures. It was brief enough to be interesting, but in-depth enough that they left with interest and a better understanding”
“The cultural information given really sets the Bollywood theme and helps the kids get into it and have fun!”
“Background of the style was very helpful in getting the kids into the class. The workshop included all age groups, was easy to follow, and very well explained”
Camp Counsellors
“The Bollywood Dance Program was wonderful for my students. It not only exposed them to music and dance that they rarely get to experience, it allowed them to explore elements of a culture very different from their own. It helped to instill respect and appreciation for different customs and celebrations. The best part of the program was how inclusive it was. Swati’s presence was calm and reassuring, thereby creating a safe environment for all children, regardless of skill set or talent. The majority of the 5th grade participated and looked forward to her lesson each week. They especially appreciated the opportunity to teach her a new dance or two! Thank you for giving our children an experience that they will never forget.”
Mrs. Aliya O’Neal, 5th Grade Teacher
“I’ve never witnessed the students so engaged in an assembly! Giving the shy students an extra chance to join in was so amazing. Not everyone is comfortable the first time around. You are an awesome instructor who connects with the students”
Erica McElveen, Director – Art Programs
“The fourth grade at Holy Family Regional Catholic School in Levittown had a unique opportunity to learn about the Indian culture through Bollywood Dance. Under the direction of the teaching artist, Swati Chaturvedi, the students experienced a combination of workshops spanning 10 weeks that offered an intensive looks at the music, dance, and culture. Mrs. C was a well prepared enthusiastic instructor.  The students formed a meaningful relationship with her during our program. On several occasions she made adjustments to her schedule to accommodate schedule changes within our school.  The Bollywood Dance and Movement Program culminated in a final assembly in which the fourth grade performed Bollywood dance for the school community.  The parents and students alike found the assembly to be an infectious display of happiness. Our students will carry the memory of this wonderful experience with them for the rest of their lives.   We are extremely grateful to have had this experience!”
Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. LeCloux, 4th Grade Teachers
“THANK YOU so much for your wonderful performance last night! Â I can’t tell you how many people remarked to me today about how much they enjoyed seeing you and your lovely children dance. Â And, it was not just your talent that we enjoyed, but the rapport you had with the students too!”
Sally King, ELL Teacher
“Mrs. C’s Bollywood program was an exciting, vibrant, culturally rich interactive experience! The music was great, the dancing was fun to learn and perform! Mrs. C was amazing at reading her audience and keeping our 3-6 year olds engaged and entertained. Our visiting parents were pleased with the program as well as our teaching staff. I would definitely recommend her program for everyone, and we will gladly have her return to us again!”
Yael Johnson, Director – Financial Administrator
Swati was absolutely amazing, and this was one of the most well-received programs my library has ever hosted! Booking her was a breeze, and her pricing is so reasonable considering she offers something so completely different than we have ever seen here at the library. She was great with tailoring the program to my library’s patrons, space, and budget. Swati started the group off with a dance warmup, and within minutes, she has everyone in the room dancing–adults included! The dance routine she taught was easy for everyone to pick up, regardless of age or ability, and she made everyone feel successful in learning Bollywood moves. The whole time was filled with smiles, laughter, and joy. Swati managed to help a very shy participant feel more comfortable by using her as a “helper,” and she is just wonderful at interacting with kids, even when a couple had meltdowns. Swati brought lots of clothing and cultural objects to share with the group, and it was special since it all belonged to her or family members, so she could tell a story about each item. We finished with henna, which was a huge hit for kids but ESPECIALLY for the parents! Swati was so patient and friendly with each participant as she created a work of art on their hand. She was very gracious with her time and talent and made sure that everyone (including a couple people who didn’t attend the program but were peeking in the program room) could leave with henna that day. Every single parent in attendance came up to tell me that they LOVED this program and think she should invite Swati back again–which, of course, I plan to do! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Swati’s program to libraries or any school/community organization that wants to provide a fun, engaging, educational, and unforgettable experience!
Alison King, Children’s Librarian
Community Bollywood Dance Project 