Shivani Shah: Bridging Cultures Through Dance

Shivani Shah, a vibrant dancer based in the United States, is making waves in the dance community with her innovative blend of shuffle dance and Indian dance styles. As the co-founder of DesiFuze, Shivani is not only showcasing her extraordinary talent but also creating a unique platform that bridges cultural divides and brings people together through the universal language of dance. Growing up in a household that celebrated both traditional Indian culture and contemporary influences, she was exposed to a variety of dance forms. This rich cultural tapestry sparked her curiosity and fueled her desire to explore the possibilities of fusion dance. During an exclusive interview with TINDS, Shivani shared her amazing story of coming this far and turning her passion into her profession.

TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Shivani: I was born in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, specifically in Alhambra. However, my formative years unfolded in Arcadia, a stone’s throw away from Pasadena. Southern California was where I spent my growing up years. Following that, I pursued my education in Santa Barbara, a tad further up north within the Golden State. Upon completing my studies, I made my way back to the bustling streets of LA.

TINDS: Did you visit India yet?

Shivani: I haven’t been to India because I don’t have family there. My relatives are all in Africa, mainly in Kenya, where I used to visit a lot when I was younger. But now, I’m looking forward to visiting India soon. I’ve got friends there that I can’t wait to meet. Also, I’m excited about exploring the country’s vibrant dance scene during my travels.

TINDS: What three words describe you the best?

Shivani: Ambitious, Charismatic & Directionally-Challenged.

TINDS: Tell us a little about the start of you getting into the world of dancing?

Shivani: When I was young, there weren’t many South Asian people around me. To meet Indian friends, my mom enrolled me in Bharatnatyam classes. Despite being active in school sports like tennis for seven years and dabbling in theater during college, I was unaware of the Desi Dance Network. My quest to connect with Indian peers led me to join a small Bhangra team in college, where I struggled at first but eventually grew to love dance. This journey sparked a passion for creating a community around Bollywood and Fusion dance forms. During the pandemic lockdown when all activities came to a halt, I felt a void without dance. Discovering TikTok, I stumbled upon footwork combos that intrigued me. Learning these moves became my creative outlet at home and led to collaborations online, through which I made my first friends in LA. As restrictions eased, I immersed myself in taking more dance classes and honed my skills further by exploring different styles like Hip Hop. The positive reception and growing interest from others prompted me to start teaching dance classes for fun. Over almost three years now, this journey has evolved into something much bigger than anticipated. My initial goal of simply dancing and trying new things upon moving to LA has expanded into training extensively in various styles like heels dancing last year.

TINDS: Tell us a little about Desifuze?

Shivani: Desifuze is a brand that my friend Ishani and I launched. It’s our unique blend of shuffle dancing with South Asian dance styles. Whenever we collaborate, create, and teach together, it feels like our minds are in sync. Last year, I discovered a newfound passion for choreographing in heels during a personal transition. Trying out new things during that time was refreshing, and when I took a heels class, something just clicked. Returning for more sessions sparked a deep love for this art form. It unearthed a fresh passion within me, revealing aspects of myself I had yet to explore. This journey of self-discovery through dance has been truly captivating and enlightening for me.

TINDS: Have your parents always been supportive of what you do?

Shivani: My family, especially my mother, has always admired my creative side. They had envisioned a different path for me, perhaps not as a dancer. Despite majoring in Economics and Accounting and starting a corporate job right after college, transitioning to a creative career is a bold move for me. While my parents may have foreseen this change, their level of excitement remains uncertain. I believe that every profession demands hard work and I aspire to challenge the traditional mindset of older generations. There are countless ways to pursue creativity in various fields. For immigrant families, stability is often the top priority. I understand my parents’ concerns deeply, and it may just take some time for them to fully embrace this new direction.

TINDS: What would you be if not a dancer?

Shivani: I don’t just envision myself solely as a dancer. My aspirations extend to becoming an actress and delving into the world of filmmaking. Once I’ve mastered dancing, I aim to transition into acting and take on roles in movies. Additionally, I have a keen interest in directing. While I haven’t had direct experience in this field, I’ve dabbled in it through my dance performances.

TINDS: Coming this  far, what have you had to struggle with?

Shivani: Deciding to pursue a career in the creative industry has been quite a challenge. It’s often tough to make others understand this path, and explaining it can be difficult. Those in the creative field must patiently earn respect over time. I also want to highlight the financial side of things – shifting from a full-time corporate job to a creative role definitely impacts your finances because income doesn’t flow in immediately. When you’re self-employed, work is constant, and it can get overwhelming as I had to navigate everything independently, which required some adjustment.

TINDS: What would your advice be to young dancers?

Shivani: Simply keep dancing! Embrace your strengths and strive for self-improvement. Dancing brings me joy because it’s my happy place, my escape from stress—it’s like therapy for the soul. Many focus only on their existing talents, but how can you excel without practice? If dancing brings you joy, just dance! Not everyone needs to turn it into a profession; sometimes, it’s just about the pure love of movement.