Twinkle’s Dance Academy has become a destination for dance instruction, wedding choreography, corporate performances and cultural celebrations, all while promoting a deeper appreciation of Indian culture.
By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE
What started with just three students in 2012 has grown into a thriving dance academy that has introduced hundreds of children and adults throughout the Tri-State area to the energy, artistry and cultural traditions of Bollywood dance.
Founded by Twinkle Madan Chadha, Twinkle’s Dance Academy has become a destination for dance instruction, wedding choreography, corporate performances and cultural celebrations, all while promoting a deeper appreciation of Indian culture.
Chadha’s passion for dance began long before she arrived in Delaware. Growing up in India, she trained in the Indian classical dance style Odissi and Bollywood dance through the renowned Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts. She also participated in and choreographed numerous dance performances for her school and local community.
When Chadha moved to the United States to pursue her MBA at the University of Delaware, she found new opportunities to share her love of dance. Community organizations began inviting her to choreograph performances, allowing her to build a reputation as a talented instructor and performer.
Those early experiences eventually inspired her to launch Twinkle’s Dance Academy.
What began as a small venture with only three students has steadily expanded over the past decade. Today, the academy serves students of all ages and experience levels, offering dance classes for children ages 3 and older as well as adults.
The academy’s mission extends beyond teaching dance steps. Chadha uses Bollywood dance as a way to introduce students to Indian culture while creating opportunities for connection, self-expression and community engagement.
“Twinkle’s Dance Academy uses Bollywood dancing to create awareness of Indian culture, to bring people together & ultimately to spread happiness & joy through the power of dance,” according to the academy.
A key part of the academy’s growth has been its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Instruction is tailored to the needs of individual students, helping dancers develop confidence while learning at their own pace.
In addition to weekly classes, the academy offers a variety of specialized services. These include private dance lessons, corporate workshops, costume rentals, dance workshops and performances for special events.
One of the academy’s busiest and most popular areas has become wedding choreography.
As wedding celebrations continue to evolve, many couples are looking for creative ways to make their receptions memorable. Twinkle’s Dance Academy works with couples, families and wedding parties to create customized dance routines that reflect their personalities and cultural traditions.
The academy recently completed choreography for eight weddings during May and June alone, helping participants prepare for everything from elegant first dances to high-energy group performances.
To accommodate busy schedules and out-of-town participants, lessons are available through multiple formats, including in-person instruction, Zoom sessions and personalized video tutorials.
These flexible options have allowed the academy to work with dancers of all experience levels, including many who have never performed before.
For Chadha, the success of Twinkle’s Dance Academy reflects the universal appeal of dance itself.
More than a form of entertainment, dance has the power to unite people, celebrate culture and create lasting memories. Whether students are taking their first Bollywood class, preparing for a wedding performance or participating in a community event, the academy continues to provide opportunities for people to learn, connect and celebrate through movement.
More than a decade after opening its doors, Twinkle’s Dance Academy continues to grow while staying true to the vision that inspired its founding: sharing culture, building community and spreading joy one dance at a time.
Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact [email protected] or our publisher, George D. Rotsch, at [email protected]
