Team Members

Aanya is currently a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. She has loved dancing different styles, including a fusion of ballet, Bollywood, and more, for the last 13 years. She discovered her passion for teaching dance three years ago and has since taught a large range of ages 3-80+. She started this initiative after noticing how much happier her grandparents were after they danced with her, realizing that dance benefits everyone, both physically and mentally. Now, she loves seeing the same smile light up more faces as she reaches a wider audience through DHP!

Rini (Rinisha) co-founded DHP because she grew up observing the vital role that movement and exercise played in her grandparents' well-being. For two years, she served as DHP's Operations Officer, training volunteers and managing officer resources. Now an undergraduate student at Harvey Mudd College, Rini is an advisor to DHP's Bay Area officers, supporting the organization's growth and continuing to spread joy and wellness to seniors.

Twisha has been engaged in the art of dancing ever since she was an infant, jumping around to the sound of The Beatles with her brother. She started doing Kathak in first grade to connect dance with her cultural side. Although she began pursuing other passions unrelated to dance, she’s always kept the art close to her heart. Dancing Hearts Project gave her the opportunity to get back into dancing, and Twisha enthusiastically gave back to the community through this physical art form. She continues to teach senior citizens how to dance and help the organization thrive!

Pavi is a senior at Evergreen Valley High School who has been dancing for over 10 years. Throughout her journey, dance has taught her confidence, discipline, and the importance of connecting with others through movement. As the Bay Area Chapter President of Dancing Hearts Project, she is excited to share her passion for dance by bringing fun, accessible dance sessions to local senior centers. She hopes to encourage seniors to stay active through simple choreography while fostering joy, confidence, and meaningful connections through the power of dance.

My name’s Jay, and I’m a rising senior at BASIS Independent. Over my two years with Dancing Hearts Project, my favorite highlight has been leading freeze dance sessions with local seniors. Outside of the organization, I love working on new dance routines and grabbing Mexican food.

Rhia is a sophomore at Aragon High School and has been dancing since she was four years old. She especially loves Bollywood dance, and in middle school, she even started a dance club to share her passion for dance with her friends. Outside of dance and the Dancing Heart Project, Rhia is a black belt in taekwondo and teaches beginner students. She also plays basketball on her school team and plays the bassoon in her school band.

Angeline is a junior at Lynbrook High School who loves hip hop and jazz dance. She has been involved in dancing since she was a toddler, and it is one of her favorite hobbies. In her free time, she enjoys getting food with her friends and drawing. She hopes to share her love of dancing with others to feel freedom and fun of movement.

Himani is a dynamic middle school student with a passion for movement. She plays basketball for both a competitive league and her school team, bringing determination and teamwork, and is a dedicated classical dancer, learning the intricate art of Kathak. Beyond her personal pursuits, Himani is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society, where she demonstrates her leadership and responsibility, and is committed to giving back through community service. She is excited to join DHP and utilize her interests in community service to share her love of movement with seniors across the country.

Sanah has been training in Indian classical dance (Kathak) for 12 years. In high school, she branched out into different styles, competing with her school's Colorguard and Bollywood Dance Team. She is, and has always been, passionate about dance, and she is excited to share this passion with the seniors!

Diya is a freshman at Naperville North High School, Illinois. She is a kind soul with a desire to help those in need. DHPs mission to serve the senior members of our community resonates with her calling. Diya is an artist and loves to create beautiful art in her spare time. She is also passionate about badminton and plans to try out for her school team. She enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.  She hopes to contribute to the DHP mission and make an impact in the lives of our elders and in turn learn from their experiences.

Shriya is a freshman at Mission San Jose High School and have been learning dance at her dance studio, Aerodance, for around 4 years now. She dances competitively and perform on stages all around the Bay Area. Before semi classical dancing, Shriya dabbled in ballet, hip hop, and was also a competitive gymnast when she was younger. Music has always been a part of her life. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mom are all dancers as well as singers and Shriya is honored to carry their musicality on. Over the years she realized the different kinds of benefits of dancing and can’t wait to let others feel these benefits for themselves when they dance as well.

Naina is a sophomore at Irvington High School with a lifelong passion for dance. She has been learning and performing various dance styles since preschool and is currently a proud member of her school’s raas and garba team: Irvington Soor. Over the years, Naina has showcased her talent at numerous cultural festivals and community events across the Bay Area, celebrating the joy and vibrancy of dance. In addition to her dancing, Naina is an active volunteer, contributing over 100 hours to non-profits like Ekal and El Camino Hospital. She believes in the power of movement to inspire and connect people of all ages. By joining DHP, Naina is excited to combine her love for dance with her dedication to community service, bringing smiles and positivity to seniors through music and movement.

Sharanya is currently a 10th grader at Irvington High School. She has been dancing for over 10 years, and it is one of her favorite hobbies. In her free time, she also also really likes playing with her dog and hanging out with her friends. Teaching others dance is something that Sharanya loves. She has taught elementary kids for a year now, and is super excited to now share her passion with others and bring joy to many seniors.

Sia is an incoming 9th grader at Amador Valley High School, and having lived with her grandmother her entire life, she’s developed a deep appreciation for culture and movement. A passionate dancer and active competitor for over two years, she has truly found her calling in dance. She hopes to spread her love of movement to others, offering a welcoming space for anyone eager to learn and have fun. Her goal is not only to grow as a dancer but to share the joy and energy of dance with everyone around her.

Ayushi has been dancing since elementary school! She is currently a sophomore at Irvington High School. She is really excited to continue working with DHP since she gets to work with seniors and teach an activity she's passionate about!

Krisha is a sophomore who loves classical dance. She has been training in Bharatanatyam for 10 years and is part of her school’s classical dance team Natya. She also works with the organization Ekal to raise money for children’s education in India. Krisha is involved in her schools DECA clubs and is also a member of the badminton team. She enjoys using her passion for dance, service, and leadership to make a positive impact in her community.

Shreya is a sophomore at Irvington High School. She has a passion for dance and has been dancing for 13 years. She has been teaching dance for the past 2 years and enjoys it very much. By joining DHP, Shreya is excited to share her love for dance by teaching seniors and creating a fun, uplifting environment where they can enjoy movement and music. She hopes to bring joy and connection through every step.

Swanvi, a rising senior at Silver Creek High School, has a passion for storytelling, community work, and creative expression. After moving from India, she’s been eager to give back through meaningful service. She’s excited to support Dancing Hearts Project in bringing joy and movement to seniors, and believes in the power of small moments to create lasting impact.

Mahika has been a dance enthusiast ever since she could walk. Her journey began with ballet and hip-hop classes as a child, which soon expanded to include the vibrant styles of Bollywood and the classical grace of Bharatanatyam. Over the years, Mahika’s deep passion for dance has not only refined her skills but also taught her valuable lessons in collaboration, responsibility, and leadership. Mahika hopes to bring her energy and experience to teaching dance to senior citizens, creating joyful spaces that foster movement and connection.

Ankita is a senior at The Harker School with a strong interest in psychology. Passionate about supporting others, they aspire to pursue a career in mental health care. Outside of academics, Ankita enjoys drawing, crocheting, and knitting.

Myra is a freshman at Evergreen Valley High School and she has been dancing since she could walk. Her passion for dance is like no other and can't wait to spread her joy of dance with others!

Aanya is currently a freshman at Leland High School where she is on the Dance Team and is an active member in her Bollywood Dance Club. She has loved dancing since the age of 3 and has participated in numerous styles like HipHop, Jazz, Lyrical as well as Kathak, a classical Indian dance. She hopes to spread the joy she has felt dancing to others and brighten their day by incorporating exciting moves.