“I’ve had the privilege of watching Shivalee grow from a young girl passionate about dance into a confident, talented, professionally trained dancer. Her dedication to the art of Kathak, coupled with her nurturing spirit, makes her the perfect mentor for aspiring dancers of all ages.

Shivalee’s presence on stage embodies the epitome of Kathak. With graceful elegance, she captivates the audience, seamlessly weaving stories through her expressive storytelling. She has always been a powerhouse of a dancer since she was young, and as she has grown, she has honed that power and grace through disciplined dedication.

But Shivalee’s talent extends far beyond her expertise in dance. She is an inspiration not just as a dancer, but as a person as well. What sets Shivalee apart is not only her talent but also her humility and kindness. She is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to those around her. Her genuine care and concern for others create a supportive and uplifting atmosphere wherever she goes. Having known Shivalee since she was a child, I have witnessed firsthand the impact she has had on those around her, especially with my daughter, who Shivalee has been an honorary older sister to. Shivalee leads by example, inspiring others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly and to never give up on their dreams.

Her dedication, passion, and unwavering work ethic are truly commendable and serve as a beacon of motivation for everyone she encounters. Her drive to pursue her dreams, despite any obstacles that may arise, is nothing short of admirable. Shivalee approaches every challenge with determination and grace, never losing sight of her goals. Her resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her strength of character.

I wholeheartedly recommend Shivalee and her dance school to anyone seeking not only exceptional dance instruction but also a role model and mentor who leads with integrity and compassion.”

“Ever since I met Shivalee Talati Bhakta over 15 years ago, she has epitomized the essence of dance. As a fellow dancer, I was immediately in awe of her. Her passion and dedication to her craft have only deepened over time.Shivalee isn’t just a master of Kathak; she’s a pioneer in elevating awareness of this traditional art form. In a world dominated by fusion and contemporary dance styles, she shines by kindling a newfound appreciation for Kathak through her captivating performances and her dedication to teaching younger students, inspiring them to fall in love with the art form.Yet, what truly distinguishes Shivalee is her remarkable versatility. While Kathak is her foundation, she effortlessly navigates and embraces numerous dance forms. Having had the privilege of dancing alongside her, I’ve witnessed her remarkable ability to blend Kathak seamlessly with Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and more. Her talent for effortlessly transitioning between these traditional dances is both mesmerizing and inspiring, reflecting her profound respect and unwavering dedication to the art. Whether gracing the stage with her captivating expressions and intricate footwork or mesmerizing viewers with her creativity through dance videos, Shivalee approaches each opportunity with humility, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. She is a constant source of motivation for me in my own artistic journey, as well as for all her students.”

“It is my privilege to have known Shivalee for over a decade. In that time, she has developed not only a keen sense of choreography and artistry in her dance, but a meaningful way to communicate and express that philosophy to the next generation of dancers.

Shivalee’s expertise and dedication will truly transform your understanding and appreciation of this beautiful art form. With patience and precision, she guides her students through the intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling that define Kathak.

Her passion for Kathak is contagious, and her teaching style fosters a supportive and encouraging environment where every student feels valued and empowered to grow. Studying with Shivalee is an absolute treat and a wonderful opportunity to learn from a talented and inspiring teacher. If you’re looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery through Kathak dance, I wholeheartedly recommend learning from her.”

“It has been one of my greatest experiences to watch Shivalee grow as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. I’ve had the privilege to dance and choreograph alongside her over the years where I was able to witness her dedication, eye for detail, and passion up close. It’s been amazing to be a part of Shivalee’s dance journey within and transcending the classical dance realms. While she is an incredible Kathak dancer, she is also extremely talented in fusion styles of dance. Her creative endeavors, whether they are videos or live performances, have always been inspiring, thought-evoking, and simply amazing to watch. Every chance I am able to watch her perform, I am in awe of her presence on stage, grace, nuanced expressions, and intricate footwork.
Shivalee has always been someone who consistently strives to become better and increase her understanding of Indian classical dance styles. Shivalee is one of the best Kathak dancers I know, not only because of her skill and years of experience, but also due to her unwavering respect and appreciation for the art form. She dives deeper than the surface of a step, beat, or lyric to really perfect her performances and provide herself with a strong foundation, something I believe she will continue to do so with her students. As an audience member and fan of Shivalee’s dancing and teaching, it is exciting to know that her students will have the ability to grow beyond the physical aspect of the dance form. They will be able to inculcate Shivalee’s immense passion, unconditional love, and overwhelming respect for Kathak. I cannot recommend learning from Shivalee enough.”

“Just a couple weeks before my wedding, my friends convinced me to perform a group dance with them at the mehendi event. Despite the short timeline, Shivalee was able to help with song suggestions and created the perfect choreography to match the vibe I was looking for. Choreography was one thing off my plate while overwhelmed with wedding planning, and the performance ended up becoming one of my favorite memories from the entire wedding weekend. ”

“I’ve seen Shivalee dance her whole life – and her passion for dance is truly inspiring. Throughout her life, Shivalee has always been envisioning, choreographing, practicing, and teaching. Her commitment to kathak is unparalleled, and her grace and talent are evident. As a choreographer, she naturally blends styles to create beautiful pieces. As a teacher, she is patient, committed to technique, and extremely supportive. It has been so exciting to see her define her style, and I cannot wait to see what she continues to create!”

“Shivalee is a one-of-a-kind dancer who can effortlessly blend traditional and contemporary dance forms to create performances that are both captivating and memorable. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Shivalee for years as she’s mastered her craft in Kathak. Approaching Kathak as a lifelong student gives Shivalee an essence of humility, while her demonstration of the art is exceptional. Her kind personality, genuine care for those around her, and utmost patience for the journey have made her beloved by those that have learned from her. 

Shivalee’s versatility in dance is commendable. I had the opportunity to work with Shivalee for my wedding performances - she showcased her extraordinary ability as a talented choreographer and teacher through this experience. Shivalee effortlessly developed creative concepts for dancers of all abilities, and was patient in her ability to transform these ideas into stunning performances while ensuring everyone felt confident and comfortable on stage. 

I am constantly in awe of Shivalee and believe that anyone that has the opportunity to work with her in any capacity is in for a treat. ”