Dhvani Kothari on ballet, leadership and building India’s dance ecosystem

From starting ballet at 13 and becoming an internationally recognised ballerina to building a ballet school system across 12 centres in Mumbai, Dhvani Kothari knows what it takes to make it in the world of dance. In addition to her own extensive experience in ballet, Kothari has worked hard to debunk the myths around ballet in India and give young aspirants exposure and opportunities.

In this conversation with Hans India, Kothari speaks about evolving from a dancer to a founder, confidence, women in leadership, the future of ballet education in India and her vision for NBSI.

Tell us about your journey and the decision to found the National Ballet School of India.

I never thought I would become a founder. My dream was to become the best ballerina I could possibly be. I took ballet very seriously and started at 13, which is late. I trained really hard and eventually, left MICA to do ballet full-time since I could not imagine spending my life wondering, “What if?”

As I danced and taught ballet, I started to understand the need to provide India’s gifted children with an alternate, world-class ballet platform. My founding vision came from the realisation that I didn’t want to be the best ballerina in my country — I wanted to be the best in the world.

What is your most vivid memory of performing?

I performed for the first time when I was three, but the first time I remember was when I was 15. I was dancing on the stage and had a heartbeat; I was having second thoughts! I thought, ‘Do I belong here?’ As soon as the music started, the world vanished!

Today, as I watch my students take their first step on the stage, I would say that moment is as thrilling as performing myself. In fact, seeing a child come back with more confidence than they came in is an achievement!

How has your understanding of confidence evolved?

I always believed that confidence was about not doubting yourself. Today I know that it is about standing by my beliefs and not doubting myself even when there are a thousand reasons to.

Doubt will always linger, and there will always be someone more confident, experienced or qualified than you. But if you believe in your goal and the strength of your purpose, confidence will take over.

What stereotypes about ballet do you still come across?

People have preconceived notions about ballet being something fluffy or simply a hobby. They think ballet is light, it does not require much skill or it does not need serious training – which is absolutely wrong. I have also noticed a notion that one cannot run a successful business and do ballet. People think you either need to have a business and make money or do ballet – but I believe one’s passion fuels the other!

What conversations about women’s leadership need more attention?

If women choose to build institutions, we must be able to speak of their achievements without questioning if they ‘deserve’ it by some standards. I think women must be able to demand that they can build schools, have teams reporting to them and become disruptors in their chosen fields. We need to celebrate ambition as much as achievement!

What message do you want young girls to take from your journey?

I always want young girls to understand that they can be anything they want to be in this world. I do not think being feminine and career-driven are mutually exclusive! A woman can be graceful but determined, subtle but bold, artistic but calculating – the possibilities are endless. Girls should not be taught to dilute their femininity to be successful in their careers.

What is the most important lesson about finding your voice?

Do not ask permission. If I had asked permission, NBSI would not have come about. The truth is that no one told me that India needed ballet schools, but I believed so deeply that it did – that is how I found my voice. You must get out there and keep looking until you find it.

How do you see ballet education evolving in India?

I see a bright future for ballet education here and am extremely optimistic. The parents are beginning to understand that ballet can do much more than provide an outlet for their children’s energy and enthusiasm. They recognise the value of a disciplined, artistic, confident frame of mind that ballet provides. I believe India can build incredible ballet schools, performances and productions that would allow the country to become a global leader in this space. After all, children will no longer have to go to other countries to learn ballet – they can learn right at home!

What is the next big goal for NBSI?

We have a big vision — the goal is much bigger than dance. For now, we plan to open more centres in Mumbai as well as other cities like Bhopal, Goa and beyond. We also want to focus on strengthening the teacher training platform and offer more international collaborations and ballet production opportunities to NBSI students.

What keeps you grounded outside ballet and work?

I enjoy scouting out beautiful cafés and restaurants for friends and family. I love food and engaging in deep conversations. I find that good food and good company can instantly relax me after a stressful day. I also love swimming and reading — and exploring lovely places to find inspiration. It is important to enjoy the little things and experience life to the core — that way I am always reminded that success is important, but so is living life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Askari Jaffer

Askari Jaffer[email protected]

Askari Jaffer, Features Editor, with a longstanding interest in writing a range of stories, has earned herself a place in the field of journalism. With strong values and courage acquired from her father, who served in the Indian Defence, she reflects in her writings. A strong desire to learn about the legal system, she has focused her writing on women's challenges. She writes about the women who became successful in various fields to inspire others. She takes an interest in education, health, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment too.

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