Meet Our Founder: Dhvani Kothari
I did not start ballet until I was 13, but that late start taught me more about grit than any early training ever could. Here is a look at the journey from my first arabesque to building a home for dancers in Mumbai.
This is me with one of my first big awards. As India's first and only international award-winning ballerina, my goal is to pave the way for the next generation.
A shot from one of my performances. I've had the privilege of performing across 8 countries, and I bring that global experience to my students.
My first lead role was Paquita. I still remember the feeling of being on stage in this costume, and it's a passion I want to share.
I began my ballet journey at 13 and never looked back. It's proof that you can start at any age and still reach for the stars.
Hi, I'm Dhvani. Ballerina, Dreamer, and Founder of NBSI. My mission is to build a home for ballet in India.
A quick rapid-fire Q&A with me. My advice for a new dancer? Just show up. That's the hardest and most important step.
A typical Friday evening for me at the Juhu studio. It's my calm before the beautiful chaos of classes begins.
A throwback to an inspiring day at the Royal Ballet School in London. Being in such an iconic place fuels my passion for this art form.
Another shot outside the Royal Ballet School. These are the institutions that set the global standard for excellence, and we aim for that level at NBSI.
The Royal Ballet & Opera. A symbol of the highest level of artistry in the world of dance and music.
About Meet Our Founder: Dhvani Kothari
I have often been asked how I made the jump from starting at 13 to performing in eight countries. It was not just raw talent. It was about finding the right mentors, like Liudmila Konovalova, and understanding that ballet is a language you have to study, not just perform. My goal with the National Ballet School of India is to bring that same global standard to Mumbai, so you do not have to look abroad for world-class technical coaching.
Ballet is often presented as effortless, but behind every smooth glide is hours of focused, sometimes painful, technique training. When I founded the National Ballet School of India (NBSI), I wanted to bridge the gap between recreational dance and the rigorous, disciplined training found at international schools.
My path was not linear. I skipped the traditional early-childhood start and dove in at 13, which meant I had to catch up on the technical fundamentals while others were already performing. That experience shaped how I teach today. I believe in Vaganova-method precision. The structure of barre work, centre practice, and corner drills is non-negotiable. Whether you are aiming for an international summer intensive or just want to master your core strength, the curriculum remains grounded in that discipline.
I do not just teach steps. I mentor dancers through the reality of the industry. I have lived the chaos of backstage life and the pressure of auditions, and I pass that practical knowledge to my students. From navigating pointe shoe fittings to preparing for solo variations like 'Blue Bird' or 'Dulcinea', my coaching is direct. We are building power, not just grace. If you are looking for a studio that values the craft as much as the community, welcome to our family.
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