--- title: "Meet Dhvani Kothari: Founder of Mumbai's Leading Ballet School" description: "Discover the journey of Dhvani Kothari, the founder of NBSI, and learn about her expert ballet training, Vaganova technique, and international dance coaching in Mumbai." canonical: https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/meet-our-founder-dhvani-kothari last_updated: 2026-02-16 --- # Meet Our Founder: Dhvani Kothari Tribe Verified · Trained in 8 countries, teaching in Mumbai. By [NBSI Ballet School](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia) · Studio in Vile Parle West & classes across Mumbai Metropolitan Area · ₹2,800 Per Session (estimate) Part of [Ballet Training Programs](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/gallery) 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. ## Photos and videos - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dff0e42c-5034-4250-837a-8d32104515af) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c0b1087-b523-428e-8c6d-889638f27c39) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36833ea9-735b-47a2-962f-58fb0631e568) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/21182a94-7c05-45cd-a3da-d6a020ca129b) - ![Hi, I'm Dhvani. Ballerina, Dreamer, and Founder of NBSI. My mission is to build a home for ballet in India.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3d9202c3-20a6-4c01-bd7f-1a06edd8efb7) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c720ad6-23f8-41df-91cb-bfd88aeb4646) - [Video: A typical Friday evening for me at the Juhu studio. It's my calm before the beautiful chaos of classes begins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2bad572f-1d6f-4ead-9e45-e76e0d5697db) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f511c67d-886e-42b8-8f39-50be42dc098b) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/58f28ca6-2fc2-4a48-9f7c-73a979f0dccd) - ![The Royal Ballet & Opera. A symbol of the highest level of artistry in the world of dance and music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47891b7a-09cf-4138-b0c8-783b6ea6aeef) - ![A throwback to learning from the legendary prima ballerina Liudmila Konovalova in Vienna. It was an honor to train with one of my idols.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c3cab1a-f6d3-41cd-9e6f-0127aa210050) - ![Watching a master at work. Liudmila's grace and humility taught me what it truly means to be a prima ballerina.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28893ed9-e1d1-473b-9a2a-6ea474afcbf8) - ![A silhouette from one of my training sessions nearly a decade ago. The discipline learned then continues to inspire everything I do today.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7f708488-a5f7-40ef-a56a-11424cfecffb) - ![A shot from an audition or exam. The number pinned to my leotard is a familiar sight for any serious dancer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac7b05a3-3c1e-4e01-b22f-4def0cbb7346) - ![At the barre during a training session. These foundational exercises are the building blocks of every step in ballet.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/110c91cc-2793-4d08-a2c3-ffec43f3b025) - !["Ballet has no gender. Let your passion always be on point-e!" This is my core belief and the guiding principle of our school.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b65b61ae-f2e1-478e-8c3e-2a058512d5e3) - ![A little bit about my journey. I started NBSI to make ballet accessible in India, and I'm so proud of how far we've come.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38e152a8-10ed-4969-b71c-8b08bee4a7c4) - [Video: A recap of my journey in 2023, from speaking at the opera house to having my work featured in an art gallery. It was a year of growth and gratitude.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75411065-e732-426c-9de6-56fdb5d9113e) ## 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. ## About NBSI Ballet School I am Dhvani, the founder of NBSI and a lifelong ballerina who believes ballet is a way of life, not just a class. I have performed in eight countries and trained under international masters, but my greatest joy is seeing students find their own rhythm in our Mumbai studios. Come by for a session and see why we call this place our home. [See all of NBSI Ballet School's services](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia) ## More from Ballet Training Programs by NBSI Ballet School - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/featured) - [From Rehearsal to the Royal Opera House](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/from-rehearsal-to-the-royal-opera-house) - [From Our Studio to the World Stage](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/from-our-studio-to-the-world-stage) - [The Grace and the Grit: How We Train](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/the-grace-and-the-grit-how-we-train) - [First Steps: Pre-Ballet & Kids Classes](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/first-steps-pre-ballet-kids-classes) - [Adult Ballet: Find Your Rhythm](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/adult-ballet-find-your-rhythm) - [Find Your Ballet Home in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/find-your-ballet-home-in-mumbai) - [Beyond Classical: Fusion & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/beyond-classical-fusion-workshops) - [The NBSI Family: More Than a Studio](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/the-nbsi-family-more-than-a-studio) - [Learn from a Global Team of Experts](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/learn-from-a-global-team-of-experts) - [Redefining Ballet: Grace, Grit & Power](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/redefining-ballet-grace-grit-power) - [More from Our World](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/ballet-training-programs/more-from-our-world) ## More services by NBSI Ballet School - [Corporate & Commercial Ballet Services](https://mytribe.in/nationalballetschoolofindia/corporate-commercial-ballet-services) ## Similar work from other experts - [Highlights of Bharatanatyam Excellence at Nritya Gurukul](https://mytribe.in/akshatha.pai23/bharatanatyam-classes/featured) by Nritya Gurukul · Bharatanatyam Classes · Online classes & studio sessions in Sector 82, Noida; accessible across Delhi NCR - [My Bharatanatyam Performances and Artistic Journey](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/bharatanatyam-dance-classes/my-performances-journey) by Shreyasi Gopinath · Bharatanatyam Dance Classes · Online classes and at studios in Gurugram & New Delhi - [Arangetram Performances and Student Journeys](https://mytribe.in/preetha_dance/arangetram-training/featured) by Preetha Arun · Arangetram Training · Studio in Whitefield, travels across Bengaluru & available online - [A Home for Indian Performing Arts](https://mytribe.in/abhibhavaartacademy/indian-dance-training/featured) by Abhibhava Art Academy · Indian Dance Training · Online classes and at 3 studios in Malad West, Mumbai - [My Dance Foundations: Professional Training in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/dhruvi.shah.dance/wedding-event-choreography/the-art-of-dance-my-technical-foundation) by Dhruvi Shah · Wedding & Event Choreography · Online sessions and travels pan-India for weddings - [Classical Ballet and Elite Dance Training in Andheri West](https://mytribe.in/theworlddanceschoolindia/ballet-training/featured) by Ratika Ram Kumar · Ballet Training · Classes at studio in Andheri West, Mumbai ## Book To book NBSI Ballet School, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Dhvani%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20the%20ballet%20classes%20at%20NBSI.%20Could%20you%20share%20more%20details%20about%20the%20schedule%20and%20enrollment%3F)