Our Purpose & Philosophy
The Shakti Movement was founded to help women reconnect with their bodies and their inner Shakti — the source of intuition, health, and wisdom. After experiencing burnout in investment banking and traveling through South Asia in search of balance, founder Shivani discovered dance as a powerful tool for healing. While meditating on her purpose, dance — both as a practice and a teaching medium — continually appeared in her visions.
Shivani returned to her childhood Kuchipudi training and began teaching Indian dance worldwide, finding joy and fulfillment in the process. Her time spent in Ashrams, Buddhist monasteries, and arts villages deepened her understanding of ancient Indian practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation. She believes these techniques, combined with dance, offer powerful tools for modern women to reconnect with themselves and their purpose.
A Vision for Dance Education for All
In high school, Shivani founded the non-profit Teach for Talent, which taught dance, art, and music to over 500 underprivileged students. This experience ignited her passion for making dance accessible to those who cannot afford it. Her vision is to introduce traditional dance to the next generation of Indian Americans, helping them connect with their cultural heritage. She also aims to host free workshops in rural India, offering village children the opportunity to experience the transformative power of dance.
Creative Vision & Collaborative Works
What sets Shivani apart as a dancer and performer is her creative style and innovative choreography. She thrives on blending timeless classical pieces with contemporary interpretations that resonate with modern audiences. Passionate about collaboration, Shivani enjoys working with artists worldwide, merging different styles to create choreographies that are greater than the sum of their parts. She is also building a dance company that will tour across the U.S., sharing the beauty, joy, and grace of Indian classical dance.
Open Academic Pursuit & Artistic Depth
paces
Shivani is deeply committed to her Masters in Kuchipudi & Indian Artistic Philosophy, where she explores the rich history, anthropology, and societal influences that have shaped Indian dance. Inspired by contemporary scholars like Yashoda Thakore, Amrit Sreenivasan, Pallabi Chakraborthy, and Rumya Putcha, she integrates academic insights into her teaching and choreography. Shivani believes in understanding dance beyond physical movement, aiming to complete her PhD to further explore the transformative power of classical art.