Atlanta Dunia

SHIVANI GANDHI
Boogie Woogie Girl, Shivani ; did it again !

Boogie Woogie Chalo America , a popular Sony Dance Talent program from India, started looking for the American Indian Dance Talent in 2003. They conducted these competition in 10 cities last year and 11 cities this year in 2004. Atlanta was one of those cities both years. Amazingly, Shivani Gandhi, the youngest Bharat Natyam graduate in Atlanta (age 13), who won the competition as a JUNIOR in 2003; has won the SENIOR category this year in 2004, This time she won the competition against 8 other challengers.	Along with her parents-Sonal & Shailesh—and brother Shiven
	Along with Ravi Behl and Naved Jaferi
She had selected a wonderful Fisherwoman dance from the movie Sailab, performed in the movie by Madhuri Dixit. She had selected; with the help of her mother, Sonal Gandhi; a beautiful yellow and lavender; Lavani Costume, made specially in India for the dance. She enthralled the audience with the beat and to the tune of “Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai, Intejar “, looking forward to anticipation of her lover coming back. Her dance steps and movement to the tune were excellent and gave a fitting accompaniment to the wonderful expressions she displayed, just like Madhuri Dixit did in the movie. She went ahead and performed in New Jersey for the US Finals, on Nov. 21st and did a super job showing off her mastery at the dance but,alas; the judges did not appreciate this Gem enough to award the US Crown. Atlanta is very proud; along with her parents-Sonal & Shailesh—and brother Shiven who helped her with Techno- mixing of the music, for her accomplishment at National and International level ;wishes her success in her future for many more events.
For now, she continues to volunteer and teach Bharat Natyam and other dances to new students at Kruti Dance Academy under the tutelage of Ms. Dina Sheth. She dreams of being a doctor, like her father; whereas, mother Sonal wants her to keep pursuing higher goals in her Dance career. She learns more variety,i.e. Hip Hop, Fusion etc. and she has already performed many places in the past; 1996 Summer Olympic, Atlanta Festival of Trees, Fogana ,Diwali Shows at Gujarati Samaj and Shakti Mandir, USA Diwali Shows, just to name a few.

See Also : Twinkle Toes on Atlantadunia.com http://www.atlantadunia.com/dunia/Features/F6.MHT