About Us
About Nachle
Nachle Dance School was founded in 2012 with a vision to bring the dynamic world of Bollywood dance to the Illawarra and Greater Sydney Community. Nachle’s unwavering commitment to this mission has resulted in remarkable success over the past years.
The Nachle team is dedicated to fostering a genuine passion for dance, encouraging self-discovery, expression, and learning through movement. Along this journey, we impart not only the joy of dancing but also essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and heightened creativity to our students.
The last decade serves as a testament to our dedication, marked by significant milestones and concerts showcasing the profound impact we've made on the dance community. As we reflect on this period, we express gratitude for the steadfast support of our students, parents, and the community at large.
Looking forward, we remain committed to providing an enriching and culturally diverse dance experience for many more years to come.
Meet the Nachle Team
SHERIN ALEX
(Co-Founder)
Sherin, founder of Nachle Dance School since 2012, built a robust foundation rooted in her Kathak training under Ms. Vijayalakshmi (Kathak Kendra, Bangalore). Actively involved in traditional and Bollywood performances since age 7, her illustrious career includes winning multiple inter-school and inter-college competitions, showcasing skill and dedication. Meeting Vidiya at the University of Wollongong, they co-created Nachle in 2012, laying the groundwork for a flourishing dance school. Over a decade, Sherin and Vidiya's impact on society is evident in the cultural hub they built with Nachle.
Currently, Sherin mentors Nachle instructors, utilizing her leadership skills after a decade of training students. Proud of Nachle's evolution, she believes the new generation is poised to elevate the school. Sherin aims to explore developmental opportunities for instructors, expanding dance horizons at Nachle.
Sherin's commitment to dance education reflects in her legacy, witnessed through her transformed students turned Nachle instructors. Her enduring passion and vision shape Nachle's future, ensuring its legacy persists and thrives.
Choreography styles: Semi-classical, Kathak, Indo-western and Bollywood
VIDIYA RAMACHANDRAN
(Co-Founder)
Vidiya embarked on her dance journey at 5 under Guru Mrs. Shivananthy Haridharshan in Sri Lanka, learning Bharathanatyam, a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, India. Her early education not only honed skills but also brought joy through stage performances. University life at Wollongong further enriched her passion for dance. Connecting with Sherin Alex, her like-minded colleague, sparked a remarkable venture—Nachle Dance School. Beyond a university project, it became a testament to their shared commitment to dance as art and community-building.
As a Nachle instructor, Vidiya finds fulfillment in nurturing artistic aspirations, instilling creativity, and fostering teamwork. Nachle, a canvas of cultural expression, creativity, and teamwork, reflects her dedication to unlocking each student's potential, emphasizing uniqueness.
Beyond classes, Vidiya spreads not just the joy of dance but its values—teamwork, creativity, and cultural celebration. Mentoring students brings her satisfaction, urging them to apply dance-acquired skills to excel in life and become community leaders. Her dedication and empathy mirror in community recognition.
Choreography styles: Bharathnatyam, Semi Classical, Indian Cinematic and Indian Folk Fusion
AVIS KURIAKOSE
Manager
As the concert Manager of Nachle Dance School, Avis brings an abundance of passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our vibrant Nachle community. Despite not having formal dance training, her unmatched passion for the art form is evident, firmly believing in dance's ability to inspire, uplift, and connect people.
Avis excels in promoting our events and concerts, showcasing her greatest skill. From crafting engaging social media posts to designing captivating flyers, she ensures that everyone hears about our spectacular shows. She takes immense pride in highlighting Nachle's remarkable talent, emphasizing the team's synergy, individual talent, and the mutual respect they share.
On a voluntary and ad-hoc basis, In her role as the stage manager for our annual concerts, Avis ensures seamless operations behind the scenes, involving meticulous planning, coordination, and execution to enchant our audience. Her motto embodies the collaborative spirit of Nachle, emphasizing that together, they create magic and spread the joy of dance to all who enter the enchanted world of Nachle.
Campbelltown & Wollongong
Teachers & Choreographers
AKSHATA BHIDE
Senior Instructor
Apart from being a full time HR professional, Akshata’s passion lies in performing and choreographing Indian folk dances and she thoroughly enjoys dance drama with a Bollywood flair. She completed her Arangetram, acquiring Distinction in Masters in Bharatanatyam at the age of 14.Her first ever dance performance on stage was at age 6! and loved performing and since then haven't looked back. At school she was amongst the merit dancers who performed at every possible function. In college she choreographed dances that won medals every time.
She was introduced to Nachle by a friend in 2014 and has always been a part of Nachle Dance School in every capacity she could!
Teaching dance is her passion and Nachle has given her this opportunity to live it! She believes that Nachle genuinely cares about the students, making sure that not only their dancing skills are enhanced, the focus is also on enhancing other skills like teamwork, sharpening of memories, being aware of their bodies, developing personalities, bringing confidence, combat stage fear and many more. She takes pride in being part of the Nachle family who really cares and puts in immense effort in their students and teachers alike.
Choreography styles: Bharathnatyam, Semi Classical, Contemporary and Bollywood
ANISH ABRAHAM
Senior Instructor
Anish, known as the chocolate boy of Nachle, has harboured a deep love for dancing since a very young age, but the opportunity to express himself through dance only unfolded during his college days. His affinity lies with Bollywood style, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. Anish's passion for dance transcended his college days, finding expression through choreographies for small events in India. Upon migrating to Australia in 2016, the most significant turning point for him was discovering Nachle Dance School, where he could rekindle his love for dance after a substantial hiatus.
Nachle, for Anish, is not just a dance school but a family, where the unparalleled passion and enthusiasm shared among members for each other, and the art form is truly exceptional. Anish dedicates his time voluntarily and on an ad-hoc basis. Nachle, according to Anish, fosters a dance environment filled with love, care, and nurturing for every participant, whether they are students, teachers, or external participants. He takes immense pride in training the boys and senior students, bringing forth his versatile expertise in Bollywood dance forms.
Choreography styles: Bollywood, Dappankuthu and Hip-Hop
ISABEL SIMON
Instructor
Isabel Simon, a University student, experienced the joy of her first dance performance at the age of 4, an enchanting moment that promptly unveiled her deep passion for dance. Becoming part of Nachle Dance School at the age of 10 in 2017, she emerged as one of the most dedicated students under Sherin’s guidance. Nachle has provided her with extensive training in a myriad of styles, including Hip-Hop, Dappankuthu, Bhangra, Contemporary, Bollywood, Semi-classical, Folk, Kathak, and more.
Embarking on her teaching journey in early 2022, Isabel discovers immense fulfillment in imparting her passion and love for dance to children, guiding them to unlock their full potential.
Choreography styles: Bollywood
JULIE THOMAS
Senior Instructor
Julie’s dance journey commenced at a young age, unveiling an early inclination for movement and rhythm. Her passion for dance is coupled with a deep appreciation for life’s small pleasures, creating a harmonious balance. Julie's proficiency lies not only in her technical skills but also in her ability to convey expressions and character-themed dancing, making it her specialty.
Julie is equally passionate about dance and HR. Over the years, she has trained in various Indian dance styles. A move to Sydney in 2017 and crossing paths with Nachle, who shares the same enthusiasm for dance, allowed her to reconnect with her passion after a long hiatus.
For Julie, teaching dance transcends a mere profession—it grants her the freedom to express herself, serving as her inner voice and personal zone.! Julie supports the Nachle Campbelltown instructor team as a volunteer and on an ad-hoc basis. Not only does she contribute to others' development, but she also finds true friends along the way – making the journey truly rewarding. To her, Nachle is not just a dance school but a family.
Choreography styles: Bollywood, Contemporary and Dappankuthu
KALYANI THEKEDAR
Instructor
An electrical engineer by profession, Kalyani has enjoyed dancing since her childhood. Despite lacking professional training, her innate talent for dance shines through. She cherishes her affiliation with Nachle which began in 2014 as a student. Nachle is like family to her and she has built a great rapport with fellow dancers and is loved by all for her beautiful nature. Her progression to a teaching role has allowed her to share her love for dance and she thoroughly enjoys assisting in classes and soaks in the energy and excitement the young students bring to the classes.
Choreography styles: Bollywood
MANISHA MOHANDAS VIPIN
Senior Instructor
Why walk when you can Dance!! Manisha’s mantra for life 😃
Manisha Mohandas, aka MM! considers dancing pretty much her heart and soul! Manisha had the wonderful opportunity to join Nachle as a volunteer through Sherin, with whom she shares the same passion for dance! She loves teaching the most amazing kids at Nachle on an ad-hoc basis, who are so full of life and passionate about dance! Nachle has the best environment and vibe for the teachers and students alike to express their creativity!
"A trained classical dancer since the age of 5, Manisha has been exploring different styles of dance ever since. She has found her unique style in hip-hop and belly dancing, but Indian classical still remains her first love! Manisha has her YouTube channel where she expresses her creativity in dance"
Choreography styles: Hip-hop, Belly dance and Classical dance styles
MELNA SAJI
Instructor
A high school student, Melna was introduced to Nachle by her friends and have always enjoyed seeing their performances as an audience. Her passion for dance started at the age of 5 where she started training in Bharatanatyam and joined NAchle in 2019.
Melna thoroughly enjoys being a part of Team Nachle and she believes that the friendships between the students make classes super enjoyable. The bond between the students and their active participation in classes has cultivated a positive environment. From the extra rehearsals to trying on costumes to the anticipation before performing is always something I’ve cherished. As well as being a student at Nachle, she enjoys teaching younger students and watching their passion for dance grow.
Choreography styles: Bharatanatyam and Bollywood
MITHUN MATHEWS
Senior Instructor
Mithun Mathews, an IT professional with an undying passion for dance, embarked on his dance journey at the tender age of 8, and his fervor for dance has endured ever since. Since 2019, he has been an integral part of Nachle, contributing through choreography and teaching. However, it wasn't until 2022 that he transitioned into teaching professionally. Mithun's commitment to dance and his dedication to instilling personal development in children through dance inspired him to join Nachle as a teacher.
As the lead trainer for boys in the Campbelltown region, Mithun's teaching has not only encouraged boys' interest in dance but has also led to the formation of multiple levels of boy student groups. His influence extends beyond instruction, creating a vibrant community where boys find their passion for dance nurtured and celebrated.
Choreography styles: Bollywood, Dappankuthu and Contemporary
NEHA JOSEPH
Senior Instructor
A full-time Business/IT student with an enduring love for dance since a young age, Neha Joseph commenced her dance journey at a tender age. She has been a dedicated student at Nachle for over 9 years, fostering her dance skills within the close-knit Nachle family. Initiating her involvement in choreography and teaching intermittently since 2018, she officially assumed leadership of classes in 2022.
Neha stands out for her remarkable versatility, eagerly embracing any dance style thrown her way, be it Folk, Kathak, Hip-Hop, or Contemporary. Through her association with Nachle, Neha has enhanced her abilities in a variety of styles adding depth to her dance repertoire.
Having cherished her progression from a devoted student to a proficient teacher, Neha is wholeheartedly passionate about aiding and guiding others on their dance journey.
Choreography styles: Bollywood and Dappankuthu
PRIYANKA LAKSHMAIAH
Senior Instructor
Priyanka's dance journey has been a guiding light throughout her role as a Strategic Lead for Infrastructure Projects. She trained in Bharatanatyam at the age of 4, discovering grace and discipline, and explored belly dancing and JFH (Jaz – Funk – Hiphop) for the joy of spontaneity and rhythm. Priyanka, defines dance as the language of movement, which communicates emotions and stories without words.
The most rewarding part has been the community at Nachle with whom she is involved as a volunteer on an ad-hoc basis. Having known Sherin and Vidiya since 2012, Priyanka sees Nachle not just as a dance school but as her Sydney family. It's a platform for personal growth, learning, discovering, and respecting uniqueness. As a dance mentor, Priyanka guides students and fellow instructors through techniques, witnessing progress and confidence blossom. Beyond choreography, she fosters an environment where creativity flourishes. Witnessing joy on a dancer’s face fuels her commitment to empower and uplift through dance.
Choreography styles: Bollyfunk and Indo-western styles
SARANGI ANAND
(Choreographer)
Sarangi started her dance journey at the age of 6 and right from a young age, she always cherished the ability to move her body and express her feelings through dance. She had been a part of her school dance team in Doha, Qatar, since grade 1, and around grade 10, had her own dance troupe for the school annual programs. Even though she has completed her arangetram in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, she also loved dancing to cinematic and hip-hop styles. Her signature approach to choreography is to combine semi-classical and cinematic forms.
Holding a BA in Journalism with honors from Kingston University, London, Sarangi has recently reaffirmed her commitment to dance as her paramount passion, finding unparalleled joy and fulfillment in the artform.
Sarangi's journey led her to join the esteemed Nachle Dance School, renowned in the Wollongong/Illawarra area for its exceptional offerings in Indian dance forms. Her relocation from London to Wollongong has been enriched by her involvement with Nachle, where she contributes her choreographic expertise to enhance the school's routines.Her presence at Nachle Dance School not only exemplifies her dedication to her craft but also signifies her eagerness to infuse traditional and contemporary dance forms with her innovative choreographic visions.
Choreography styles: Bharatanatyam, Semi Classical and Bollywood
SHAGUN RATAWAL
Instructor
A University student, Shagun Ratawal discovered Nachle at the age of 7, marking the beginning of her dance journey. She holds the distinction of being the first student of the Nachle Campbelltown branch in 2013, a testament to her early commitment to dance. Additional training at Down to Bhangra in Sydney uplifted her inherent skill to Punjabi dance forms. She has been immersed in the world of dance ever since. Her main dance styles included Bhangra and Bollywood, with ongoing exploration in hip-hop, contemporary, and more under the guidance of Nachle.
Shagun finds joy in teaching dance as it allows her to share not only her passion for dance but also her love for her culture. Her dedication to showcasing the richness of her heritage through dance is truly inspiring.
Choreography styles: Bhangra and Bollywood
ANNA JOSEPH
Trainee Instructor
Anna Joseph is a high school student, who first discovered her deep love and passion for dance when she started dance classes at Nachle Dance School at the age of 5. She is a dedicated student and assistant teacher, who has been dancing for 10 years.
Over the years, Anna has formed numerous lifelong friendships within the Nachle family, cherishing the strong bonds and shared experiences that have fueled her growth both as a dancer and as a person. In 2023, she started assisting in classes and sharing her enthusiasm with younger students. She officially became an assistant teacher in 2024.
Anna’s journey at Nachle is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and love for dance. As she refines her skills and guides others, she remains deeply devoted to inspiring and uplifting fellow dancers on their own unique paths.
Choreography styles: Bollywood and Folk
ASHER ALEX
Trainee Instructor
Asher Alex, a high school student is a dedicated and passionate dancer who embarked on his dance journey at Nachle Dance School at the age of 2. Over the years, his dancing with his mother and love for dance has flourished, making him a valued member of the Nachle family.
Asher has built lifelong friendships within the school and shared experiences that have shaped him as both a dancer and an individual. In 2023, he began assisting in classes, offering guidance and encouragement to younger students. His dedication and leadership led him to officially become an assistant teacher in 2024.
Asher’s journey at Nachle reflects his perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication to both his own growth and the development of others. As he continues refining his skills and mentoring fellow dancers, he remains committed to inspiring those around him with his energy and enthusiasm.
Choreography styles: Bollywood and Dapankuthu
DIYA PRADEEP
Trainee Instructor
Diya Pradeep, a high school student who found her love for dance at a very young age and began her dance journey at the age of 6 when she joined Nachle and has never looked back.
Diya always enjoys dance as it allows her to share her culture through dancing and also learn new dance forms with the encouragement of the amazing teachers at Nachle. She adores each part like the rehearsals, the extra practises and works tirelessly to conquer the right technique and moves. Her passion for dance has grown so much over the years with Nachle.
During her journey in dance she had the opportunity to share her passion with her students and build a strong connection.
Choreography styles: Bollywood
MERIL GEORGE
Instructor
Meril George, a full time speech pathology student, has experienced the transformative power of dance since the young age of 6. Joining the welcoming Nachle family back in 2015, she has now become a confident, versatile and expressive dancer, who wishes to dedicate herself to the art for many more years. Dancing at Nachle under the guidance of Sherin has fostered her passion, refined her technique, and helped her to understand the naunces of movement. Nachle has provided her with the opportunity to delve into several styles of dance such as Bollywood, Hip Hop, Dappankuthu, Contemporary, Semi-classic, Bhangra, Kathak, Folk, and more.
Emboding the love for dance herself, Meril is deeply committed in sharing her growth and passion with her students as she begins her teaching journey in 2025.
Choreography styles: Dappankuthu and Bollywood
TESSA SIMON
Trainee Instructor
A highschool student with an immense passion for dance since the young age of 6 Tessa simon, who discovered her love for dance through Nachle dance school. Her first performance at nachle made her discover her talent for dance. Becoming a part of the community gave her a loving and strong family filled with nothing but support and care. Under the guidance of Sherin Alex and other experienced teachers Tessa grew to be versatile in many different styles including bollywood,dappankuttu and is receiving training in many other dance forms. Nachle helped her get in touch with her culture and to learn more about the art and emotions behind dance. Every rehearsal allows her to learn something new.