SoCal’s Ghungroo Dance School Selected To Perform At Disney’s Diwali Festival

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – A Southern California dance academy is preparing to bring the vibrant spirit of India to the global stage at Walt Disney World. The Santa Clarita-based Ghungroo Dance School has been selected to perform at the Diwali Dance Fest, a milestone that places them among just 25 teams chosen from a competitive pool of over 400 applicants.

Founded by instructor Jini Valiaveettil, the academy serves as a cultural bridge, offering weekly classes in Bollywood and semi-classical dance to students of all ages. The school has carved out a unique niche by fostering an inclusive environment where dancers from diverse ethnic backgrounds gather to explore rhythm and movement.

At the heart of this success is Bollyhop, an energetic fusion of Bollywood and hip-hop that has become a sensation across the region. Valiaveettil notes that this blend resonates deeply with a multicultural audience, allowing students to connect with Indian music through a modern, accessible lens.

The artistic direction of the school is a collaborative effort. Instructor Karthika Ashok brings the disciplined grace of classical Indian dance, while Manya Aggarwal spearheads the contemporary Bollyhop movement.

This duality of tradition and innovation has allowed the academy to captivate younger generations and maintain a steady presence at major Southern California landmarks, including the inauguration of the Radha Krishna Dham Hindu Temple in Tarzana and various Indian Independence Day celebrations.

Beyond the stage, the academy uses the arts as a tool for advocacy. Through partnerships with organizations like CRY America, the school integrates cultural programming with community outreach, supporting initiatives for underprivileged children in India.