Chaitali Baviskar

Teaches at Doonya

Chaitali’s dance style is graceful, classical, thoughtful and a bit spunky. She is influenced by classical, Bhangra and Bollywood dance movements. When teaching, she strives to understand the music from the inside out. By immersing herself into the song, beats and rhythm, she is able to feel the entirety of the piece. Her students are guaranteed to appreciate the dance to its fullest, while at the same time enjoying Chaitali’s unique/silly step mnemonics. You may laugh, but she promises you will remember them! Chaitali was born in Dallas, TX and is Maharashtrian by heritage. She studied at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL and received a B.A. in Sociology in 2007. She completed her Masters in Health Services Administration at The George Washington University, School of Public Health & Health Services. Chaitali currently works as a Dignitary Navigation Specialist at The George Washington University Hospital, where she works on strategic operations and streamlines providing efficient care to our national and international leaders. Since the age of two, Chaitali has been dancing at various cultural shows throughout the Indian and local communities. She received formal classical training for nine years in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam from her Guru Harija Sivakumar in south Florida, and graduated from the Vanee School of Dance, when she performed her Arangetram in 2003. As an undergraduate, she competed in nationwide and international Bhangra competitions as part of University of Florida Bhangra Team and PHULorida Bhangra (an inter-collegiate, state-wide team). She has training in Salsa (NY and LA Style), Merengue, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Samba and Maracatu. Chaitali recent performances include the Zee Bhangra International Competition (New York), Bayou Bhangra Competition (Houston), South Beach Bhangra 1 & 3 Competitions (Miami), India Fest (Tampa), and Dhoonya Dance Productions: BollyB!end 2, Jashan, Jhosh, National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC's first Bollywood Flash Mob & NYC’s first Bollywood Flash Mob!