Check Out Shayna Malhotra’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayna Malhotra.

Hi Shayna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Delhi, India. Started training formally at the age of 18 and since then, I’m driven by passion which led closer to my dream to be able to train and work in the United States for almost three years now. Was an underconfident, self-conscious girl throughout my teenage. Always an introvert got introduced to an academy and that gave dance an altogether another meaning. First time ever in 2010 introduced to Western style of dance ”jazz”. Used to manage a dance studio until I moved to New York in March 2021. I’m a teacher, a performer, a choreographer, an artist that isn’t scared to unlearn to be the better version of myself. I believe in movement is expression and the key to Life is by doing what you love and loving what you do, let’s be imperfectly perfect.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Within a short period of time at my first academy, I was so ready to dive deep to make it a profession when my teacher discouraged me, body shaming me and quote, “You aren’t presentable” was heartbroken but my love for Dance didn’t let me give up. Kept pushing through and making it make sense. I worked 10 hours training and teaching and then hit the gym from 8-10pm to lose weight.

It’s a constant battle as I struggle through a condition commonly known as PCOS as in where if I don’t work out, I can easily become a couch potato.

Being from India, our culture doesn’t really support dance as a profession or not really understand it. It is still a rocky road when it comes to explaining to people that art isn’t measurable in the cheque amount.

Managing a studio specially during COVID was hard as everything was shut. I had to teach classes online almost every day. When I decided to move here on the F1 visa, I still took some classes. Used to teach at 7am on Sundays because in Delhi the time was 6pm only because I love teaching, and it was worth the early wake-up call.

Being a dancer means facing challenges on a daily basis, as its competitive nature keeps you on your toes. It’s not all been pretty, but definitely rewarding.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist that loves to create be it choreographing a song or directing a music video shoot or Mcee a wedding, I have experience in it all. I specialize in dance styles such as Jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. I’m known to be a groover, also given the title of a chameleon (referring to my versatility and ability to make any choreography my own), which is also something I’m proud of.

I’m proud of the fact that I took a risk leaving my home for this uncertain path of making it to the US to fulfill my dreams. I am obsessed with the work of Kyle Hanagami and Phillip Chbeeb, I can not wait to be in the same room as them kind of has been my motivation to visit LA.

What sets me apart is the hunger for knowledge, the constant urge to grow I would always give myself every opportunity to feel miserable so I can come out of it feeling stronger. I want to make a difference through my teaching.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Self-motivation and self-help books are my go-to’s Dale Carnegie’s
How to win friends and influence people
John C Maxwell’s
Winning with people
How to develop the leader with you being a few.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayna_malhotra09?igsh=bW84c2NmNnoyNXB0
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/ze_La8K3t40?si=X6Gi2CoUBFX1hUYy

Image Credits
Headshotswithdash Sagar Hasija Ak47division