SHEREEN
I began dancing at a very young age, I would tie bed sheets around me and dance in the hallways of anyone's house as they video taped me. Dancing has always been my passion and I've dedicated my life to it.
Divinity started off as a solo act in 2010; it then grew from one to two, to three to four dancers. I've had the honor of dancing along side some talented women and I'm beyond grateful for those I've been able to experience this journey with. Twelve years later Divinity Dance School is seven instructors, four locations and just under one-hundred students.
My ultimate goal at Divinity Dance School is to continue teaching and promoting our culture and its music. However, my goals for Divinity Dance School is endless. I don't want to stop but when I do, I want there to be a piece of Divinity in everyone.
My biggest achievement would be watching all my students aka "dance daughters" grow and blossom into confident young ladies. We don't only teach dance. We've built a family, a home away from home. A place these girls can go and still be themselves, with no judgment.
When I started Divinity Dance School, I never imagined it would be what it's become today. I'd like to thank every dancer, every parent, sibling and family member for the continued support and encouragement to keep going. And to the biggest supporter, my husband! For always pushing me to reach higher, for making me go out of my comfort zone and for picking up the slack at home when I throw every ounce of me into classes & practices.
I am not Divinity Dance School, you all are!
Thank you everyone for helping my dream become a reality ❤
REISHA
Growing up I dipped my toes in many extra curriculars such as swimming and steelpan but a part of me has always been drawn to dance.
In 2010, I performed a short self made dance routine for a sweet sixteen birthday party. After my performance in front of family and friends I felt a happiness inside of me from which I knew I had to pursue.
Shortly after, I came across Shereen's business card for Divinity Dance School. I was nervous at first but then at the age of nineteen years old I finally took the leap towards my passion of dance and gave her a call. One of my most memorable phone calls yet! With no dance experience, I began with private lessons, which later led to Divinity's performance group. In 2013, I progressed and became a Divinity Instructor. Shereen has guided and molded me into the dancer I am today. I consider her one of my biggest role models and my big sister. I am so grateful for the time we've shared, the memories we have made together and the relationship we have formed.
Fast forward to now, I've been a member of Divinity Dance School for 12 years and a Divinity Instructor for 9 years!
Over the years I've been fortunate to teach girls ages 4 and up in genres of Bollywood, Chutney and Soca. I've collaborated with Bairavi and been a part of a few Bharatnatyam projects/performances as well. I've also had the pleasure in choreographing and working with pairs from mother-son dances to first newly wed dances.
My goal for Divinity Dance School is to pursue teaching dance and aiding in building our students' confidence and self esteem. I want to continue empowering young women of the West Indian community by helping them acknowledge self-love and love for others through the artform of dance.
My biggest accomplishment would be witnessing each student finding their own love and passion for dance while expressing themselves and showcasing their talent. It brings me so much joy being able to see these young artists gain their individuality and flourish into remarkable human beings!
Over a decade has gone by and I've been so blessed to have met and worked along side so many talented individuals. It's an absolute honor to be apart of this Dance Family. I love every one of my dance students and dance sisters! Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us thus far. I can't wait to see what the future holds. We keep getting bigger and better!
Who would have thought that one phone call would embark to such a great journey?
SHANEL
Heyyy, My name is Shanel and I’ve had the pleasure of being apart of Divinity Dance School since it was established in 2010. In about 2018, I was promoted to an instructor and it’s been an amazing experience. I would say I specialize in classical Bollywood, Fusion Bollywood, Chutney, Soca & Dancehall.
As some may know, the owner of Divinity Dance School, Shereen is not just my sister but my role model and the reason I am the person and dancer I am today. She never fails to support, encourage, love, appreciate and challenge me. I’ve been dancing ever since I could walk … maybe a since I could crawl and it’s all because of her. I was never actually taught to dance, I would just watch Shereen when she would practice her dances and copy her. Eventually, I was able to remember what move went with what part of the song on my own … and that’s pretty much where it all started. As Shereen continued to dance, I continued to learn off of her, which is how I got where I am now! I picked up her style and her execution of choreography and I am now able to teach that to my Little Divinity Dancerz.
My ultimate goal at Divinity Dance School is to continue Divinity after my sister retires. I hope to maintain the reputation my sister has created for Divinity by promoting an environment that is welcoming and loving where our girls can come and be themselves. One thing about Divinity Dance School is that we are a family, a home away from home, and i aspire to maintain this aspect of our school in the future.
My biggest achievement at Divinity Dance School would have to be teaching my own class. I must say that I look forward to every Monday just to see these little ladies and hear all the stories they have to share with me about what’s exciting in their lives. I absolutely adore the enthusiasm and energy I feel from my Little Divinity Dancerz as soon as they walk through the door. Their eagerness and excitement to come to dance class to see “Miss Shanel” and to be with their friends is truly heartwarming and rewarding as an instructor. I am more than grateful and happy to be an instructor to these little ladies and I cannot wait to continue teaching them and seeing them grow and blossom into beautiful young ladies. Love you girlies!
Divinity Dance School has made a massive impact on my life, as a dancer and an individual. Divinity has allowed me to continue my love and passion for dance and now has allowed me to share that love and passion with my students. I have cherished every moment I have made and shared within the past 11 years. Without a doubt, Divinity Dance School IS my second family. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!
BAIRAVI
I have been teaching at Divinity Dance School for almost 4 years now. I am the Bharatanatyam fusion instructor and previous to that I was in competitive Bharatanatyam, Ghaana and hip hop /Bollywood training throughout high school and university.
My ultimate goal at divinity Dance School is for students to achieve a wide range of skills in regards to foot and hand /eye coordination, control and precision.
My biggest achievement would be the "do you" and "Ghanan" dance projects. These performances consist of fusion Bharatanatyam and hip hop. The choreography, style and vision really came to life with these performances.