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 ❤
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!
REISHA
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 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 15 years and a Divinity Instructor for 12 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 have 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 and pride being able to see these young artists gain their individuality, especially now that my own daughter has become a Divinity Dancer too!
Over a decade has gone by, and I've been so blessed to have met and worked alongside so many talented individuals. It's an absolute honor to be a part 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 on such a great journey?
BAIRAVI
My very first dance performance was when I was 7 years old. I did a Bharatanatyam dance performance to a song called “Yetruthu amma deepam” (Goddess laskhmi and the beauty of lights /Saraswathi). Growing up as a Tamil Hindu dancer, the main dance forms in our culture was Bharatanatyam and Dappankuthu.
I continued these dance forms throughout university and high school competitions. After graduating, I felt a sense of loss when I couldn’t find an open community to express and continue my love for dance.
That is when I found divinity dance school. I performed at my brother and Reisha’s (who is also an instructor at divinity dance school) wedding reception and got to meet Shereen and the rest was history… 8 years counting. Shereen has supported me throughout my entire journey with Divinity dance school as a Bharatanatyam fusion instructor. From Diwali fest to our annual shows and even special projects! She has brought so many of my visions to life! I am also very lucky to be dancing with my sister-in-law in so many different Bharatanatyam fusion routines.
Divinity dance school is an open and accepting community to discover your love for dance. Regardless of the dance style or form, everything and anything can grow from here and that comes from the core values and principals instilled in all of us.
My favorite memory was watching my students perform at Diwali fest. The confidence, the accuracy in footwork and timing was just impeccable and I will never forget the feeling I had watching them perform.
My vision for divinity in the future is to grow in dance styles whether that’s kathak, Kuchipudi, dappankuthu or even hip hop. I know divinity has the core set of skills and mindset to expand our dance styles and even fuse them into something great.
I am so grateful to have such a loving community and my dance sisters. All the instructors and students at Divinity gives their full dedication and love to dance. It’s truly astounding and inspirational. Watching these girls build their confidence and courage is truly an honor. I can’t wait to see what divinity dance school has in store!
TERRI LAKHAN
JASMINE BOODHOO
When I look back on my dance journey, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown and how deeply Divinity Dance School has shaped me. Hi, my name is Jasmine, and dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been dancing for 14 years, and my journey with Divinity began when I was just eight. Since then, it has become my second home, a place where I’ve developed both as a dancer and as a person.
In 2023, I was proud to be promoted to an instructor, giving me the chance to share my love for dance with younger students. Teaching has been an incredible experience, reminding me why I fell in love with dance, the joy, the energy, and the strong sense of community. Watching my students grow in skill and confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
One of the things I love most about Divinity is the bond we share as a dance family. Over the years, I’ve built lifelong friendships, and the support within this community is like no other. Dancing here has also given me the chance to celebrate my culture through Bollywood, Chutney, Soca, and other beautiful dance styles.
Shereen, my dance teacher, has been one of the most inspiring people in my life. Her passion and leadership have helped shape me, teaching me the importance of hard work, confidence, and perseverance, lessons that extend beyond the dance studio.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing as a dancer, take on more opportunities to perform and teach, and maybe even choreograph on a bigger stage. I also look forward to seeing Divinity Dance School expand, welcoming more dancers and exploring new styles.
Dance has brought me closer to my culture, my community, and most importantly, myself. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities Divinity has given me, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. To my instructors, dance sisters, friends, and family, thank you for your support. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I’m excited for what’s to come!
SAMANTH SEWNARIANE
From an early age, creativity has been a guiding force in my life, however I can wholeheartedly say my true passion lies in dance. With over a decade of experience, I began my journey with ballet, contemporary, modern dance, and hip-hop, before immersing myself in classical Bollywood, Indo-Caribbean, and fusion Bharatanatyam at Divinity Dance School.
One of my fondest memories is dressing up in my mother's saree with my cousins, dancing to Bollywood film music as we put on our performances. As I grew, my style evolved, and I became captivated by contemporary and hip-hop, dedicating my early years to a performing arts school. In 2016, at the age of 15, I experienced an unforgettable moment when I attended Chutney In De Park and witnessed DDS perform live on stage. I was inspired and awestruck by the feeling of my culture and seeing girls who looked like me sharing the same passion for dance, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world. When I learned that a new location was opening in Pickering, I eagerly attended my first class on January 24th, which also happened to be my birthday, a truly memorable day.
Fast forward to 2022, and I had the incredible opportunity to perform on stage alongside my DDS sisters at CIDP. The experience of learning Bollywood dance has not only enhanced my skills but has also boosted my confidence and connection to my culture. Being a part of the Divinity team is an immense honor, allowing me to collaborate with the inspiring women, instructors, and students who have been integral to this amazing journey.
Divinity Dance School instills vital moral principles and beliefs in its young students, fostering confidence and cultivating positive self-image. It serves as a second home for many, including myself, a family built on love and mutual respect.
Looking ahead, I envision Divinity Dance School as a dynamic institution that continually evolves its teaching and learning styles, embracing classical Bollywood, Indo-Caribbean, fusion, hip-hop, and beyond. Most importantly, I see it as a space where young women deeply connect with their culture and cultivate confidence in themselves. Here is to the bright future of DIVINITY! 📷
KARI DEORAJ
Hey, my name is Karishma but those close call me Kari. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to dance! At the tender age of 4 years old, I started beginner level training in Ballet, Tap and Jazz. For about 6 years I was constantly involved and worked my way up to the junior level until I took a step into Bollywood and Semi Classical dancing and have not stopped since! Being with Divinity has opened numerous opportunities for me to excel into Bollywood, Chutney, Soca and Dancehall style performances. Not forgetting meeting new people, my now dance sisters and current instructors. The instructors of Divinity Dance School has instilled confidence and charisma that I did not know I had. I have been pushed and challenged to be the dancer I am today! With that, it is with great honor that I have recently become an Instructor in training for our Pickering Little and Junior Divinity classes! There is no better time than now as I am ready to take on the leadership, teamwork, patience and commitment to embark on this new chapter.
My ultimate goal for Divinity Dance School is to grow exponentially than what it all ready is today! To instill and teach the same attributes of confidence and charisma I was taught to current and future students. I would also like to initiate different styles of dancing into our Bollywood Fusion such as Ballet, Hip Hop, and Salsa. I have always been taught to look at the bigger picture, not only in dance, but in my day to day as well.
My biggest achievement would be being apart of this journey all together! To embark on a journey of growth and excitement. Seeing all the students attend class, ready for action, eager to learn has fuel me to push myself in being a role model for anyone who crosses my path. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Divinity Dance School.
ANGELENA BOODOO
Hii I’m Angelena, I’ve been dancing for 16 years. Ever since I was 3 I’ve had the dream of being a Bollywood dancer and thanks to Divinity I’m able to peruse that dream. I’ve been with Divinity for 5 years now and I recently got the opportunity to be an instructor in training to the Littles, and Jr Divinity.
Everyone that knows me knows I absolutely love to dance. My first performance was at my parents wedding and I couldn’t let go of that feeling of fulfillment and sense of purpose. From there I searched for an opportunity to add fuel to my passion and that’s when I discovered Divinity Dance School. Fast forward, I’m so blessed to have now performed all over the GTA numerous times, specializing in classical bollywood, bollywood fusion, chutney, soca, dancehall and many more styles of dance.
My biggest achievement would have to be getting the honour to be apart of the team and the journey of growth. During this process, I’m very excited to share all my knowledge I’ve gained over the years, as well as to learn much more while shadowing my talented instructors. Looking ahead, it will truly be heartwarming to see the dancers perform all they’ve been learning, and to see the progress they continue to make, which drives me to accelerate this journey.
My goal for Divinity would consist of upholding its reputation, preserving its core values, and continuing the teachings of strong morals, self-confidence, and personal growth, While still implementing discipline and structure. In addition, I would like to expand on classical Bollywood and Kathak to continue representing the versatility within the West Indies through dance.
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was joining Divinity Dance School, from creating many bonds of sisterhood to learning so much about myself, dance and performing. It has lead me to be the strong individual that I am today and gave me the confidence I needed to present my passion, and for all of that I truly cherish Divinity Dance School.
ALAHNA SAHID
Younger me would have never thought that this the position I would be in today. My name is Alahna, and I’ve had the pleasure to be apart of Divinity Dance School’s journey since 2020. I was promoted to be an Instructor in 2024, which is truly an amazing experience. Dance is now apart of my lifestyle and I’m so grateful that I can say it made me into the young women I am today.
My ultimate goal at Divinity Dance School is to continue to strive for the best and be able to achieve any challenges drawn to me without a stress. Through Divinity we are a family, a sister like bond which is unbearable. Now that the younger generation looks up to us, I want to set myself up to be the best version for them, just how Shereen has done for me and all of us.
My biggest achievement at Divinity Dance School is having the opportunity to step into the studio and teach my class. Every Tuesday I look forward to going to class and seeing smiles and excitement on the girls face. It is truly the best feeling be a person and a leader they look up too. Seeing the girls grow physically and mentally is a heartwarming feeling as an instructor and I couldn’t be more proud. I am more than grateful to be in this spot and to be a helpful hand to not only Shereen, but the school.
Divinity Dance School has made a huge impact on my life as both a dancer and an individual. It has allowed me to continue my love and passion for dance and be the best version of myself. I value every moment, the ups and downs and the memories I’ve made within the past years, without a doubt Divinity is my home away from home. I’m so exited to see what the future holds because we are only getting better from here!
