PHOENIX — KDC Performing Arts is a growing Indian cinema dance group.
Founder Kaveri Madhu started the group after she moved to Arizona in 2020 and missed the camaraderie.
“As a dancer, I was missing that community. So, I just wanted to create a small group of dancers," she said.
That small group of just a few dancers turned into a large family, with more than 150 people. Some dancers like Arya Ashok have been with the group for years.
"I joined KDC dance school when we were just, literally dancing in a living room," Ashok said.
The group recently performed at the Mesa Arts Center, reaching people of all ages. They have dancers from elementary school and up. And Madhu knows there are even more people they could reach.
"Today Arizona has grown a lot. We have so many dance groups out there who are doing great shows," Madhu said.
According to the 2020 Census, roughly 4.9 percent of Arizona's population identifies as Asian or Asian combination, which translates to more than 350,000 Arizonans.
We see the impact of the community in schools too. In fall 2024, Arizona State University will start offering more courses focused on South Asia including Religions of India, Bollywood Nation, and Dances of India, of which, there are many. Madhu said, there are around 100 different styles of Indian dances.
The dances are as diverse as the country. India is made up of 28 states, 8 union territories and more than 120 languages spoken.
"When you say dance, Indian cinematic dance, all these different states come together," Madhu proclaimed.
Hindi cinema is known around the world as Bollywood, but the broader Indian film industry is making waves too. In 2023, the Telugu language song "Naatu Naatu" from the hit movie RRR won an Oscar for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. It was the first Indian song to win that honor in history.
As for the most popular actor from India, the dancers agree on that answer: Shah Rukh Khan who is known around the world as a major box office draw.
The group has helped dancers like Shruti Sharma, keep India close to their hearts. "It's filled the void and even more. It gave us a great platform that we wanted to...You know, showcase our moves."
KDC Performing Arts has three different locations and Madhu said they plan to open more, expanding soon to the West Valley.
Find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/p/KDC-School-of-Bollywood-100052209711689/
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.