The grace with which Niharika weaves stories through her fluid movements is a treat to the eyes. Niharika Leonie Joy is the proud owner of Happy Feet, a dance studio located in Tuticorin. For her, dance is not a mere hobby. It is a safety net and has become part of her identity. Though she had been trained in classical dance, her versatility prevents one from labelling her under any particular style. She is also the co-founder of Rays Education, a student development programme focussed on giving better opportunities to children from rural areas.
Starting a dance studio had been Niharika’s long-term dream. She fondly recalls the moment when she decided that her future will involve teaching dance. After a dance performance with the crew of Stella Maris College, her alma mater, she witnessed her dance master being praised by the audience. But when his students expressed their gratitude towards him, his face reflected a series of beautiful emotions that remain etched in her memory. She decided at this moment that she needed to experience what her master did.
Niharika’s vision for her studio is to bring a true change in this world through dance by breaking conventions and prejudices that typecast human beings. She recollects her beloved student Akash, an autistic boy who surprised everyone with his talent for dancing which made people see beyond his autistic identity. She aims to set up a dance university in India that would contribute to a better future for the country. Happy Feet focuses on not just dance – it teaches its students how to move, express and trust their bodies. It helps students love themselves using dance as a medium. Niharika’s advice to all the people who want to follow her path is to never give up. Following a dream is an individual journey that one must undergo on their own. She says, “the most strength that I get is from myself”. Let her be an example to all the aspiring business owners and young minds who dream big. Niharika currently teaches dance by conducting classes online and offline. She also choreographs for events and dance covers in addition to working as a dance consultant for those who want to learn new styles.
You can contact her via https://ohreally.in/listing/happy-feet/. Check into our page for more such talents.
