“I had the incredible pleasure of working with Ajna Dance Company for the Launch of the International Fistula Day at the UN which I produced on May 23rd. They are talented, beautiful, graceful, fun and breathtaking to watch. I can’t wait to work with them again. Their performance was pure magic!” Julie-Ann Marshall of J Marshall Events.
“Minila taught the Henna Asian Women’s Group members dance and exercise for two months. The classes were perfect to get our members more active and engaged in physical exercise to music they love. Being a small charity with varied needs, we have enjoyed working with Minila for her calm professionalism, and for the fun and focus she brings to each class. I strongly recommend Ajna to anyone interested in dance and getting fit.” – Mamta
“Best instructors. My daughter loves it and has learned so much” – Priya
“My daughter LOVES her Bollywood dance classes! She started taking them when she was 5 and now at age 7 she has finished her third dance recital and I see her continued interest in the dancing. The teacher is amazing and very good with the children. Ajna Dance Company has been an important part of my daughter learning about her Indian heritage.” – Terri
“I was looking for an academy where I could learn both Bollywood and Classical Indian technique where I could grow as a dancer and as a person and feel challenged from day 1.
When I found Ajna about 2-3 years ago they only had the drop-in classes and I signed up for both. I’ve been taught by several of the instructors including the creator and owner Minila, the Assistant Director Shachi, Proma and Alisha and they each have a different technique, different approach and they all bring you out of your comfort zone at different levels.
Once they opened up the Performance Intensive semesters I was ecstatic, it took me quite a few terms to actually open up and utilize the full range of expressions and translate the music into motion but they patiently increased my knowledge and instilled in me confidence and joy to the point where I am at today where I recently performed in both Advanced Bollywood and Classical Blend on the latest recital.
Recently they opened pure Classical Technique programs in Bharathanatyam and Kathak for adults and I didn’t hesitate twice before signing up for both! Even though I’m starting from scratch as an adult I believe that with their guidance I may be able to become a skilled dancer in these techniques, maybe not a professional but certainly someone who understands the movements, the mudras and how to combine all the elements to interpret music.
There is something about the Ajna family that keeps you coming back, makes you feel part of a team and it allows you to freely enjoy the art of dancing!
If you’re looking to learn technique or just have some fun with Bollywood classes in an open-minded, welcoming environment this is the place for you.” – Sofia
“My daughter loves her dance classes!! She looks forward to these classes. Her teacher has nurtured and challenged her to do her best. As a result, she has learned a lot and has had a lot of fun!!” – Monika
“Minila helped us out during a charity event. She took on a workshop with our guests, teaching a basic dance routine in a fusion style. It was an energetic performance and a very engaging teaching style. The professionalism and quality of the service was fantastic. It was pitched at the perfect level and we very much enjoyed working with them. I would defiantly use Ajna again. If you want energy, creativity and fun, Ajna is the perfect company. I would recommend them to anyone!” – Kshitij
‘I highly recommend Minila Shah as a choreographer! She set up a great private Bollywood dance lesson for a bachelorette party I threw in May, and then went out of her way to give us a second lesson and make a video so that a few of us could bust a move at my friend’s Sangeet a month later. It was a blast, and our dance got rave reviews. I can’t wait to check out more of her classes!’ – Maria
‘I always loved Minila’s dance classes. She is a truly gifted dancer and a wonderful dance instructor. I was sad to see her go when she left the UK for NYC.’ – Shivangi
“Working with Minila was fantastic! She was brought into Dancing on Ice by Jane Torvil and Chris Dean to choreograph a Bollywood number to Jai Ho for myself and my skating partner Dan Whiston. Her choreography was great and she was willing to let us have our own input too. Her Jai Ho creation will go down in Dancing on Ice history!” – Hayley Tamaddon (ITV’s 2010 Dancing on Ice Winner)
“Minila saved my life when my sister and I were asked to do a dance at our cousin’s Sangeet/Henna party – which we were told was being styled very much on the one from the film “Monsoon Wedding!” Minila totally saved the day by choreographing a brilliant version of ‘Aaja Naachle’ for us which went down really well and best of all, we really enjoyed performing it! Since then I have taken her bollywood/bhangra course and the classes always give me such a buzz and never fail to brighten up dull evenings. We have brilliant music choices and great teaching which is broken down so well – and most of all it is great to meet lots of lovely people who also enjoy dancing! I would wholly recommend Minila to anyone who likes to dance and am looking forward to the next Indian wedding I go to so I can show off my newly acquired skills!” – Reeta