About Us

Jaya is Director of Sapphire Dance, and founder of Australia’s largest Indian dance studio – Studio J Dance. A dancer-entrepreneur at heart, Jaya has been the driving force behind both companies success. She is a former Physiotherapist who now works as a full-time dancer and studio manager. Jaya works alongside some of the best in Melbourne’s dance community, and has performed internationally including Hong Kong, New Zealand, Guam & Pakistan.

Ida is Creative Director at Sapphire Dance. With over 20 years dance experience, Ida is a Kathak dancer who trained under guru Shri. Harish Gangani. She also attended the Terence Lewis Dance Academy in Mumbai, and later trained in multiple classical & contemporary dance forms. As a seasoned performing artist & choreographer, Ida has graced stages across India, Europe & Australia. She teaches Kathak and Kathak fusion at Studio J Dance.

Sham is Creative Director at Sapphire. Her foundations began with 15 years of ballet training & she later completed her B.Performing Arts at Monash Uni. ⁠Over the years she has picked up Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Dancehall & Vogue. A versatile artist, Sham also works as an actor, model, dance teacher and movement director. She is an active performer in Australia’s queer scene, and is passionate about creating for the LGBTQI community.⁠

Our Creative Director, Ashwini, has been dancing for over 20 years. Her expertise spans a wide range of styles, including Bharatanatyam, Garba, South Street, Kathak, Bhangra, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Ashwini is a strong advocate for dance and its power to foster community and build friendships, whilst cultivating grace and discipline. Ashwini teaches multiple dance styles at Studio J Dance.

Sonya is Creative Director at Sapphire and has been dancing for over 18 years. She is trained in multiple genres, including in Bollywood, Bhangra & Odissi. Sonya was part of Shiamak Dance for 10 years, and later co-founded her own dance company – LAKS Dance. Sonya has extensive experience in performing & choreographing, and she teaches Bollywood & Bhangra at Studio J Dance.

Sanushki is a dedicated dancer with over 23 years of training in Sri Lankan traditional dance styles. In addition to her traditional roots, Sanushki is well-versed in hip-hop, commercial, and contemporary styles, showcasing her versatility. She works as a professional dancer, teacher and movement director with the aspiration of helping dancers connect and communicate through movement.

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Sachini has been a traditional Kandyan dancer for over 20 years. In 2022, she expanded her dance journey to Studio J, where she trained further in Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Bhangra & Garba. Alongside her allied health career, Sachini continues to keep dance a priority her life. Sachini is our newest Sapphire dance member, embracing her love for Bollywood and sharing that joy with the community.

Joshinder has worked in the dance & theatre industry for over 20 years, across Australia, Germany & Pakistan. Her solo dance work, Dancing In Infinite Worlds, won BEST IN DANCE & PHYSICAL THEATRE, at Melbourne Fringe 2024. Joshinder recently completed a PhD doctorate where her research intersects her intercultural identity with storytelling & connecting cultures. She teaches Bollywood dance at Studio J.

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Shivesh is trained in Hip Hop, Bollywood and Bhangra, having learnt from renown choreographers including Terence Lewis, Buddha Stretch, Brian Puspos, Kings United. Shivesh moved from India to Melbourne in 2023 and has already built a solid reputation by performing, teaching & choreographing. Shivesh currently teaches Bolly-HipHop and Bollywood classes at studios across Melbourne.