One of a kind - Maitreyi Jaywant
Finding My Voice Through Dance: A Journey with Bollywood United
Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It began in my living room at the age of two, copying the choreography from Bollywood songs that played on TV. I did not know it then, but those small moments would become the foundation of a lifelong passion. What started as imitation slowly shifted into expression, and over time, dance became the most natural extension of who I am.
Joining Bollywood United (BU) was a turning point. I admired the team from afar for years, their energy, their precision, and their ability to connect with audiences. When I discovered how professional yet family-oriented the group truly was, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to grow. Walking in on my first day, I was nervous, but the atmosphere immediately put me at ease. The team carried a quiet confidence, united by a shared purpose. That sense of belonging made it clear that I had found something special.
Growing Through Training, Discipline, and Challenges
Being part of BU has shaped me in ways I never expected. My performance quality has evolved the most. I learned to dance with intention, to hit accents with clarity, and to tell a story even in high-energy choreography. Beyond the technical skills, BU has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to hold myself to a higher standard. It grounded me, made me more self-aware, and strengthened my confidence.
Of course, the journey has not been without its challenges. Injuries, exhaustion, and time pressure come with the territory. I have learned to listen to my body, communicate with the team, and push smartly rather than blindly. BU’s support system makes even the toughest moments manageable. In contrast to the hard work, some of my favourite memories come from spontaneous laughter mid-rehearsal or the collective cheer when a complex routine finally clicks.
What keeps me going through long practices is the payoff, that moment under the lights when everything aligns. The music, the energy, the crowd. It always reminds me why I do this.
Stepping Onto Major Stages: Honey Singh, Karan Aujla, and Diljit Dosanjh
Performing for major artists has been transformational.
Yo Yo Honey Singh
When I found out I would be dancing for Honey Singh, I was shocked. He is an artist many of us grew up listening to, so the opportunity felt surreal. The backstage atmosphere was electric and focused. The moment he applauded us during tech rehearsals is something I will never forget, a quiet but powerful affirmation.
Karan Aujla
The Karan Aujla show had its own unique energy. His music demands swagger, power, and control, and our choreography had to match that attitude. Rehearsing with Parth Dani elevated the entire experience creatively. The crowd was explosive, especially performing in front of our community. Their energy pushed us to deliver at our best.
Diljit Dosanjh
Dancing for Diljit was on an entirely different scale. The concert felt like performing in a stadium full of love and excitement. His aura is unmatched. Just before our final item, I had a moment where everything hit me, the pressure, the hard work, the journey. It made me emotional and incredibly proud. From that show, I learned the importance of projecting stage presence so the last row feels your energy, not just the front.
These shows taught me how to handle pressure, adapt quickly, and perform with purpose. Of all three, the Diljit performance was my biggest “I made it” moment. But if I could relive one, it would be the Karan Aujla show, the perfect combination of choreography, vibe, and execution.
Reflections, Gratitude, and What Comes Next
Bollywood United has become more than a team. It is a second home, a place of growth, challenge, and inspiration. The people around me lift me, ground me, and motivate me to keep evolving.
To anyone joining BU, give your full effort, stay open to learning, and trust the process. You are stepping into a family that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
As for what comes next, I want to explore more choreography, perform internationally, and eventually teach or run my own classes. My goal is to continue evolving creatively and open new opportunities for myself and others.
The journey continues
This journey has taught me that passion becomes powerful when paired with consistency, humility, and purpose. Every rehearsal, performance, challenge, and breakthrough has shaped me into the dancer I am today. With every new stage, I am reminded of why I fell in love with dance in the first place, the joy, the connection, and the feeling of becoming fully alive through movement.
My story is still unfolding, and I cannot wait to see where the next steps lead.