We were lucky to catch up with Shailee & Simran Butalia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shailee & Simran, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When we started our Bhangra dance studio, Dance by Butalia, we often found ourselves being the only representatives of this Punjabi dance form in the Valley. It wasn’t just about teaching steps; it was about introducing an entire culture. It reminded us of all the times you walk into a room and realize you’re the only one representing a particular background or perspective. It was challenging, especially when we didn’t get students right off the bat. In fact, for the first few weeks to a month, we would only have 1 or 2 students; sometimes, an empty studio. But persisting, even with an empty studio, we would go in and choreograph, post to instagram, keep up the marketing, and eventually, the studio filled up. We ordered official Bhangra outfits with our logo for our students. We performed at local community events and eventually, it led to some pretty big opportunities such as when we performed Bhangra at the LA Kings Ice Hockey game during intermission, sharing our passion with an 18,000-strong crowd. The cheers and applause were not just for our performance but for the cultural richness we brought to the stage. It’s moments like these that underscore the importance of representation and the joy of sharing one’s heritage. And today, with our growing community of passionate dancers and supporters, we’re proud to say that we’re no longer the only ones in the room. Together, we’re growing that room to be much more vibrant and inclusive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Dance by Butalia, Shailee and I, Simran, have combined our love for dance to create a special experience for our students. While Shailee grew up dancing to Bhangra at family parties, I discovered its joy during a college cultural event. Since then, dance has been a common thread in our lives.
Our dance studio isn’t just about learning dance steps. It’s about nurturing our students’ confidence to step onto a stage, to connect with the audience, and to proudly showcase their talent. We want them to channel the energy of global sensations like Taylor Swift and feel the rhythm much like Diljit Dosanjh does when he lights up the stage. We’re proud of the commitment our students show. Parents often tell us how they’ve seen their children’s confidence grow since joining our classes and how much they look forward to coming to class every week.
Community support has been a cornerstone of our success. In a city as vast as Los Angeles, where everyone is hustling, there exists a genuine spirit of collaboration. One pivotal moment for us was a call from our dear friend Raman Chadha. He generously offered us a platform at the India Independence Day Mela, and that event became a catalyst for us. We’ve since had the privilege to perform at various events he’s hosted over the years. This eventually opened doors to other significant South Asian cultural events in the region, and while we’ve had numerous memorable experiences.
The challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic tested our resilience and adaptability. When the world shifted online, we pivoted as well, holding onto the connection with our students through Zoom dance sessions. Conducting dance classes virtually was far from ideal — the spontaneity of face-to-face dance interactions was sorely missed, and honestly, it was a tough transition. Yet, every week, without fail, we showed up. We persevered, determined to maintain that bond with our students, proving that passion and commitment can weather even the toughest storms.
We are persistent and our goal for Dance by Butalia is to keep sharing our love for Bhangra and grow our community. We’re looking forward to introducing new classes, connecting more with our students, and exploring new partnerships like the LA Kings.
Dance by Butalia isn’t just a dance studio. It’s a community where everyone is invited to share in our passion for dance.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Passion, adaptability, and community.
Passion
Both of us, Shailee and Simran, have an innate passion for dance, especially Bhangra. This deep-rooted love for the art form has fueled our dedication, allowing us to push through challenges and continuously find joy in teaching and performing. This passion became the cornerstone of our dance studio and has resonated deeply with our students and community.
Our Advice: Find what genuinely excites you. When your work aligns with your passion, it doesn’t feel like a job. It becomes a joyful pursuit. Stay connected with the reasons you began your journey, and let them be your compass during challenging times.
Adaptability:
Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic as a small business was not easy. Frankly, it sucked and was tough. But we adapted, holding Zoom classes and troubleshooting audio and internet issues. Despite the challenging period, our resilience and adaptability ensured we remained connected with our students.
Advice: The only constant in life is change. Embrace it. Be open to trying new methods and stepping out of your comfort zone. Challenges can often be opportunities in disguise, so stay agile and be ready to adjust your sails when the winds change direction.
Community
Our success is undeniably rooted in community support. Initially, we had only one steadfast supporter, Avinder Bliku. She brought her kids Sofie and Laila in weekly without fail, introduced others to us, and constantly pushed us forward. Our success also intertwines with opportunities provided by community members like Raman Chadha. Engaging with and fostering strong community ties gave us a platform to grow and showcase our talent.
Advice: Building relationships is essential. Engage with your community, network with peers, and always be open to collaboration. Success is not just about individual achievement but also about lifting and being lifted by the community around you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Our journey has been significantly shaped by the robust community support we’ve received. Arvinder Bilkhu has been a foundational pillar, consistently showing up, believing in our mission, and pushing us to reach greater heights. Sherry Melwani not only believed in our vision but brought all three of her boys, each two years apart, to join and become a part of our dance family. Sarbjit Kaur has had a commitment even when their life is so busy that it seems impossible. Marie Achart juggled complicated scheduling to ensure her daughter could come to class even though it required running around on her part. Raman Chadha generously provided us a game-changing platform at the India Independence day Mela, opening many doors of opportunity. One of the most memorable endorsements came when Punjabi MC, a revered figure in the Punjabi music world, shared our performance video on his social media. This gesture was more than a morale boost; it felt like a stamp of approval from the global Punjabi community, making us and our community feel incredibly proud. Collectively, these individuals, along with the unwavering support of our Los Angeles community, have been instrumental in our growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dancebybutalia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancebybutalia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancebybutalia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancebybutalia166
