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Winning 1st 3 prizes for solo(s)/group(s) in Indian Dance Competitions for over a decade in our genre of specialization for non-voting Indian Dance Competitions sounds like a big thing. It actually isn’t if you follow curriculum and keep it fun. For us, it has been a norm for Bharatanatyam, Indian Folk Dances & Bollywood/Some Tollywood and from 2013-Fusion!
HOW ? We love to share how we have been winning from over a decade in all the “stage dance competitions” and how our elites have come this far with such good paid commitments.
One of main attributes in stage competitions/for all genres are : Techniques. Techniques also means right amount of expressions required at certain techniques or mood used in the dance, coordination if group, comfort level of dancers with respect to dance, stage presence and personality, choreography, costumes, makeup and drama aspect. To do it right, you have to feel it and go through it which at Grace And Grooves is a norm! Because our owner herself comes from that background of competitions from over 2 decades! Read About Ms. Hetal Nagaraj.
Look !! Type of Competitions We Do !!!
Be it Bharatanatyam, Indian folk dances or Bollywood/Movie inspired dances; usually these dances are non-commercial dances. For bollywood or tollywood dance industry genre, there is level of dance and name of dance as well. As we all know that bollywood dances emerge from various forms or styles or certain drama attributes and thus will always have name.
However, there are certain category of dances within bollywood that do not have name because they do no follow a form or style and are purely for entertainment or let’s just say – NO RULES thus, these dances makes them commercial dances and usually gets disqualified in first round itself if you do it in-spite of rules given. Open category of competitions usually accepts these for example – most reality show competitions are based on this! That dance industry/world is entirely different than education studio. Education world competitions are to encourage the dancer to follow the rules, get finer in it and excel with feedbacks and let’s just say prepare them for higher grounds of possibilities within the form or with fusions later, if trained. Then, break the rules-it is completely dancers wish and instructor’s wish! None-the-less, our students have won these open category dance competitions with their actual dance forms itself or with fusion depending on what is allowed. Usually it will depend on judges, number of rounds in competitions and students training level in that genre. Everything goes in there…
For Bharatanatyam/Classical Dances & indian folk dances, the category is always non-commercial and standard as it is dance form. Even for entertainment, creativity is out of this world if used within the form. Most classical dances are actual dance formats/margams itself and then there are dance dramas. Not to confuse with dance musicals!
There is this entire category of exclusive Indian Folk Dances that is entirely different than the dances that are into Community stage dances/cultural dances/regional dances/bollywood inspired folk dances/ethnic dances/creative folk dances. Why ? Because of rubrics of judging and rules that go with it is entirely different for both these categories. You cannot possibly compare Folk Dances rubrics to Bollywood or with Bharatanatyam. With Bollywood having different types of techniques and some folk dances do not even have expressions as their main factor. Likewise, Bharatanatyam nritta if done will lack several attributes of nritya or natyam itself. So rubrics are often kept in % by the genre or type of entries.
Depending on competitions, they categorize fusion dances or they put them in open category. Concept of fusion dances is very simple! Some go by dance done on other music to be considered as fusion because their argument is that if dance is not danced on its actual/real music then it is not that dance. That is true but if u do not consider music at all and see the dance without music; what will you name it? That raises lot of fundamental questions. So these occurrences have been very rare in over 10 years of history that we have participated. We had 2 such competitions that we came across in entire history of 10+ years where they had that kind of rule! We got 1st place in both anyway. The only argument to this was you cannot name that dance as fusion unless 2 or more dance form or styles are used. Rest are very clear about categories & thus you’ll know it well.
Then comes the judges. First experience is always a question for you because these competitions do not tell you who the judges are and some do not specify the rubrics either but when you test waters, you’ll know! We had tested some waters — we decided not to waste time there as they were bias to one team based on their friendly relations! Then be it that way, you should call only them!
Some competitions are very transparent to names of judges and their experiences and that is fun! Last but not the least, whether or not there it is any voting. If voting then how many % is counted towards total judging points. What age group we are competing in one category/genre is also important factor for stage like dances!!
Then comes, prize money if there is one or something of that sort. Then it is motivating for students who are doing competitions regularly or something of that equivalent value. Nobody wants a 10$ trophy after spending money on hours of practices, competition fees, costumes and that just adds to a collection without a meaning!
For us at Grace And Grooves, it has been other way round. Our students have earned more, earned bigger opportunties than what they put money in! It is just boring for our students who have competed from over 10 years now to go for $10 trophies without the meaning to it. They rather spend money 50 to 60$ and do shows with us where they know they are going to get recognition, feathers to wear that they can own as skill-set, showcase as their own, perks, discounts and many more fun things to take home. A beautiful memory to take home. Budget is very important factor too!
Just like that you do not get the wins in 1st 3 places & $$$ prizes. Here are some standard points that we have come across for rubrics in judgement & we would absolutely love to share with you:
1. Expressions 40% depending on genre. Some genres strongly requires that this element isn’t the part of dance because of restrictions on costumes, mask, type of song/pure technique competitions, or certain type of dramas. so % is then distributed.
2. Techniques 50% & % is distributed
3. Comfort level of dance & body movements-rest % divided, solo or group and as per difficulty level.
4. Coordination to music-rest % divided, if solo or group.
6. Costumes-rest % divided
7. Makeup / Dramatic effects of dance : % is divided by genre.
7. Props & usages
8. Choreography and Innovation in dance form without losing genre category—-some competitions have this highest! some have these 2 seperate.
10. Culture aspect depending on dance (if required depending on competitions since we have been to some of most difficult & strict competitions too!!!)
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Celebrating all our guest artists who have performed with us in past in our journey of dance productions. These guest artist are invited to come and perform with their own work. The talent that they perform are not taught by us. These are not our students either. They have their own dance/talent academy at some place/city or have their own group that they perform. We pick their performance piece dance based on our dance production.
These Guest Artist are local or new artists who have just stepped in the world of Indian Performing Arts or have just started performing.
It is our absolute honor to introduce them to our audiences and as well work with them.
2016 : Dance of Gods : Adi-Shakti. Event : A fundraiser for CRY America showcasing Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, Indian Folk Dances. Fusion Dances by Elites in respective categories. Guest Artist : Dancer : Meghna Murali, A Bharatanatyam dance presentation on Devi. Singer : Mala Pydimari, Carnatic Singer.

2017 : Jalso : Celebration of Life with Dance, Event : Nritya Ki Masti, Navarasa in Bharatanatyam, Bollywood And Indian Folk Dances. A seperate presentation of Fusion Dances was also showed by our own students, elites-trained in 3 different dance forms/styles. Guest Artist : Dancer : Easter Bunny.2018 : ABCD - American Born Cultured Desi Event : Participating fundraiser for a private foundation-Cqunce Inc. Dances in Bharatanatyam, Bollywood & Indian Folk Dances featuring Festivals of India or celebrated by Indians outside India. A special 11 minute tribute to Shahrukh Khan - King of Bollywood. Exclusive Fusion Dances were showcased by our elites who are trained in 2-3 different dance forms. Guest Artists : Dances : Mishu Shashtri with her team for Bollywood Garba featuring Navratri. Ritu Kharbanda with her team of Rang Barse duet featuring Holi. Instruments : Arjun Iyer (Middle Schooler, LISD School Band)-Clarinet & Keyboard. Kedar Golvekar : Introducing Music for SRK Tribute on Guitar.

2019 : Anantha-1 Dance Production. Special Presentations by Rinku Das for Kathak and Manipuri.
2019 : Anantha-1 Dance Production. Event : An Exclusive Dance Production featuring a full Bharatanatyam Margam,Copyright Dances in Bharatanatyam, Folk Dances of India featuring North, East, West & South India. Special presentation by Elites for Fusion dances such as Swala Jathi, Rabindra Nruthya. Fully trained in their own dances. Guest Artist : Dances : Rinku Das for Kathak Classical Dances Rinku Das for Manipuri Classical Dances. Rinku Das was also introducing choreographer for our company that year. Singing : Our own elite student-Ashna Pethe representing LISD choir.
Exclusive Copyrights by Reach Media for Hetal Joshi | Grace & Grooves | Grace Creations | Grace And Grooves 2012-2019. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
http://www.graceandgrooves.com 972 979 2559 info@graceandgrooves.com
Ms. Hetal maintains a structured database of participants, including parents, students, interns, and staff engaged with our programs. Participants may join either on-site or remotely, depending on program requirements and accessibility needs.
All internships, school-linked placements, and college-associated training opportunities(must submit university credentials) are structured as intern-positions or based on speciality in year of university, whereever applicable, to ensure equitable access and professional development for students.
There is a 5 month probation period for individuals to submit university, NJHS and such credentials which are to be required as proof of submission(from university, college or school isd official letter) to intiate the work.
In addition, select volunteer opportunities are offered for community engagement and supplementary learning experiences. Our team structure includes administrative staff, program coordinators, interns, externships, parents programs and we ensure appropriate introductions and engagement with all stakeholders as needed for program delivery and oversight.
Company’s Time Line – Grace And Grooves Timeline | Hetal Nagaraj’s Life Stats – https://www.hetaln.com/lifestats
Program leadership and operational direction are primarily overseen by Hetal Nagaraj, ensuring continuity, accountability, and alignment across all activities and participants.
More than 60 official legit ways to work with Grace And Grooves Corporation by Hetal Nagaraj.
Organizational Participation, Staffing & Participants (2011–2025)
Deepthi Chandrasekar
Directors of Various Brands – Staff.
– Staff – Regional, National and International
Former, Current – Staff List W2, W9, 1099, Paypal, through our own Portal Platform –
Company never had a staff until G2. G2 has regular payrolls. All are project based and usually or are Workshops, after the completion of Internships-Externships, if need. Some are own students – Graduates and Elites or are Success of other non-dance specialties and have to take certain hands onn trainings. Seeding projects too have payrolls.
Pre. Elites and Elites Lines of Programs – 2011 to Till Date – Work In Progress.
Some are own students, grads or Elites. Full Direction of Ms. Hetal to achieve milestones for company.
Multiple participants completed structured training pathways (2011–current), including:
Participants transitioned into independent artistic, academic, or freelance careers after program completion.
During this period, the organization experienced operational disturbances associated with several brands, which then were duly reported, documented because of level of damage in the company, reputation and company’s revenue caused due to fraud-criminal disturbances, system interference concerns and code of conduct, which were escalated to relevant authorities for review.
Individual disturbances were –
Other disturbances – loss of million$ worth of seeding projects of 13 Elites and several small scale projects at G2 Arlington location due to negligence of property management company in pending building permits, not conversed during contract to company until director found out through city-portals. Certain access to city-portal is not available until permit application is in process as it contains details of previous owners or until city supervisor is followed through. Public access portal was not updated with respect to property until the matter was addressed by Ms. Hetal.
When these projects rolled back because of delays of locations of permits and back to back fraud, Ms Hetal had to bear the costs of all the cancellations and several legal mess that was caused by these individuals. This marks as the worst period in the history of Ms. Hetal’s or company’s life.
It is essential to know that company and Ms. Hetal survived these dangerous setbacks despite certain individual’s deliberate attempts to cause harm to every single individual within company and to clients. Ms. Hetal’s Information Technology-Intellect and collective experiences of life have saved entire teams, key contributors to company and Ms. Hetal’s own family. This also, saved mis-use of database and personal details of individuals.
Despite these challenges, core instructional and performance programs continued in modified formats, including in-person, hybrid and online delivery models.
During this 2021–2025 period, right after these incidences, the organization encountered significant catastrophic operational disturbances and documented compliance-related concerns that affected several programs, partnerships, and revenue-generating activities. Certain matters were identified through written communications, administrative records, and internal documentation processes, requiring the organization to implement corrective operational and governance measures.
As a result of these challenges, some brands and initiatives were/are temporarily paused until funds are received in full, while some are restructured so that organization remains focused on protecting program integrity, participant interests, and long-term sustainability.
Although several Elite Lines, training initiatives, and organizational programs continued successfully under the leadership of Ms. Hetal through the use of contractual safeguards, structured oversight, and continuity planning.
The organization remains committed to transparency, compliance, accountability, integrity of the company and the country thereby strengthening internal operational systems to support sustainable growth and responsible program management moving forward!
Across programs, several engagements concluded due to standard operational factors such as:
All closures were/are handled within structured program frameworks, with many participants continuing independent artistic or professional pathways afterward.f
The organization has provided sponsored participation opportunities in cultural programs, competitions, and national events, including full or partial funding for select student experiences as part of its community arts mission.
This is handled by Ms. Hetal Nagaraj herself, just as all above and below. Sole Owner.
Non Staff – External Dancers – By Auditions and from own couples or other workshops or private packages :
List of occasional dancers / dance only (no teaching and no other work) :
The organization has experienced operational disruptions that have impacted certain training activities and program engagements across multiple functional areas. These disruptions affected continuity at scale and required immediate implementation of internal controls and corrective administrative measures. In response, the organization has relied on existing contractual agreements, documentation protocols, and compliance safeguards to ensure continuity of essential services and protection of program integrity. These mechanisms have enabled the organization to maintain operational stability and uphold its commitments to stakeholders and participants. The organization has since strengthened its governance framework, including enhanced oversight procedures, documentation verification standards, and internal accountability systems.
These improvements are designed to reduce operational risk, ensure regulatory and contractual compliance, and support long-term program sustainability. The organization remains committed to maintaining transparent operations, safeguarding participant trust, and ensuring all educational and training activities are conducted in alignment with applicable laws, institutional requirements, and grant compliance standards.
The organization utilizes tiered engagement agreements designed to align participant experience levels, project complexity, and operational requirements. These agreements are implemented primarily to ensure organizational safety, clarity of scope, and proper allocation of responsibilities across varying types of engagements. Standard participation agreements are typically project-based and are not intended to create long-term employment obligations unless explicitly designated as full-time or long-term strategic roles. Certain high-complexity, high-budget, or sensitive turnkey projects may require advanced technical competency, demonstrated experience, and established reliability prior to participation due to the operational demands and risk profile of such work.
Entry-level participants are generally introduced through structured learning, training, or supervised project environments that allow gradual skill development and progressive responsibility. Advancement to higher-responsibility roles is based on demonstrated capability, technical proficiency, and successful completion of assigned deliverables. Many engagement agreements include defined duration terms or completion-based structures to ensure clarity for all parties and to support flexible participation models. This structure is intended to provide participants with autonomy while maintaining clear organizational boundaries and compliance with project requirements.
The organization prioritizes ethical engagement practices, transparent expectations, and role-appropriate responsibility assignment to ensure fairness, safety, and sustainability across all programs. Completion of task with respect to funds received to company, without bringing setbacks to company or individuals within the company is a benchmark of delivery.
This communication serves as an appreciation to all individuals contributing their time, effort, and expertise to our organization’s programs and initiatives. We recognize and value the commitment of our team members, many of whom balance professional roles, academic responsibilities, and other personal commitments alongside their participation in our work.
The organization maintains a flexible and structured engagement model that accommodates individuals at different stages of professional and academic development. Participation in programs may include students, professionals, and collaborators engaged in either full-time commitments elsewhere or concurrent educational pursuits.
As part of our program framework, performance-based teams—including Elite and Pre-Elite designations—are integrated into existing training and production structures. These designations reflect levels of experience, responsibility, and project readiness within performance-oriented teams, consistent with established program standards. Our approach is designed to support inclusive participation, skill development, and progressive advancement while maintaining clear expectations, accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
We remain committed to fostering a respectful, structured, and development-focused environment where all contributors are valued for their time, effort, and dedication.
Company offers Integral awards to exceptional students who show leadership in various tasks. These awards are not extended to public interests and remain within the participations of Company.
The organization is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory and inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, color, or background.
Participation and engagement are guided solely by interest, capability, and commitment to contributing to the work and mission of the organization. We value individuals who demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute meaningfully to collaborative projects and learning environments.
The organization also respects the privacy and autonomy of all participants. Personal background information is not a determining factor in engagement, and individuals are supported in participating in a manner consistent with applicable laws, institutional guidelines, and program requirements.
Under the leadership of Ms. Hetal, the organization promotes a culture of respect, dignity, and equal access to opportunity, ensuring that all participants are treated fairly and consistently within structured program guidelines. As a training institute, Ms. Hetal believes that every day is fresh start, but then there are limitations to not allow fresh start after some point.
Internal Company Opportunities do not extend to individuals who lack skills of particular performance, certain level of maturity as per their existing profile, permissible visa status or by contractual obligations endorsed by parents.
Operational Responsibility, Cost Ownership, and Program Accountability –
The organization operates as a fully funded service and training provider, where significant upfront investment is made to develop, deliver, and maintain educational, creative, and production-based opportunities. These include training programs, costume and production design, technical resources, and experiential learning environments.
All program activities are structured under defined engagement agreements, where participants, staff, and collaborators are responsible for adhering to established scope, expectations, and conduct requirements.
The Company assumes full operational responsibility for program delivery, including financial investment, infrastructure, and production-related expenditures. This includes costs associated with training development, creative execution, and resource allocation that support participant learning and engagement.
To maintain clarity and compliance, participation records, deliverables, and media assets are managed through official program channels. Access to materials such as photos, videos, and project outputs is provided based on eligibility, program participation status, and applicable release agreements.
The organization maintains formal documentation of roles, contributions, and engagement history to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper attribution across all programs. All activities are conducted under the umbrella of the Grace and Grooves Corporation, ensuring consistency in governance, compliance, and operational oversight.
The Company has successfully secured trademarks, copyrights, and brand protections across multiple countries, including the United States, both during and following periods of operational challenge.
These achievements reflect the organization’s continued commitment to structured governance, documentation standards, creative ownership, and operational transparency. Through consistent leadership, program continuity, and participant engagement, the organization has continued to strengthen its international presence and reputation across educational, creative, and performance-based sectors.
Under the leadership of Ms. Hetal Nagaraj—who serves both as an active participative team member and key performer—the organization has maintained a collaborative environment supported by the meaningful contributions of graduates, Elite teams, and specialized participants across multiple disciplines.
The Company remains committed to expanding its educational and experiential training initiatives through future collaborations with universities, institutions, and corporate partners. These programs are designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities, workforce readiness, creative development, and industry exposure for emerging participants and professionals.
Company has secured ownerships to publication company in UK-London. This company owns all the copyrights and trademarks of Ms. Hetal’s every published, documented word, incl this blog!
Transparency, accountability, and structured operational practices continue to remain central to the organization’s philosophy and long-term growth strategy.
Official Program & Organizational References
About Ms. Hetal – www.hetaln.com
Updated on : May 26, 2019 | July 26, 2019 | Feb 26-27th 2019 | March 5, 2020 | June 30, 2020 | Feb 7, 11, 2022 | March 22, 2022 | June 23, 2022 | Sept 19, 2022 | Oct 4, 15, 2022 | Oct 17, 2022 | Nov 1, 16, 2022 | Jan 8, 2023 | Feb 20, 2023 | Feb 25, 2023 | March 15, 2023 | March 20, 2023 | April 20, 23 | July 8th, 2023 | Sept 4, 2023 | Sept 23, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 10, 2023 | Nov 13, 2023 | Sept 23, 2024 | Sept 26, 2024 | Oct 1, 2024 | Oct 11, 2024 | Oct 17, 2024 | Oct 29, 2024 | March 20, 2025 | March 28, 2025 | May 15, 2026.
Website : www.graceandgrooves.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/GraceAndGrooves
Twitter : https://twitter.com/GraceAndGrooves
Youtube Channel :https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSbZYIr0EPzrfPNzH_0FcVw
Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/graceandgrooves
Best Number To Contact : 972 979 2559.
Copyright Reach Media for Hetal Nagaraj | Grace And Grooves | Grace Creations | 2012-Current. This material cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
***2021 & Onwards – Sponsorships are open for only those individuals that have with more than 6 FIELDS specialities with degrees/certificates and full transparent background, charges apply*** :
We will need the following if you would like us to sponsor you or even if we send invite then also we need these papers and details to apply for visa. Each country has different criteria and eligibility for artist. (Visa sponsorship is open from 2021). It is absolutely required.
Direct hires are the people :
*** For all Volunteer work as well, legal status documents submission is required***
Are you somebody who fits in that criteria ? DM us.
Terms & conditions will be based on activities and their frequency / occurrences. We have lot of opportunities for our fully trained locals with absolutely straight background so that we can share it with you all.
You can reach Hetal at : www.hetaln.com
Hetal Nagaraj has worked as immigration development field officer (in India) for more than 5 years for all types of visas for a private firm and immigration lawyers. Speciality – training for english dialects, legal protocols, family & student visas, establishment(housing/placements) and university match. Linkedin has entire info of it.(hetaljoshim)
All or any of the criteria is required!
The only volunteer that was offered a work visa sponsorship (till date as of 2023) was Deepthi Chandrasekaran provided that ms. Deepthi works for min 40hours aka full timer. Ms. Deepthi is (now) Grad of Texas All Star Program. Ms. Deepthi has always been legal resident of USA. Staff list.
Hetal Nagaraj will be very happy to have anybody onboard and do shows or workshops for us and anybody who may be interested as long as full paperwork is submitted by any mode. Grace And Grooves is fully registered company and type of clients that we work with, we cannot have any other hires for any thing!
Copyright Reach Media for Grace And Grooves | Grace Creations | 2012-2023. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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