ntroduction
Bhakti Naik is a name synonymous with dance. She is an ace choreographer, stunning performer and a passionate teacher who lives and breathes dance. She is the Founder of Talaank Dance Company, a renowned choreographer in both the Marathi and Hindi entertainment industries and a Content Creator for Youtube.
Born and brought up in a small town on the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Bhakti was introduced to dance at a very young age. She began dancing when she was merely 4 years old. At age 7, Bhakti started her formal training in Bharatnatyam - one of the richest Indian Classical dance forms.
Her love for Bharatanatyam was so strong that she ended up pursuing a Masters degree in Bharatanatyam from Lalit Kala Kendra (the official centre for performing arts of the Savitribai Phule Pune University). However, Bhakti being a true artist by nature, has never limited herself to one particular style of dance. She has explored, experimented and trained in oher dance forms such as Contemporary, Ballroom, Bollywood and Hip Hop. Learning a multitude of different dance styles makes Bhakti the epitome of a glocal (global + local) artist.
umble Beginnings
Bhakti grew up in a middle-class home, where the performing arts was not really considered a serious career choice. She was encouraged to dance, but never encouraged to become a “professional”. She fought against all odds and ultimately secured the support of her loving parents, who understood that dance was her calling.
Today Bhakti is one of the most popular dance teachers in India andinternationally. Interestingly, becoming a dance teacher was never a part ofher plan. She stumbled into teaching out of necessity. Bhakti began teachingdance, in order to save money for a Ballroom Training Workshop led by thePolish legend Ewa Maria Cherukuru. Over time, dance trainings became apart of her hustle to grow and keep learning even more.
areer Overview
Founder - Talaank Dance Company
Bhakti established Talaank Dance Company in the year 2009 with the idea of buildinga community for like-minded artists and dancers where creativity will take centre stage.
Soon, Talaank became a pioneer dance training academy in Pune, Maharashtra which taught both western and Indian classical dance forms.
​
Under Bhakti’s able leadership, Talaank has grown from strength to strength. It is now one of the most sought-after dance classes internationally.
horeography
erformer
Bhakti has been performing on stage since a very young age. Her dance performances showcase different dance styles and are known to touch the hearts of the audience. Bhakti’s natural ability to express through dance is best seen in her on-stage and on-screen performances.
Choreography is a natural extension of expression and storytelling for Bhakti. For her designing the perfect choreography is all about taking the narrative forward through dance. She creates dance sequences that stay true to the essence of the film’s story and the character’s emotions. Bhakti has successfully choreographed many different songs in Marathi cinema as well as Hindi cinema. Some of the production houses that she has worked with include Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films.
D
igital Creator
​
Bhakti started a Youtube channel named “Talaank Dance Company” to teach the correct form and technique to students and enthusiasts all over the world. The channel has garnered over 3 lakh subscribers. The Instagram account of Talaank Dance Company has more than 83 thousand followers. Learn Talaank Dance Company is no longer just a dance tutorial channel, it is a revolution. The channel has revolutionized the way Bharatanatyam is taught in the modern age. Bhakti has become a teacher, a content creator and an influencer who has created a mass appeal for one of the oldest classical dance forms in the world. She is a public figure who is encouraging students to put on the ghungroos and take up Bharatanatyam regardless of their age, gender or nationality.
Her Youtube channel and social media presence opened the doors to online dance classes. Bhakti’s online dance classes are a phenomenal success with students from all over the world making a beeline for admissions. Although it seems like Bhakti has “done-it-all” in the field of dance, this is far from reality. Her innate curiosity and the hunger to learn more will continue to power her ambitions and unfold new paths for her to walk on.
W
Bhakti’s hobbies and other interests are a significant part of her life. She loves to travel and explore new cultures and foods. Growing up in the Sahyadris, nature has played a very important role in her life. The roaring winds, the chirping birds, and the gurgling waterfalls are music to her ears. Whenever she can, she loves to spend time in nature.
Bhakti is an avid reader who finds inspiration through autobiographies and real stories of human courage. She is also a friend to animals and has a dog companion - Jhumri whom she dearly loves. Revati Puranik - One of Bhakti’s Gurus and pillars of support is a perennial source of motivation, encouragement, and inspiration for her. Bhakti loves to brainstorm ideas with her Guru from time to Bhakti’s hobbies and other interests are a significant part of her life. She has a close-knit circle of friends and family whose company enriches her life in more ways than can be written. She has a close-knit circle of friends and family whose company enriches her life in more ways than can be written.
hen Not Dancing
_edited_edited.png)