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नमस्कार (Namaskāra), السلام علیکم ('assalam-o-alaikum), ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (Sat Sri Akaal), and Hello! My name is Aanya, I am a proud second-generation South Asian American with a deep passion for the arts, cultural preservation, and community building.

 

I am currently a student at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information and Decision Sciences with a concentration in Business Analytics at the College of Business Administration. 

My journey in dance began at the age of five in the vibrant Bay Area, where I first fell in love with movement through competitive Bollywood dance. These early experiences shaped my strong foundation in rhythm, performance, and collaboration. Over time, my passion for dance blossomed into an appreciation for both classical and modern South Asian art . Tools I view powerful for storytelling and fostering connection.

​In addition to my artistic and academic pursuits, I am deeply engaged in identity work via exploring the complexities of being part of the South Asian diaspora. By reflecting on my heritage and personal experiences, I aim to create dialogues that amplify underrepresented voices and bridge generational and cultural gaps. My goal is to foster a stronger sense of belonging, empowerment and humility within my community and beyond.

Through my academic pursuits and artistic endeavors, I aspire to create spaces where tradition and innovation intersect, enabling communities to come together and celebrate the richness of my community's beautifully diverse heritage.

Nazakat welcomes all who come with openness and respect.

We believe in the power of art to connect across difference, and in honoring each other simply as human. Here, everyone is invited to move, to express, and to belong, just as they are.

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