Lokesh Devnani

Contemporary Dance

Lokesh is a movement artist, contemporary dancer and certified yoga instructor drawing from contemporary technique, acroyoga, hip hop and street styles, floorwork, soft acrobatics, and Latin dance forms. He began his contemporary dance training at Dhurii seven years ago and has been teaching for the past year. His classes balance structure and play, building strength, coordination and fluidity while inviting students to find their own way of expressing rather than moving in a single "right" way.

At Dhurii, he teaches contemporary and floorwork-based classes and has facilitated workshops in improvisation, Shared Gravity (acroyoga + partnerwork), Khel Khel Mein (movement games), soft acrobatics and contemporary dance.

Ankita Paul

Contemporary, Free Style

I've been dancing for as long as I can remember—honestly, probably before I even knew what counts were. My journey began with folk forms like Bengali, Nepali, and Bihu, along with Rabindra Nritya and a touch of semi-classical. Back then, I was mostly a self-taught dancer, learning through observation, instinct, and a lot of "let's try this and hope it works." For a long time, that felt enough. But somewhere along the way, dance looked at me and said, "You love me… now commit." That's when I realized I wanted proper, professional training—and there was no turning back.

That decision opened up a whole new world for me. I began training in styles like Salsa, Hip Hop, and Breaking, and eventually found a deeper connection with Contemporary dance. My contemporary journey started with Nritarutya, and later continued at DhuriiSpace, where I trained under Aastha Gulati and other external faculties. Every class reminded me of one simple truth: “The more you learn, the more you realise how much there is left to learn.” And honestly, that's the beauty of it.

My teaching journey began at Dhurii, where I've been teaching for about a year now. I take Contemporary classes, Kids Freestyle sessions (powered by unlimited energy and wildly unexpected choreography ideas), and also conduct workshops in Contemporary, Bollywood, and big group sessions. Teaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. “I teach, but I also learn—every single day.” From my teachers, my students, and even from moments that don't go exactly as planned.

truly believe that dance is an ongoing learning process. There's no final destination—just constant growth, exploration, and movement. Along the way, I've also discovered a deep love for Contact Improvisation, Acro, and production-based work. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Dhurii production “The Lost Diaries,” where the interactions, shared energy, and exchange of knowledge throughout the process became an incredibly enriching experience. I enjoy what I do, wholeheartedly. And I try to make every day count—learning, teaching, dancing, falling, getting back up, and dancing again.

Jishnu S Shankar

Fusion Belly Dance

In the world of Tribal fusion belly dance, a space where men remain rare, my journey has been one of profound transformation. This art form challenged me to embrace movement beyond gender binaries, reshaping my relationship with my body from technique to unlearning shame and reclaiming confidence.

As a teacher at Dhurii, I cultivate safe, inclusive spaces free from bias, welcoming every body. My approach centers curiosity, authenticity, and shared growth, inviting students to tune into their bodies, move with honesty, and evolve together.

Teaching and learning intertwine daily in my practice, fueling continuous discovery for all.