From Starting Ballet at 13 to Building India’s Ballet Ecosystem: Dhvani Kothari’s Journey with NBSI

Introducing Dhvani Kothari, the founder of National Ballet School of India (NBSI) and India’s first internationally award-winning ballerina. While ballet has historically been perceived in India as a niche, Western-centric art form, Dhvani is actively reshaping that narrative by building a sustainable, world-class ecosystem for ballet dance in the country.

Dhvani’s journey is as unique as the institution she founded. Her path into ballet began at the age of 13, a time widely considered late in a world where most dancers take their first pliés before they can read. Despite starting late, she pursued the art form with unwavering discipline and purpose, eventually training extensively in Croatia and Hungary and performing globally.

After gaining this international experience, she realized that India lacked a formal, high-standard framework for ballet education. In 2019, at the age of 21, she founded the National Ballet School of India (NBSI) with a vision to place India firmly on the global ballet map. What started as a singular mission has grown rapidly, with the school now operating around 12 centers in Mumbai, as well as locations in Bhopal and Goa, training over 250 students under the guidance of 7 professional coaches.

Dhvani is not only teaching ballet but also changing the way people in India think about it. She is challenging the outdated idea that ballet is exclusively for young girls, instead positioning it as a holistic, inclusive discipline for all ages and genders. Her school has become a sought-after partner for high-profile clients ranging from the French Embassy and Gucci to Hiranandani and OnePlus, proving that the demand for professional, disciplined artistic training is growing across corporate and cultural sectors.