Live 2 Dance

Live2Dance is a Bollywood and Indian dance studio in South Lake Union, Seattle, founded and led by Deepali Jamwal. The studio's mission is to integrate Bollywood dancing into Western culture and create a platform for dance enthusiasts to learn, meet new people, gain confidence, and build community. Deepali was born into an Army family and raised across India, where she absorbed different cultures, languages, and dance styles. She trained in various dance forms and performed across India with Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts before teaching in Ottawa and now Seattle. She is convinced that dance has the power to create a stress-free, united community.

The studio offers multiple dance styles taught by a dedicated team of instructors. Deepali teaches BollyContemp (contemporary Bollywood) and BollyJam (Bollywood). Nikita Singh, who joined as a student in July 2017 and became a master trainer, teaches at multiple Live2Dance locations and choreographs classes. Amruta Dhotre leads high-intensity BollyCardio sessions on Bollywood songs. Tejal teaches ClassicallyBolly, a semi-classical style, and is trained in several Indian classical dance forms. Aditi Sinha teaches BollyLatin, combining Bollywood music with Latin dance (she has learned over 7 forms of Latin American dance, with bachata as her favorite). Alpana teaches Kathak, trained in the form over several years. Poorva teaches Bhangra.

The studio occupies over 3,500 square feet in Belltown with gorgeous ceilings, lighting, and mirrored walls. Live2Dance also hosts major productions: in 2021, the studio premiered Desi Detour, a dance-drama musical that ran for over 90 minutes, featured a cast of over 50 crew members, and was performed to an audience of over 500 people. The studio is planning PNW's largest Bollywood Dance Drama production for April 17th and 18th.

Testimonials emphasize the community aspect and Deepali's teaching style. Members describe it as a family rather than a typical dance class. One member who moved to Seattle 2.5 years ago reported making over 50 friends through Live2Dance. Multiple reviews note that Deepali breaks choreography into smaller steps, repeats them to ensure both beginners and experienced dancers can follow, and encourages participants not to be limited by their perceived skill levels. The studio's Google rating is 5.0 based on 232 reviews.

Live2Dance also operates as a venue for rent: the studio is available for dance classes, video productions, photography projects, parties, baby showers, birthdays, and get-togethers. Rental rates are $250/hour for parties and events (3-hour minimum), $150/hour for production work (2-hour minimum), and $200/hour for classes (2-hour minimum). The space comes equipped with speakers/PA system, tables and chairs, party lights, industrial fans, fog machine, and kitchenette, with capacity up to 150 people.

Walk into an energetic, welcoming environment where Deepali or one of her instructors breaks down choreography into smaller steps, repeating them so both beginners and experienced dancers can follow. Expect high energy, positive vibes, and a sense of community rather than a typical fitness class.

Deepali Jamwal is the founder and director, trained in various dance forms and a performer with Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts. Nikita Singh, a master trainer who joined in July 2017, teaches at multiple locations and choreographs classes. Amruta Dhotre leads high-intensity BollyCardio workouts. Tejal is trained in several Indian classical dance forms and teaches semi-classical. Aditi Sinha, trained in over 7 forms of Latin American dance, blends Bollywood with Latin styles. Alpana is trained in Kathak. Poorva specializes in Bhangra.

Deepali breaks choreography into smaller steps and repeats them, ensuring both beginners and experienced dancers can follow; she encourages participants not to be limited by their perceived skill levels.