Shashank Dahatonde
Mumbai
Summary
Dedicated Dance Teacher and Performing Arts Professional with over 8 years of experience in school dance education, choreography, and event coordination. Certified by AP Teacher Training Institute (APTTI), Canada, skilled in training diverse student groups, leading award-winning performances, and managing large-scale productions. Expertise includes curriculum development, event execution, and fostering engaging learning environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Dance Teacher/Instructor
VIBGYOR HIGH
Airoli , Navi Mumbai
01.2019 - Current
- Serving as a full-time Dance Teacher, delivering structured dance education across grade levels with emphasis on technique, creativity, discipline, and performance quality.
- Working closely with the Dance HOD and Department Heads, providing inputs for curriculum design, choreography frameworks, and structured implementation, in line with school protocols.
- Executed prescribed dance curriculum across academic years, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
- Coordinated and organized intra-school and inter-school events as VIVA Event Coordinator, enhancing student engagement and performance opportunities.
- Acted as Sports & Performing Arts Coordinator (Interim – 3 months) during coordinator absence, assisting with departmental coordination and operational continuity.
- Headed choreography and direction for Annual Day and Sports Day productions, managing large-scale performances involving 200–250 students.
- Developed and designed choreographies for PAN-India platforms, competitions, and collaborative showcases, promoting student talent on a national scale.
- Conducted after-school practice sessions and Post-School Activities (PSA) for competitions and special performances.
- Trained students for inter-school, state-level, and national-level competitions, achieving consistent recognition.
- Managed rehearsal schedules, music coordination, costume planning, and stage execution
Dance Teacher/Instructor
Shashank Dance Academy
Bhandup , Mumbai
02.2016 - Current
- Founded and managed Shashank Dance Academy, independently leading all aspects of dance training, choreography, and student development.
- Choreographed and trained 100+ students, including children, teenagers, and adults, across various dance styles and fitness-based movement programs.
- Conducted structured dance classes and Zumba sessions for kids, adults, and mixed-age groups, focusing on fitness, coordination, and performance confidence.
- Designed and choreographed performances for annual academy concerts, inter-school competitions, and cultural showcases.
- Conducted dance and Zumba workshops for housing societies, festival celebrations, corporate events, and community programs, tailoring content to engage diverse audiences.
- Prepared students for stage performances, competitions, and public events by managing choreography, rehearsal schedules, music coordination, and costumes to enhance performance readiness.
- Led and supervised academy-level productions and events, ensuring seamless execution and maintaining high artistic standards throughout.
- Built strong relationships with parents, students, and community organisers through regular communication, feedback, and performance reviews.
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership by managing admissions, schedules, event coordination, and operational planning for the academy.
- Temporarily paused academy operations in 2024 for personal reasons, with plans to restart in February 2026 with enhanced programs and blended online-offline offerings.
Dance Teacher/Instructor
St Pius X International School
Mulund , Mumbai
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Conducting Online Dance lectures
- Preparing Curriculum planner & attendance records
- Judging Online dance events & competitions
- Conducting individual dance assessments.
- Prepared detailed reports on each student's progress throughout the course term.
- Maintained effective working relationships with staff members, students and parents.
Dance Teacher/Instructor
G.S. Shetty International School
Mumbai
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Conducted structured dance sessions for Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary sections, focusing on technique, rhythm, coordination, and stage presence.
- Designed and implemented age-appropriate dance lesson plans aligned with school activities and annual calendars.
- Led and choreographed performances for the Annual School Production (2017–2018) with thematic presentations:
Pre-Primary: “Thumbelina” (story-based dance production)
Primary & Secondary: “Travel Ship” – showcasing international dance styles across different countries - Introduced and organised “UMANG 2018”, an intra-school dance festival encouraging participation across all age groups and promoting performance confidence.
- Conducted dance club activities catering to students of varied skill levels.
- Successfully conducted Zumba sessions for teaching staff on weekends, promoting fitness and staff engagement.
- Choreographed live musical dance performances for the school’s Annual Sports Meet.
- Actively participated as a member of the Art & Craft Committee for the Science and Mathematics Exhibition, contributing creatively to interdisciplinary school events.
- Maintained coordination with teachers and school administration for smooth execution of rehearsals, events, and performances.
Dance Teacher/Instructor
Nitin Dance Troupe & Freelance
Mumbai
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Began professional journey in dance education and performance as a full-time Dance Instructor, gaining structured training in choreography, rehearsal planning, and student management.
- Conducted regular dance classes and training sessions for students across different age groups, focusing on technique development, coordination, and performance readiness.
- Actively conducted parent meetings, providing progressive feedback on student growth, performance standards, and learning outcomes.
- Planned and organised summer camps, intensive training programs, and dance workshops, contributing to student engagement and academy outreach.
- Designed and choreographed dance routines for various schools, inter-school competitions, and cultural events associated with the academy.
- Choreographed and assisted in the execution of annual concerts and stage productions every year, ensuring smooth coordination and artistic quality.
- Closely assisted and supported major dance and performance projects under the leadership of Nitin Dass, Bollywood Choreographer, gaining exposure to professional working standards and creative processes.
- Assisted in film industry–related dance projects, contributing to rehearsals, coordination, and execution under senior choreography supervision.
- Took responsibility for personal choreography projects at Nitin Dance Academy, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and leadership at an early stage.
- Supported academy operations by coordinating rehearsals, assisting senior instructors, and ensuring timely completion of key performance deliverables.
Membership Executive / Junior Manager
Western India Automobile Association (WIAA)
Mumbai
06.2012 - 05.2013
- Worked as a Membership Executive / Junior Manager while pursuing graduation through evening college, demonstrating strong time management and professional commitment.
- Handled membership enrolment for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, including documentation, policy explanation, and issuance of membership cards.
- Actively involved in membership sales and client interaction, explaining benefits and services offered by the association.
- Managed member records, documentation, and data updates, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organisational processes.
- Sent email reminders and follow-ups to members regarding renewals, services, and policy-related communication.
- Developed strong skills in communication, customer handling, administrative coordination, and professional ethics.
Education
M.COM - Commerce
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Delhi01-2026
Internationally Certified Dance Diploma -
APTTI (Canada)
Canada01.2020
Certified and Licensed Zumba Instructor for Kids and Kids Junior -
(USA)
USA01.2019
Certified and Licensed Zumba Instructor for B1 and B2 Level -
(USA)
USA01.2018
B.COM - B.COM
St Xavier's College
Mumbai06-2015
Skills
- Dance Program Development
- Step dancing instructions
- Creating Choreography
- Class Management
- Student Motivation
- Performance Assessments
- Performance Coordination
- Costume Selection and Design
- Event Planning
- Lesson preparation
- Student assessment
- Technique improvement
- Competition Preparation
- Lesson Planning
- Flexibility techniques
- Mentoring
- Strength development
- Safety awareness
- Group and individual instruction
- Proficient in all Dance Styles except Classical
- Proficient in Sound Editing, Video Editing and Photo Editing
- Advance Computer and IT Knowledge with Excel and Tally ERP 9
Accomplishments
Successfully choreographed and directed large-scale Annual Day and Sports Day performances involving 200+ students, delivering high-quality productions with strong artistic and technical standards. Actively involved in directing and choreographing annual concerts, school productions, society events, and corporate events, adapting performances to diverse audiences and platforms. Led and mentored student teams to achieve multiple First Prizes and Excellence Awards at inter-school, inter-college, state-level, and national-level dance competitions under my leadership at VIBGYOR High School. Represented students at national-level dance competitions, showcasing advanced choreography, coordination, and stage presence. Served as Guest Judge for various school and college cultural festivals, including reputed institutions such as St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and several other schools and colleges. Played a key role as Event Coordinator and Event Head, successfully planning and executing major cultural and competitive events such as Cascade, Mélange, Turbulence, Navi Mumbai Dance Championship, and Lions Club events. Conducted Zumba and dance workshops for teachers, parents, students, corporate organizations, and housing societies, promoting fitness, engagement, and community participation through movement.
Languages
- ENGLISH
- HINDI
- MARATHI
References
- MS. SUPRITI KATKAR, Principal Rainbow International School, 8779494606
- MS. REKHA PANCHAL, Teacher & Event Organizer JB Khot School, 8976084844
- DR. ARVIND DHOND, Professor & Event Organizer at St. Xavier's College Mumbai, 9892596707
- MS. DELPHI DSOUZA, Curriculum Developer at Podar Education Network, 9867857148
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/14/92
- Nationality: Indian - Roman Catholic
- Marital Status: Married
Locations
804, Manav Co-Housing Society, JM Road, SPS Marg, Near Vardaman Hospital, Bhandup West, Mumbai 400078.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Marathi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Dance Teacher/Instructor
St Pius X International School
09.2020 - 04.2022
Dance Teacher/Instructor
VIBGYOR HIGH
01.2019 - Current
Dance Teacher/Instructor
G.S. Shetty International School
06.2017 - 06.2018
Dance Teacher/Instructor
Shashank Dance Academy
02.2016 - Current
Membership Executive / Junior Manager
Western India Automobile Association (WIAA)
06.2012 - 05.2013
Dance Teacher/Instructor
Nitin Dance Troupe & Freelance
01.2011 - 01.2016
M.COM - Commerce
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Internationally Certified Dance Diploma -
APTTI (Canada)
Certified and Licensed Zumba Instructor for Kids and Kids Junior -
(USA)
Certified and Licensed Zumba Instructor for B1 and B2 Level -
(USA)
B.COM - B.COM
St Xavier's College