From being a young boy fascinated by dance to becoming the proud owner of his own studio, Dance Enthusiasts, Sajan Rajpurohit’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Trained under the legendary Shiamak Davar, Sajan turned his dream into reality by creating a space where dance is more than just movement—it’s a way of life. In this candid conversation with Sanjay Jadhav, Editor, PuneInsight, he talks about his early inspirations, the challenges of building a career in dance, the philosophy behind his studio, and how Dance Enthusiasts continues to nurture creativity, confidence, and joy in every learner.
Can you share with us how your journey in dance began and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
Sure! I was fascinated by dance since childhood, but as I grew older, I realized that pursuing it seriously required technical training and proper guidance. So, I joined the Shiamak Davar International Dance Company and trained under the master himself, Mr. Shiamak Davar. It felt like a larger-than-life journey—I was learning, growing, and truly enjoying the process. That’s when I decided I wanted to be like him. After returning to Pune, I began teaching in local dance studios as a choreographer. It was a roller coaster ride, with challenges at every turn, especially because people here had limited knowledge of formal dance training. Eventually, I decided to start my own dance studio where I could teach with the right techniques and understanding. Even today, my vision remains the same—we live to learn, and learn to dance.
What were some of the challenges you faced while choosing dance as a career, and how did you overcome them?
There were challenges at every step—mentally, emotionally, and financially. Even today, many people don’t see dance as a serious career option. Most parents want their children to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers. For many, dance is just a hobby or a secondary choice. But I had a deep urge to teach and to help people see dance as both a passion and a career. That belief kept me going.
Was there a defining moment that made you decide to start your own dance academy?
Yes, there were several reasons that inspired me to start my own studio. In the early days, I used to teach at my friends’ and colleagues’ studios, but I had to follow their protocols. I often felt that many weren’t guiding students correctly or helping them unlock their full potential. I wanted to change that. I wanted dance to be taught with wisdom, structure, and joy. That’s when I decided to create my own space where every student could learn, enjoy, and discover their true purpose through dance. That’s also how our tagline was born—Live to Learn, Learn to Dance.
Tell us about Dance Enthusiasts – how did the academy come into existence and what makes it unique?
Dance Enthusiasts began as a simple but heartfelt idea. While teaching in societies and other studios, I noticed how every child and adult wanted to smile, laugh, and truly enjoy dance. Their enthusiasm inspired the name Dance Enthusiasts. It’s a place where everyone can express themselves freely and find happiness through movement.
What styles of dance are taught at your academy, and do you specialize in any particular genre?
At Dance Enthusiasts, we teach a wide range of dance styles including Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Yoga, Gymnastics, Zumba (for ladies), Dance & Fitness for adults, Kathak, and Semi-Classical dance. I personally specialize in Modern Contemporary, Bollywood, and Hip-Hop styles.
Who can join Dance Enthusiasts? Is it open for all age groups and levels of learners?
Absolutely! We welcome learners of all ages—toddlers, kids, adults, and even senior citizens. You don’t need any prior dance experience—all you need is the desire to learn and enjoy dancing.
How do you ensure that your academy is not just about dance steps, but also about building confidence, discipline, and creativity in students?
Every dance form has its own unique style and culture, which in itself is a great learning experience. We have structured lesson plans for each style, focusing on both the dos and don’ts. Our goal is to ensure that every learner, no matter their level, is trained from the basics. This helps them build not just technical skills but also confidence, stage presence, and discipline. Dance improves physical fitness, memory, and self-expression—it’s much more than just learning steps.
How do you see the academy growing in the coming years? Are there plans for more branches, collaborations, or big shows?
The future of Dance Enthusiasts looks very bright. We already have over 100 students, and many of them perform at inter-school, national, and even TV reality show levels. We’re growing as a family, and I hope to have more than five studios across Pune in the coming years.
What role do you think dance plays in shaping an individual’s personality?
Dance isn’t just an art—it’s a lifestyle. As a dance teacher and choreographer, I always tell my students that it’s not just about doing a reel; it’s about performing on stage, in front of an audience that cheers for you. Performing arts build confidence, discipline, and emotional expression. In today’s digital world, dance helps us stay active, creative, and connected to ourselves.
What message would you like to give to aspiring dancers and to those considering joining Dance Enthusiasts?
To all aspiring dancers—believe in yourself! If you do, you can achieve anything. So, gear up with your dancing shoes—we’re ready to rock the stage together!
If people want to get in touch with you for admissions, what is the process?
We’re just one step away! You can find us on Google or visit our website Dance Enthusiasts. You can also reach us through our Instagram page or contact us directly at 9527786152 / 7057316412.
