Sapna Rohra:

I currently live in Los Angeles, CA. I was born and raised in Lubbock, TX, which is where I started dancing. I formally trained in ballet, tap, and jazz at both Talent Plus and Briercroft Dance Academy. I was also a part of multiple dance teams throughout middle and high school, which is where I began to develop a love for hip hop. I then went on to attain a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. While studying, I was party of JHU JOSH, a fusion dance team and JHU RAGE, a raas and garba dance team. While both were competitive, I was much more involved in JOSH where I was able to fuse my love for Indian styles of dance as well as hip hop. It was throughout college that I realized dance was my true passion. After graduating, I decided to pursue a full-time career in dance. The summer after college, I was able to being training in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and The Pulse. I then moved out to LA and took on a work/study scholarship position at Millennium Dance Complex. Since I moved out to LA, I have danced for multiple local hip hop artists as well as for Jossie Cordoba, a Latin artist, in Miami earlier this year. I was also able to keep up with my love for Bollywood dancing by recently becoming a member of Bellytwins International, a Bollywood dance company.

Shivani Thakkar (Shivstar):

I have been dancing since childhood. Formally trained in Bharatha Natyam, I performed my Arangetram in Mumbai, India under Guru Kalyanasundaram of Rajarajeswari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir in 1999. Continuing my training and work in dance with my first guru and mother Sudha Thakkar and various dance professionals in Chennai, I have pursued a full time career in dance. Recently I had the pleasure of touring Canada as a lead in a thematic Bharatha Natyam show accompanied by an accomplished male dancer from Chennai and live orchestra. My love and passion for dance has led me to study western dance, including Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Hip Hop in Los Angeles, CA. Trained in these forms for the past few years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to apply this diverse dance background to my work in Bollywood and Fusion dance. In Los Angeles, I am a member of Bellytwins International, a Bollywood dance company. I recently performed with the Bellytwins on the new CW TV show Valentine. Last month I completed work as a Bollywood Choreographer for a title in the Instructional DVD Dance Series Let's Dance World. Represented by Clear Talent Group Agency in LA, I feel blessed to be able to pursue a full-time dance career with the support of my family and friends. I am inspired to dance because dance completes me. Dancing is what my soul dictates I am meant to do. Throughout my life it has played a significant role in helping me discover who I am. It has led me to tap into my inner creativity, face challenges, be the best I can be and in turn taught me the most about life. Dance is my soul's way of speaking and expressing, and there's nothing I'd rather do than continue my growth and journey through life with dance leading the way. Regarding my academic background, I graduated from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, in Theatre (Acting emphasis) and a minor in Film Production. For more facts and information about my artistic activity please visit my website: www.shivanithakkar.com. If you are interested in viewing my Bharatha Natyam dance reel please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1JVT3utZYQ

We are both extremely excited about this opportunity to work with Ken Ghosh and Marty Kudelka. Thanks so much to all of our friends, family, and other contestants that showed support. Shivani and I definitely couldnt have gotten this far without all of you! :)

Links to Related Articles:

http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/143574

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Two-Young-Dancers-Win-Verizons/story.aspx?guid=%7B90F040EE-8B06-41AE-AFEE-6B81CCA1E9F7%7D