UAE-based Dancers Across Borders provides a platform for artists around the world to express themselves through dance

The history of DAB began in Dubai. A city where the world comes together, works and lives together.

Now it’s time for the world to dance together.

DAB stands for Dancers Across Borders. A name born from the belief that when it comes to doing what you love, there are no limits to possibilities, growth and talent. At DAB, you will learn dances from all over the world, from instructors from various backgrounds. You will also learn to express yourself better and approach life from a different perspective.

Nayana Tharoor, Founder and Director of DAB began training in Indian classical dance when she was only three years old. Since then, she has successfully completed her formal training in classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam, as well as contemporary and semi-classical Indian dance.

“For me, dancing has always been more than just training my body to move to the beat of the music,” explains Nayana. “As a shy kid, it wasn’t just my escape. It was a stage where I learned important life lessons that helped me become the person I am today. DAB is my way of giving others the same opportunities that dancing has given me.

Receiving recognition in India, Nayana’s honors include a National Award for Contemporary Indian Dance, honors in the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Classical Dance Exams conducted by the Karnataka Art and Cultural Board, as well as a distinction in classical music exams for beginners and intermediates. .

With more than 15 years of exposure on stage, multiple productions and a choreographic experience to her credit, she launched her YouTube channel Dancers Across Borders in May 2020. In less than a year, she has accumulated 14,000 subscribers and offers collaborations with 18 dancers in 12 countries. . Each video is a testament to Nayana’s talent for creating unique and complex dance routines, some of which integrate drama and drama into classical Indian dance – elements that will continue in her vision for the school.

“My vision is to innovate in the practice and perception of dance, transforming dance into a practice of holistic development,” explains Nayana. “I want to help every Dabber become more confident, project themselves into the world in new ways, and ultimately create a sense of community and team spirit.”

Nayana also has a solid corporate career that she manages hand in hand with DAB. Heading vertical marketing for the Middle East and Africa region for a global multinational, Nayana also holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and is an active alumni. When Nayana is not dancing, she takes singing lessons and learns to play the veena, an Indian musical instrument.