Hybrid Rhythms was founded in the year 2000 as an artistic medium for young South Asians to express their dual-cultured lifestyles in the US. Hybrid Rhythms recruited exceptional performers, consisted of members from Eighth Wonder, Urban Indian Beat and other highly skilled & talented dancers from Houston and Austin. Truly a team in every sense of the word, all troupe members contributed to choreography, costume design and artistic direction. Lead by Shibu Varghese and Shraddha Srivastav, the 30-member troupe quickly gained in popularity and was invited to perform at many events throughout Houston.

After 9/11, Hybrid Rhythms took a year-long break only to return in 2003 due to popular demand, this time as a Bollywood dance school. Hybrid Rhythms began holding classes in various community centers throughout Houston. By October 2003, Hybrid Rhythms had experienced significant growth and opened its first location in Houston. That same year, the performing troupe regrouped.

Over the next three years, Hybrid Rhythms opened locations in Pearland (2004), Sugar Land (2005) and Lake Jackson (2006). The performing troupe also experienced two very successful years in 2004 & 2005. Hybrid Rhythms will open five new locations in TX (Katy, North Houston, Austin, San Antonio & Dallas), as well as a location in Atlanta, GA in 2009.

In 2007, Hybrid Rhythms launched its successful Summer Camp program. Offered in June, July & August to children between the ages of 4 & 12, the program includes reading, writing, math, conversational Hindi, dance, yoga, fitness, indoor sports, arts & crafts, drama, games, music, karate and more.

Today, Hybrid Rhythms is the most popular Bollywood dance school in Texas. Known for its effective teaching style, impressive choreography and popular Bollywood Aerobics programs, Hybrid Rhythms has become synonymous with Bollywood dance. Hybrid Rhythms is currently expanding its programs to include musical theater training for theater dance, singing and acting.

Bollywood Today

Bollywood is the name given to India’s movie industry, one of the largest in the world. Song and dance are integral to South Asian cultures, and as a result most Indian movies are musicals. Bollywood dance refers to the dance of Indian movies. Bollywood dance encompasses Indian classica dance, Indian folk dance, Indian pop dance, hip hop and other western dance. To South Asians in the US, Bollywood dance is much more than just a fun dance style. It is an expressive medium that allows them to bridge their eastern and western cultures together into something meaningful.

Bollywood has long experienced popularity in countries such as South Africa, UK, Morocco, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius. However, Bollywood has remained relatively unknown in the US until recently. Today, it seems everywhere you turn, Bollywood is there. Bollywood is fast becoming a household name in the US. As a result the doors have been opened for Bollywood in the US, Canada and beyond leading to endless possibilities.




C