Youth-led dance collective · New Jersey

Blending tradition and today.

Old roots, new moves.

Three best friends, one big love of dance, and a plan to turn it into something good. We blend classical and Indian dance with hip-hop all over New Jersey, and every dollar we raise goes to Kranti.

ElenaKiarraRashmika

Established 2026

Roots run deep.

Three close friends who grew up dancing together.

We're Elena, Kiarra, and Rashmika, and honestly we're just big dance enthusiasts. We love all of it (classical, Indian dance, hip-hop), and we're still learning and growing with every class we take and teach. We started Rhythm & Roots, a youth-led dance collective, to share that love with our community and put it behind something that actually matters.

Here's the part that means the most to us: we don't keep any of it. Everything we earn goes to Kranti, an organization that empowers and trains vulnerable young women in India so they can become leaders and change their own communities.

Honestly, we have a little too much fun doing this. That's kind of the whole point.

All roots, all rhythm, all heart.

Elena, Kiarra & Rashmika

It's the only way we know

We think dance belongs to everyone.

It's joyful, it's a little bit powerful, and it pulls together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. So our floor is open to everyone, wherever you're from, whatever you believe, whether you've danced your whole life or never once in your kitchen.

Meet the team

Three friends. Two towns. One beat.

Elena

Co-Founder, Choreographer & Creative Visionary

Choreographs and helps with creative direction, pours her heart and souls to make the song feel live.

Kiarra

Co-Founder, Choreographer & Chief Storyteller

Choreographs and manages our socials — turning rehearsals, performances, and behind-the-scene moments into a story worth sharing.

Rashmika

Co-Founder, Choreographer & Community Spark

Choreographs and gets everyone dancing in minutes. Makes dancing fun and enjoyable.

Now launching

Ways to dance with us.

Our programs are officially starting, and we'd love for you to come be part of it.

Weekly cardio

Bollywood in the Park

Meet us in the park for Bollywood cardio that feels more like a party than a workout. Bring water, bring a friend, and bring the little ones for our "Mom & Me" rounds.

$7 / class

Ages 6–10

Kids Semi-Classical

A joyful first taste of Indian classical dance for little ones. Over six sessions they'll pick up the basics, make a few friends, and fall in love with moving.

$50 / six sessions

Got a group of 3 or more kids? We'll come teach right at your place.

Private events

Sweet Sixteens & Party Packages

Want the party everyone keeps talking about? We'll build a custom Bollywood, hip-hop, or fusion routine, perform it live, then pull your guests onto the floor too.

$100 / full package

Book the team

Performances

Festivals & Multicultural Nights

Our middle and high school troupe lives for the stage. We'll bring the color, the energy, and a crowd-pleasing set to your school show or community night.

$50 / performance

Ask about a performance

Mark your calendar

Upcoming classes & events.

Sat, Aug 81:30–3:30 PM
Mandatory Whole-Group PracticeEveryone attends!
Done

Note: older kids might have a few different practices — we'll share those details directly.

Good to know

A few details before you join.

Who can join?
Our Kids Semi-Classical series is built for ages 6 to 10. Bollywood in the Park is open to everyone, so bring the whole family. Our performance troupe is for middle and high schoolers.
What should we wear and bring?
Come in comfy clothes you can really move in, plus sneakers and a water bottle. Please skip the jeans, they make it tough to dance.
Can we just drop in?
For Bollywood in the Park, yes, come whenever you like. For the kids' six-session series, it's best to start from the first class so nobody misses a step.
Do dancers under 18 need a parent there?
Yes. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign them in before class.
How do we book a party or performance?
Just text or call any of us, our numbers are right down below, and we'll figure out the date, the songs, and the rest together.
What happens if a class is cancelled?
If we ever have to cancel, we'll reschedule it. And if you have a question about a payment, just reach out, we're easy to talk to.

Spread some love

Give the gift of dance.

Know someone who'd light up at the chance to dance with us? Send them a little gift. Pick an amount, write them a note, and we'll route every cent to Kranti. It's a small white envelope with a big heart inside.

Opens Venmo with the amount and note filled in — to @rhythmandrootdance. 100% goes to Kranti.

See us in action

Our flyer, and a peek at the floor.

100%Goes to Kranti

Why we do this

Helping young women in India write their own story.

Every dollar we raise goes to Kranti, an organization that gives vulnerable young women real education, support, and leadership training so they can lead change in their own communities. Dance and movement are a big part of how they heal and find their voice.

That's the part that gets us. The same dancing that fills our floor with joy is helping these girls rise, and that feels like the best reason to keep going.

Learn more about Kranti

Get in touch

Bookings, classes, and performances.

Reach out to any of us directly. Tap to call or text — or email us at rhythmandroots123@gmail.com.

E

Elena

Creative Visionary

K

Kiarra

Chief Storyteller

R

Rashmika

Community Spark

Not ready to text? Leave your info.

Tell us what you're interested in and we'll reach out to you.

Goes straight to the Rhythm & Roots inbox. We'll get back to you soon!

Let's stay active and dance for a cause.

Almost there!

It looks like the Venmo app isn't on this phone. Grab it free, then tap the gift button again.

Or pay on Venmo's website

Thank you! 💛

We received your info. One of us — Elena, Kiarra, or Rashmika — will get back to you soon. We can't wait to dance with you!