In the vibrant world of dance, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Jennie Jethwani. From her early days of weekend dance classes to founding the renowned Absolute Bollywood, Jennie’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a commitment to sharing Bollywood culture with the world.
Early Passion and Determination
Jennie’s love affair with dance began in her school years. Weekends were reserved for dance classes, and as she grew older, evenings after college and work were dedicated to honing her craft. Performing with various dance troupes, she transformed her passion into a side hustle. Her consistent dedication and love for dance and music fueled her desire to create a platform where talented individuals, including herself, could shine. She envisioned opportunities for Bollywood dancers and aimed to introduce this vibrant dance form and culture to a broader audience.
Reflecting on her journey, Jennie shared, “Dancing at community shows from a young age made me realize that when you are dedicated to something and put in the work, practicing your craft, it really pays off.” Despite not being a naturally gifted dancer, her determination propelled her from the bottom group in dance classes at Sylvia Young Theatre School to the top tier within a couple of years. This ascent solidified her belief in her abilities and marked the moment she proudly identified herself as a dancer.
Founding Absolute Bollywood
In 2012, Jennie took a monumental step by establishing Absolute Bollywood in London. The company quickly gained international acclaim, performing at prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival,a Heineken Event in Egypt and a Dubai residency for a few months and Dubai’s Summer Surprises. Absolute Bollywood offers a range of services, from high-energy performances to dance classes catering to all skill levels. Their mission is to make Bollywood and Indian dance more accessible in the UK and beyond.
One of Jennie’s most significant achievements with Absolute Bollywood was producing a Bollywood show at London’s Eventim Apollo. Collaborating with renowned playback singers Ash King and Jonita Gandhi, Jennie and her team crafted a production titled “50 Years of Bollywood,” featuring 88 songs in a two-hour spectacle.88 songs were the most iconic/popular songs from Bollywood. Despite the challenges and stress of organizing such a massive event without prior experience, the show was a resounding success, selling 3,000 tickets and showcasing the best of Bollywood to an enthusiastic audience.
Reflecting on the experience, Jennie noted, “It was the hardest and most stressful project I have undertaken, but in the end, we sold 3,000 tickets and created something of our own to showcase the best of Bollywood to the audience.” This endeavor not only highlighted her resilience but also underscored her commitment to promoting Bollywood culture.
Overcoming Challenges
Jennie’s path was not without obstacles. Lack of classical training posed initial challenges, as she had only briefly engaged with Indian classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam in her youth. Additionally, a severe skin condition affected her confidence and limited her training opportunities. However, her unwavering passion for mainstream Bollywood music, hip-hop, and pop kept her motivated. Through relentless effort, she honed her skills to match and eventually surpass her peers.
A significant hurdle arose when Jennie’s first company, co-founded with a fellow dancer, faced internal disagreements leading to its dissolution. This period was emotionally taxing, shaking her confidence and making her question her capabilities. Yet, with the support of family and friends, Jennie found the strength to start anew. She emphasized the importance of self-belief and surrounding oneself with the right people, stating, “Grateful every day that I took the leap and surrounded myself with all the right people along the way to help me succeed.”
Expanding Horizons
Today, Absolute Bollywood has evolved beyond dance performances. The company manages Bollywood singers and collaborates with various musicians in the UK, positioning itself as a full-service Bollywood entertainment company. They specialize in wedding choreography, offering personalized routines for couples and their families. With the advent of technology, Jennie and her team provide virtual tutorials, enabling them to reach clients worldwide. This expansion aligns with her goal of spreading love through dance across the globe.
To manage operations effectively, especially after relocating from London to Los Angeles, Jennie appointed a new Creative Director and entrusted more responsibilities to Natasha Patel, the Company Director in London who started as a dancer, and now has been working alongside Jennie for over 10 years. This strategic delegation ensures that Absolute Bollywood continues to thrive on both continents.
Inspiration and Motivation
Jennie’s journey has been influenced by mentors and personal experiences. The owner and choreographer of the first dance company she joined played a pivotal role, demonstrating that there was a demand for Bollywood dance in London. This mentor showcased how to make the art form respected by teaching its fundamentals and origins in schools and on mainstream platforms.
To stay motivated, Jennie embraces challenges as learning experiences. She believes in focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks. A firm believer in manifestation, she maintains a positive outlook, trusting that the universe has her back. This mindset allows her to navigate obstacles with resilience and grace.
Redefining Success
Jennie’s definition of success has evolved over time. While early milestones included securing high-profile gigs, international shows, and TV appearances, she now finds fulfillment in creating memorable experiences for clients. Whether it’s adding joy to a couple’s wedding day or crafting unforgettable moments at private events, Jennie values the impact she has on individuals’ lives. She reflects, “Now success is more about happy clients… knowing you’ve had an impact and added so much value and happiness on someone’s wedding day.”
Advice to Aspiring Dancers
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Jennie offers sage advice:
- Embrace Challenges: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
- Network Actively: Building relationships is crucial in the entertainment industry.
- Stay Positive: Focus on your goals and maintain a positive mindset.
- Plan Ahead: Set clear objectives for the next decade
Do follow her on Instagram.
