DNC Dance & Yoga Studio, on Bath Road, has been shortlisted for the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award.'

The awards ceremony is due to take place on November 22 in Windsor.

Nikita Thakrar, the founder of DNC Dance & Yoga Studio, said: "We are incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award.

"Our studio is more than just a place to practise dance and yoga; it's a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and connect."

The studio has been a part of the community for 12 years, offering classes and workshops in classical Indian dance, Bollywood, Bhangra, yoga, and meditation.

(Image: Dancing Nikita Company)

Holistic therapies and wellbeing events are also part of their offering.

DNC Dance & Yoga Studio is regularly hired for community gatherings, activities, and meetings.

On December 1, they are set to host a wellbeing afternoon for the community.

Ms Thakrar, who discovered Indian classical dance at an early age, said: "Learning Kathak had such a profound impact on my physical and mental health that I felt a strong calling to share this with others."

She went on a solo trip to India at 18 to pursue Kathak dance, a journey that she says instilled discipline, tenacity and gave her values by which she lives her life.

This passion led her to establish DNC in 2005 with the goal of training children, teenagers, and adults of all ages in Kathak dance.

In 2011, they opened a purpose-built dance studio in Slough.

Ms Thakrar said: "Opening the studio doors was the proudest moment of my life and a significant step forward for Indian dance in the UK."

Today, Ms Thakrar uses the medium of mindfulness through movement, alongside yoga and coaching, to guide people of all ages to achieve their full potential.

Despite a significant health scare and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, her resilience and ability to adapt have gained her national recognition.

She added: "I believe it’s my mission to put Kathak dance on the map, and it's my vision to see it become on par with ballet in the UK."

The team of teachers and staff at DNC Dance & Yoga Studio are excited to attend the awards ceremony in November and celebrate this recognition with their community.

Earlier this year, DNC was recognised by Prestige Awards and Woman Who Achieves for their entrepreneurial vision of bringing dance, yoga, and wellbeing to Berkshire.

Ms Thakrar added: "I aspire to be a role model for young girls and women to follow their dreams and pursue their passions."