Upasana Madan is one of India’s most talented and respected dance instructors, known for her exceptional contribution to modern Indian dance education. As a senior and ace instructor at Shiamak Davar’s Institute for Performing Arts (SDIPA), she has trained thousands of students and worked closely with some of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities. With her outstanding technical skills, versatile dance vocabulary, and powerful stage presence, Upasana continues to be a prominent name in India’s contemporary dance landscape.
Upasana Madan — Dance Background & Career
- Upasana started dancing at around age 9.
- She trained at Shiamak Davar Institute for Performing Arts (SDIPA). Completed the One-Year Dance Certification Program (OYP) at the institute.
- She also holds a distinction in “Intermediate level Modern/Jazz examination” from Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
- In 2006 she became a member of the professional dance company under SDIPA — and since then has both performed and taught dance across India (and internationally, via tours etc.).
- Over her career, she has trained many Bollywood actors and featured in performances and award shows.
- She is listed as “Project Head — SHP” (Half-Yearly Program) under SDIPA
Early Life & Training
Upasana Madan discovered her passion for dance at a very young age. Determined to pursue professional training, she joined Shiamak Davar’s Institute for Performing Arts, where she trained rigorously under the mentorship of Shiamak Davar himself.
She holds a distinction in the Intermediate level of Modern/Jazz examination from the prestigious Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), UK — a significant certification that reflects her dedication to technique and discipline.
Her strong foundation in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and Indian classical dance allowed her to develop a unique style that blends global dance forms with Indian expression.
Professional Journey
Upasana quickly rose within SDIPA, becoming one of the institute’s most trusted and skilled instructors. Her extraordinary ability to train and choreograph helped her earn recognition not just among students, but also across Bollywood.
Teaching & Celebrity Training
Throughout her career, Upasana has trained several leading Bollywood stars, including:
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Hrithik Roshan
- Varun Dhawan
- Priyanka Chopra
- Kareena Kapoor
- And many other A-list performers
Her expertise and understanding of celebrity-level choreography made her a respected name within the industry.
Stage Performances & Award Shows
Upasana has performed in 100+ major national and international award shows, including:
- IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards)
- TOIFA (The Times of India Film Awards)
- Femina Miss India
These high-profile stages allowed her to showcase her versatility and strong command over live performance formats.
Film Work & International Exposure
One of Upasana’s significant highlights includes her involvement in global cinema. Her work was featured in films like:
- Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol
- Game
These films demanded extremely high-performance standards — from action-filled choreography to fast-paced stunt-inspired sequences, demonstrating Upasana’s ability to adapt to international production quality.
Workshops & Dance Education
Upasana regularly conducts workshops across India, spreading her knowledge and inspiring young dancers. She visited Hyderabad to conduct a special workshop on January 19 at Gitanjali Devashray, Secunderabad, where she taught:
- Sassyhop
- Shiamak Style Contemporary
- Bollywood Freestyle
Her workshops focus not only on skill-building but also on helping students understand discipline, musicality, and the emotional connection behind every dance form.
Philosophy & Thoughts on Dance
Upasana strongly believes in the power of training and endurance. In her words:
“I have learnt from my teacher, Shiamak Davar, and what I do is impart that knowledge to my students. Our training is rigorous and experimenting with different dance forms can be physically exhausting, but my love for the art always triumphs.”
On Dance Reality Shows
While acknowledging their popularity, she expresses a balanced opinion:
- Dance shows offer a platform for young talent
- But she personally does not approve of the extreme competitive pressure they create
On Performing Live vs Films
Upasana prefers live shows over film choreography:
“The energy of a live audience is incomparable. Movies involve retakes and cuts, but live performances show the true emotion of dance.”
Connection with Shiamak Davar
Upasana shares a long-standing and deeply respectful relationship with her guru, Shiamak Davar, who revolutionized contemporary dance in India. Shiamak introduced jazz and modern dance to Bollywood in the 1990s and continues to influence dancers globally.
He also spoke about iconic projects like Dil Toh Pagal Hai, where his choreography set new benchmarks in Bollywood.
Legacy & Influence
Upasana Madan stands as a symbol of grace, discipline, and dedication. Her contributions include:
- Transforming dance education for thousands of students
- Performing on some of the biggest stages in the entertainment world
- Training superstars who trust her technique and creative vision
- Bringing international dance styles into mainstream Indian audiences
- Inspiring young dancers across India through her workshops and mentorship
Her journey continues to inspire, proving that passion combined with discipline can create excellence.