The Story Behind the Steps
Meet Arpitha.
Founder. Choreographer. Shiamak Davar trained. Bollywood stage performer. The reason hundreds of Michigan families dance together.
Arpitha Chakkudige founded Happy Feet Dance Academy in November 2022 — but her journey began long before Michigan. Trained at the prestigious Shiamak Davar Dance Academy, one of the biggest Bollywood dance institutions in the world, she honed her craft across Indian Contemporary, Bollywood Jazz, Swag Jazz, and Bolly Hop.
She performed under Shiamak's company in Mumbai, taking the stage at Filmfare Awards and Zee Cine Awards — sharing the spotlight with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Kriti Sanon.
After years of performing across Michigan and India, Arpitha turned her passion toward teaching. Her conviction: every child and adult deserves access to the transformative experience of South Asian dance — regardless of background, body type, or prior experience.
What began as one class in a community hall grew into five thriving studios across metro Detroit. She is also a certified Dance Fitness instructor and trains every Happy Feet instructor personally.
Arpitha has shared the stage with
Filmfare Awards & Zee Cine Awards, Mumbai
Shiamak Davar Trained
Certified by one of Bollywood's top dance companies — Mumbai
Filmfare Awards Performer
Performed live on India's biggest Bollywood stage
Zee Cine Awards
Stage performer at Zee's annual Bollywood extravaganza
Certified Dance Fitness
Zumba & Dance Fitness certified instructor
500+
Students Trained
5
Studio Locations
8+
Years Teaching
12+
Dance Styles Taught
What We Teach
12+ Dance Styles
From classical roots to contemporary Bollywood — every style taught with the same precision Arpitha learned in Mumbai.
Our Mission
"Dance is for every body. Every age. Every background. Every level. We exist to make that belief real — one class at a time."
— Arpitha, Founder & CEO
Follow the Journey
See what we're up to
Class highlights, recital prep, event announcements, and the occasional dance-off. All on Instagram.