Dance with Filme Academy, an ALL-GIRLS learning dance academy established in 2017 by Founder, Ericka Virk Dhindsa, is a platform created for females of all ages to carry out their inner passion for the arts of South Asian culture through
dance and dialogue.
A home to exercise movement and music by unifying oneself with other creative minds around the world. Through learning and listening techniques of fully equipped classrooms and personally hand picked well qualified instructors, DWF students demonstrate great leadership and teamwork skills that will assist them in their future personal, academic and entrepreneurial life.
Along with teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced levels – we are on the path of creating self-confidence and self-esteem amongst our students.
The Dance with Filme Academy provides students with a platform to showcase the magic of Bollywood Cinema and the art of Punjabi Culture at their annual Musical.
Meet the Team
ERICKA VIRK DHINDSA
CEO & Founder
Dedicated, creative and passionate best describe her visionary work ethic. With over 20+ years of experience in dance and 8+ years as a self made entrepreneur, Ericka has not only exercised the role of a dancer and choreographer, but also as an International model and actress. She placed as Miss World Canada RU in 2014. Ericka’s passion for Indian fashion led her to international business opportunities. She is the Co-Owner of BIBA Canada – India’s most loved ethnic wear brand. Ericka also enjoys creating content and connecting brands with consumers around the world via her social platform, Instagram as a Influencer.
From 2010 – 2014 Ericka travelled cities of the world alongside AVA Girls Bhangra to competitively perform the Indian dance of Bhangra. After performing at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) with Bollywood sensations Shiamak Davar, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwariya Rai, Priyanka Chophra and Ranbir Kapoor & playing the female lead in a live Bollywood dance musical, “Chapter One” Ericka had a vision to create. She wishes to provide local talent with a platform to diversify themselves at an international level. She is a global inspiration to youth and continues to provide various opportunities of growth to young girls.
ASHIKA BAJWA
Creative Director & Bollywood Choreographer
A student of UBC, Ashika Bajwa was born into a musical family where she was influenced by the arts of singing, music and dance at a very young age. Her passion for dancing brought her to Bollywood, where she assisted in two movies as an assistant director. Her enthusiastic approach towards learning new dance forms since childhood allowed her to interpret her imagination into wonderful choreography. Ashika believes that dance is not only an art form, but also a medium in which one can express their emotions and narrate a story musically. Ashika joined DWF in 2017, and since has been a Bollywood Instructor.
MUSKAN CHEEMA
Bhangra Instructor
Born and raised in Italy, Muskan comes from a background of Salsa twists and turns. After migrating to Canada, she decided to pursue her passion for Indian arts and explore the field of dance. She competitively preformed with AVA Bhangra girls leading her straight to the stage. Muskan joined DWF in 2017 and since has been a primary pillar. She is also a Brand Ambassador of DWF Gidha Team, Sunehri Pippal Pattian.
AVREET BRAR
Bhangra Instructor
Avreet began her dance journey at the age of 10 with a mixture of Hiphop and Bollywood. She showcased her learning through family events and began self-learning other dance styles such as Bhangra and Gidha. Avreet joined DWF in 2017 and joined the Instructor team in 2019. She is also a Brand Ambassador of DWF Gidha Team, Sunehri Pippal Pattian. Apart from dance, Avreet looks forward to stepping into the world of Business.
JASMIN UPPAL
Bollywood/Gidha Instructor
With over 9+ years of dance experience, Jasmin has been surrounded by the vibrant influences of Indian art and culture from a very young age. She was a student of the BC Cultural Academy and later gained her Hip Hop and Contemporary experience from advanced High School classes. Jasmin joined DWF in 2019 and is also a Brand Ambassador of DWF Gidha Team, Sunehri Pippal Pattian.
ROMAN BHANGOO
Bhangra Instructor
Roman has over 10 years of experience in the competitive bhangra circuit. She has competed in over 15 competitions, with the last one being in 2018. Since then, Roman has found great joy in training younger generations with the hope that she can mentor them to take a leap into the bhangra circuit as great dancers in the years to come. She values the fundamentals of bhangra and empowering dancers to challenge themselves to succeed. Roman joined DWF in 2020, and since has been our Advanced Bhangra Instructor.
KARIMA ESSA
Bollywood Instructor
Karima is an incredibly charismatic and passionate choreographer, dance-fitness instructor, and performer. Karima is well known for her participation in Canada’s reality show “Bollywood Star.” She showed off her dynamic movement, expression and personality on the show taking her all the way to India. Karima joined DWF in 2020 and brings forward her magic for Indian cinema to our DWF Bollywood classrooms.
SURLEENA SINGH
Sunehri Singing Instructor
Surleena joined DWF in 2021 as our Sunehri Singing Instructor. She has taken our singing team to new heights. Surleena is also a senior ambassador of our DWF Gidha Team, Sunehri Pippal Pattian.