Dr. Nishita Bhavnesh Rathod
Dr. Nishita Bhavnesh Rathod is an Indian performing arts educator, choreographer, and entrepreneur from Mumbai. She is the founder of Nishita’s School of Performing Arts (NSPA) and the creator of Circle of Joy, the world’s first multi-level structured hula hoop program. Her academy has inspired thousands of students globally through dance, gymnastics, and performing arts.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Dr. Rathod discovered her passion for performing arts during her school vacations. What began as a hobby evolved into a lifelong mission to educate and empower through movement.
She completed:
- Bachelor’s in Management Studies (BMS)
- Diploma in Event Management
- Master’s in Commerce (M.Com)
- Doctorate (PhD) in Performing Arts
Career
In 2014, Dr. Rathod founded Nishita’s School of Performing Arts (NSPA), initially operating from her home as a small dance academy. Today, NSPA has grown into a large institution with:
- 25 branches across Mumbai
- Over 200 in-house students
- Thousands trained through schools and colleges
- International online students from multiple countries
Her academy collaborates with major organisations, including Decathlon and Tata Consultancy Services, and offers global programs through www.nsperformingartsglobal.com.
Circle of Joy
In 2025, Dr. Rathod launched Circle of Joy, the world’s first structured seven-level hula hoop course for children and adults. The program transforms hula hooping from play into performance and skill, available worldwide through live and recorded sessions.
She says, Hula hoop is not just a toy. It’s a skill you can take to the world.
World and National Records
- World Book of Records (Nobel World Book)
Title: World’s First Fastest 450 Blindfolded Two-handed Hula Hoop Spins on 2-foot-high copper pots in 65 seconds – Female (India)
- India Book of Records (2025)
Record: Maximum Students Performing Single Hula Hoop Spins Simultaneously Under her leadership, 101 students from NSPA performed 2,78,760 rotations in 30 minutes, officially recognised on 22 February 2025. The achievement was covered by India News (13 April 2025) and over 200 national publications.
Awards and Honours
- Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman Award – Excellence in Performing Arts
- Star Indian Icon Award 2025 (Delhi)
- Featured in India’s 10 Most Influential Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025 – Mid Day
- Profiled in Entrepreneurs of India Magazine (March 2025)
- Featured on Daily Hunt and in multiple media including Sakal, Prahaar, Samana, Punyanagari, Navrashtra, and Gau Bharat Bharati
Global Recognition
- Member, International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)
- Listed in the Global Dance Directory
- Internationally accredited academy with courses offered globally through
Publications
Author of A DREAM A DREAM is a motivational book exploring belief, discipline, and purpose. It encourages readers to turn passion into a purposeful journey through mindset and resilience.
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Rathod believes, I don’t wait for the spark; I become the fire that lights every path I take. She trains students not only in dance and gymnastics but also in life skills like discipline, emotional strength, and confidence. NSPA integrates diverse performing arts including hula hoop, ribbon, aqua zumba, zumba, garba, and event choreography.
She ensures learning extends beyond classrooms by giving students opportunities to perform on major stages and participate in record-breaking events with the India Book of Records and World Book of Records.
Personal Life
Nishita Rathod is noted for her optimistic outlook and dedication to motivating those around her. Beyond the dance studio, her background includes significant achievements in sports and academics. She was a practitioner of Karate and an athlete, skills which underpin her discipline. Academically, she received recognition for her excellence by winning the Student of the Year award multiple times during her college years. Additionally, she is an accomplished competitive dancer, having secured victories in many national dance competitions. Despite her success, she is described as being grounded by nature while harboring a personal ambition to create a positive impact on the world.