05. Kindness in Motion: A Transformative Dance Journey from Jhariwala Orphanage to 'The Goddess Synergy Movement' Docuseries
A love letter from Swarali Karulkar to the dance that inspired a movement
My Girls at Jhariwala Orphanage, Mon Amour,
You’re probably in your mid-twenties now, with jobs that sustain you and maybe even a loving family. It breaks my heart to think that your journey could have been so different if you hadn’t arrived at Jhariwala Orphanage at the right time—if you hadn’t been rescued from homes filled with domestic and sexual abuse. You found community with girls like you and dedicated leaders who brought art, education, and kindness into your lives.
I know this struggle intimately. I was once lost in a broken place, grappling with my identity and the pain of my abuse. But dance became my refuge, a way to express my story and find healing. I danced through the night and into the day, turning my pain into choreography. That’s how I met you.
When I was just 15, I began teaching a non-profit dance class at your orphanage through Shiamak Davar’s institute. Every Sunday, I made the 20-minute bus ride, walking through the bustling streets of Mahim, arriving at those iron gates that led to your world. I was greeted by a sea of young faces—some excited, some shy, and a few indifferent. As I danced with you, I realized you and I were searching for the same thing: kindness.
We longed for kindness and the chance to reconnect with our inner child, which had been taken from us. I didn’t have the insight then, but dance spoke for us. I choreographed a piece to “Sapna Dekha Hai Maine” (I Have This Dream), telling the story of a little homeless girl asking for a doll instead of money from a random woman on the street. Through this dance, I aimed to create a space where you could feel safe and seen for wanting kindness over material possessions.
After a month of rehearsals, it was performance day. To my surprise, Shiamak came to watch—an incredible honor for me. He loved the piece, and in that moment, I felt an immense sense of achievement. But nothing could compare to what awaited me on my last day at the orphanage.
As I arrived, the gates opened and I was swamped by you holding the cards you created to express your gratitude. In that moment, I didn’t just feel pride; I felt deeply seen. Witnessing the impact of dance on your lives was transformative. That was my ‘aha moment’ that dance could heal—not just me, but all of us.
That experience propelled me to apply for a dance therapy program at Pratt Institute in NYC. One thing led to another, and I started traveling the world with an innovative format that combined dance therapy with choreography. Along the way I met women of all kinds, experiencing the same struggle we faced girls. And I realized, women need to learn how to bring kindness, connection and agency back into their lives. This has set me on a path to create Goddess Synergy Movement the Docuseries. Through this docuseries, I aim to reach women world wide and guide them through movement techniques that make them feel secure, seen and confident.
That simple hour of dance at Jhariwala changed everything for me, guiding me toward my life's purpose. You showed me that my talents could heal and connect with others who have faced similar struggles. Now, every time I step into a studio, I know I have the power to change lives—just as you changed mine.
So, my girls at Jhariwala Muslim Girls Orphanage, wherever you are, thank you for welcoming me into your world. Your kindness and trust taught me that when we extend kindness to others, it comes back to us tenfold. Mon Amour, you will always be one of my most cherished memories that shaped my life.
About Swarali
Swarali Karulkar is the driving force behind Bollyheals; a premier dance wellness company that fuses Bollywood fusion dance with movement therapy. With 20+ years in the dance industry, Swara is known for her captivating performances on Dance India Dance telecasted in 172 countries, IIFA awards, Mystic India World Tour, and Times Square Diwali. Her dance empowerment formats are recognised globally and have expanded to corporate wellness. Her passion lies in employing people with the somatic tools necessary to channel their most confident selves. Swarali is currently producing a docuseries titled The Goddess Synergy Movement that makes embodied confidence through movement wellness accessible to women worldwide.
About The Goddess Synergy Movement Docuseries
Amour Films is teaming up with Swarali to bring The Goddess Synergy Movement to life on screen in the form of a docuseries. Follow Swarali’s journey going on tour hosting workshops where she empowers women to regain their agency by cultivating awareness and connection within the body. This series will give viewers an intimate look into her transformative work, giving women accessible movement tools to reclaim agency despite social barriers.
The Goddess Synergy Movement is currently shooting.