Success Stories
Ahneesh Valodia on Dance and Muscular Dystrophy
It is every South African citizen’s human right to pursue business interests, hobbies and social activities. Why should living with a disability present a barrier in doing so?
Today you’ll learn about one of the most inspiring stories of commitment from Ahneesh Valodia, the Founder of Taare — Cape Town’s premier Bollywood dance troupe. Ahneesh has led the organisation, since its inception in 2012, to a current track record of 10 sold-out shows all while navigating personal challenges such as his Muscular Dystrophy symptoms.
We hope this story inspires you forward in your own life, and that you’ll share it far and wide to keep the inspiration going.
Donate to us at Saint Giles NPO for the Disabled, to help protect equal human rights for persons living with disabilities.
Muscular Dystrophy explained:
World-renowned Mayo Clinic (2025) defines Muscular Dystrophy as a collection of diseases which result in progressive muscular weakness and eventual atrophy (loss of muscle mass). It is caused by genetic mutations that interfere with the body’s natural protein production, which then deteriorates muscular health.
Mayo Clinic goes on to explain that Muscular Dystrophy takes many forms, most commonly showing symptoms from a young age for males. To date there is no known cure but there is treatment to slow the progression, which include medications and physical therapy.
Ahneesh’s Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis
Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic condition, which means it can be passed down from one generation to the next, remaining dormant for several generations at a time. This may have been the case for Ahneesh as there was no known family history of this condition. Ahneesh’s brother had been in high school at the time of his own diagnosis, which triggered a precautionary screening for Ahneesh, himself.
Tests concluded that there would be a high likelihood of Ahneesh also developing symptoms into his teenage years, which would later prove to be an accurate timeline. The first few symptoms included minor limitations in his daily movements. Activities like running or climbing a full flight of stairs became more difficult, so he began to use a walking cane.
Today Ahneesh is fully dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. His transition from being fully mobile to this stage of the condition has allowed him time to process it all and to find resources for dealing with each and every phase of it so far.
How to run a dance troupe while navigating Muscular Dystrophy:
In our previous Human Rights Month article you learned about some of the fundamental human rights included in our National Constitution, such as the right to freedom of assembly, association and expression. Ahneesh protects these very rights by serving with distinction as the Founder & Artistic Director of Taare, a Bollywood-focused dance troupe based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Taare is a social enterprise which brings joy and drives social inclusion through each and every production. What Ahneesh has achieved together with his troupe since 2012 is testament to the greatness that’s possible with the right combination of determination, focus, diligence and opening oneself to receiving the necessary support.
The unique teaching methods at Taare’s dance troupe
Dance is a sacred and powerful art form. It’s a way to express even the most intense of emotions and requires the utmost dedication and commitment — qualities the likes of which Ahneesh has consistently displayed since he began his dancing journey at just 8 years old.
Today Ahneesh works with Teaching Assistants, to give form to his choreographic vision. Once established, the routines are refined before it’s time to teach the rest of the troupe. Ahneesh remains actively involved in every rehearsal and lesson, guiding and encouraging every dancer toward their best performance alongside his equally passionate Teaching Assistants.
One more reason we’re happy to share this story about Ahneesh and Taare with you, today, is that their performers have come from all backgrounds in life. The troupe truly reflects ‘The Rainbow Nation’ and a sincere spirit of Ubuntu, which is what we as South Africans are known for around the world. Taare performs throughout the year at a range of community events, fundraisers, theatrical productions as well as private and corporate events — you can follow them on Facebook to book tickets to their next performance.
Disability and organisational administration
One of the most important aspects of running an organisation like Taare is what goes on behind the scenes: lesson planning; music editing; costume design, purchasing and administration; drafting rehearsal schedules; relationship management across all stakeholder groups; project management; recruitment and induction of new members and marketing operations.
Ahneesh speaks openly about the challenges that come with these tasks, and highlights his immense gratitude for his parents and family, friends, assistant director, teaching assistants and fellow troupe members for always being willing to support and assist him.
Recommended support and resources
We at Saint Giles NPO for the Disabled have been supporting and serving the Disabled community for over 70 years. We want to empower and uplift members of the disabled community for many more years, and so we asked Ahneesh about the resources and support structures that have helped him along his own journey:
- Build your personal support group of people who radiate positivity and avoid people who engage in negativity and discourage you from pursuing your goals. A conscious decision of who we allow in our space significantly impacts our outlook on life.
- “The Secret” — a book by Rhonda Byrne, about the power of visualisation and the law of attraction. Ahneesh personally tries to emulate this and is also inspired by the likes of Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins and their regular offerings online.
- Actively practice gratitude. Gratitude is powerful because it helps rewire your brain, reducing the amount of stress hormones in your body. Start by thinking of at least three things you’re thankful for each day and see how your list grows with time.
- Look for inspirational stories from other people living with disabilities. Ahneesh found motivation and inspiration from the life of Dr Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s most highly respected scientists (a Theoretical Physicist, to be specific).
- If you have the means to do so, work with a Life Coach. Ahneesh personally recommends MishMethods; there are alternative options such as trauma counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists. If you have a medical aid subscription you may qualify for prescribed minimum benefits (PMB) and have coverage for a fixed number of sessions each year to help you maintain your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Ahneesh’s personal message for those navigating disabilities today:
“It’s a challenging journey, but it doesn’t limit your human potential. It’s a detour — the long way around. It’s a path that shapes your resilience, creativity and strength.
Pursue your vision with unwavering determination and face every obstacle with humility, undying passion and inimitable perseverance. This is what will open the very doors you thought to be closed to you forever.
Surround yourself with people who uplift you and believe in you and your goals as fiercely as you do. The moment we stop measuring our progress against others — especially against the so-called “able-bodied” standard — we set ourselves free. It is in overcoming our struggles that we inspire others to do the same.”
A final word from our team
We hope that reading Ahneesh Valodia’s incredible story of grit and commitment inspires you towards your goals, be it in sports and recreation, performing arts or even entrepreneurship and venture-building.
We remind you that we offer a work centre that’s food safety certified and able to complete sundry jobbing such as packaging and product assembly, as well as an adaptive gym with fully licensed physical therapists. We’re located in Durban but we are always willing to serve and inspire people navigating disabilities, anywhere in the world.
References:
Dennill, B. 2022. Dance Interview: Ahneesh Valodia – Destined For Dance, Or The Potential To Move. pARTicipate, [blog] 17 December. Available at: https://www.brucedennill.co.za/2022/12/17/dance-interview-ahneesh-valodia-destined-for-dance-or-the-potential-to-move/ [Last accessed 25 March 2025].
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2025. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375388 [Last accessed 25 March 2025].
Valodia, A. 2025. Founder and Director. Personal interview. 19 March 2025.