Saurabh’s journey has not been easy.

As a child, Saurabh dreamed of becoming a professional football player and trained with a local team. However, after being diagnosed as HIV positive, he stepped away from the sport due to fear of stigma and discrimination, leaving him uncertain about his future. A turning point came when he became associated with HFH, where he was introduced to dance and movement. What began as a space for expression and confidence gradually grew into a deep passion and professional journey.

Remarkably, Saurabh began dancing only at the age of 21. Despite starting later than most professional dancers, he committed himself fully to intensive training and artistic development. He trained with the Shiamak Davar Institute through their One Year Professional Program (OYP), where he also had opportunities to perform alongside established artists and gain stage experience. He later continued his professional training at the Institute of Classical and Modern Dance (ICMD), Mumbai, where he trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Classical Ballet, Modern, Strength & Conditioning, and Yoga. He also attended an International Summer Intensive in London in 2024.

His certifications and achievements include: Institute of Classical and Modern Dance (ICMD), Mumbai (2022 – March 2025): Contemporary, Jazz, Classical Ballet (RAD Syllabus), Modern, Strength & Conditioning, Yoga International Summer Intensive – London (2024): Training in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Yoga through advanced masterclasses and workshops Additional Training (2023): One year intensive training in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet (RAD), and Modern. Kathak (Indian Classical Dance): Completed one year of training. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Intermediate Examination – High Merit RAD Grade 4 – Distinction One-Year Professional Dance Certification from Shiamak Davar Institute Over the years, Saurabh has performed at prestigious platforms including: National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai (2022 – 2023) - Dancer – Physical Theatre Production Indian Premier League (IPL) Closing Ceremony (2022) - Dancer – Bollywood Performance Chess Olympiad (2022) - Dancer – Contemporary Dance Performance NCPA, Mumbai (November 2025) - Performed contemporary dance work ‘Sukhsham' CHANGES PAUL TAYLOR Dance Company Restaging - Performed contemporary dance work

Alongside his artistic journey, Saurabh has remained deeply committed to community work. As the Founder & Instructor of Move with Saurabh in Mumbai, he has built a dance initiative focused on both training and community engagement, teaching Contemporary, Bollywood, Strength & Conditioning, and Yoga.

At HFH, he works as a Movement & Dance Educator, conducting dance and movement sessions for children and young adults living with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Through these sessions, he supports emotional wellbeing, confidence-building, and self-expression among children who often face isolation, stigma, and difficult medical journeys. He has also conducted workshops and sessions across shelter homes, NGOs, and community spaces like Raksha Foundation, Mann Foundation and Apni Shala Foundation using movement as a tool for healing, confidence, and connection.

Now, after years of persistence and hard work, Saurabh has received an opportunity that could transform his future. His short-term goal is to gain professional experience within the global dance industry by training with international choreographers and companies, refining his artistic voice and strengthening his performance practice.

In the long term, he dreams of returning to India and establishing an inclusive contemporary dance institution in Mumbai that bridges the gap between Indian talent and international standards. Having personally experienced exclusion and barriers, he is committed to creating accessible training spaces for young people from marginalised and low-income backgrounds. His vision includes offering need-based scholarships to at least 50% of students, ensuring that financial or social challenges do not prevent talented dancers from accessing quality education.

These institutions are internationally recognised for their intensive professional training and artistic excellence, offering emerging dancers opportunities to train, perform, and work alongside renowned choreographers from across the world. For Saurabh, this opportunity represents years of hard work, persistence, and dedication to his craft. Coming from a modest background, he has built his artistic journey through continuous training, teaching, and community engagement.

However, the financial requirements for tuition fees, accommodation, travel, visa, and living expenses are significant and difficult to manage independently. As an organisation that has witnessed his commitment and impact firsthand, HFH is raising funds to support Saurabh’s journey and help him access this life-changing opportunity.

The estimated expenses range between ₹22–26 lakhs, covering: Professional training fees Visa and travel costs Accommodation and food Local transport and daily living expenses Essential artistic and performance-related costs Estimated Budget for ImPerfect Dance Training Program: