Deepanjali Debnath (Irene): A Dance Journey Rooted in Expression, Afro Rhythms, and Purpose
Introduction: Dance as a Language Beyond Words
For Deepanjali Debnath, known to many as Irene, dance is more than choreography—it’s a language of liberation. A powerful form of self-expression that speaks of freedom, clarity, and emotion when words fall short.
Beginning her journey at the age of 12, Irene quickly discovered that dance wasn't just about movement—it was about connection, storytelling, and soul work. Today, as an emerging force in Kolkata’s dance scene and a passionate instructor at Twist N Turns, Irene is defining a new path—one rooted in Afro dance, self-discovery, and cultural exploration.
Early Beginnings: Finding Her Voice Through Movement
Irene’s dance journey began at a time when many are still discovering who they are. At just 12 years old, what started as a simple curiosity became a form of identity.
From school stages to city platforms, Irene embraced every opportunity to perform. Each show became a learning ground—an experience that taught her not just technique, but the importance of energy, rhythm, and the unspoken stories that dance can tell.
“Dance is where I feel most connected to myself and the world around me.”
This profound sense of purpose has fueled her ever since.
Training Roots: From Hip-Hop Foundations to Afro Soul
Irene began her formal training in Hip Hop, a style that offered her groove, control, and musicality. It was a strong starting point that gave structure to her natural sense of rhythm.
But as her artistic identity evolved, Irene found herself drawn to something deeper—Afro dance.
Why Afro Dance?
Afro isn't just a dance style—it’s a celebration of heritage, rhythm, and rooted movement. For Irene, it resonated on both a physical and emotional level. Afro gave her the ability to explore history, culture, and a primal sense of power that connected her to something much larger than herself.
“Afro allows me to explore dynamic rhythms and bring intention into every move. It aligns with who I am—both as a dancer and as a human being.”
A Teacher and A Student: Sharing Knowledge with Purpose
Since November 2024, Irene has been proudly teaching at Twist N Turns, a leading dance academy known for nurturing individuality and innovation. For her, it’s not just a job—it’s a mission.
Teaching Beyond Choreography
Irene doesn’t view dance classes as mere routines to memorize. She believes in creating experiences that challenge the body, stimulate the mind, and feed the spirit.
In her sessions, students are encouraged to:
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Understand the foundation of Afro dance,
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Connect with the cultural stories behind the steps,
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Explore their own expression through movement.
“Teaching dance is about more than the 8-count. It’s about helping people feel powerful in their own skin.”
Learning Never Stops: Deepening the Afro Connection
Irene continues to study Afro not just by practicing moves, but by understanding the history, rhythms, and cultural roots. Her approach includes:
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Researching traditional African and Afro-diaspora movement styles,
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Training with experts across India and internationally,
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Blending modern choreography with cultural integrity.
This commitment reflects in her class energy—grounded, joyful, and intentional.
Twist N Turns: A Platform for Growth and Collaboration
Being a part of the Twist N Turns family has allowed Irene to thrive not only as a teacher but also as an artist and collaborator. The studio has become her creative home—a space where she’s encouraged to grow, innovate, and engage with a wider community of dancers.
She’s excited about:
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Upcoming workshops focused on Afro and world dance forms,
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Cross-style collaborations with fellow instructors,
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Developing original choreographies for student showcases and city-wide performances.
“There’s so much to explore—and I’m just getting started.”
Looking Ahead: What Irene Hopes to Build
As Irene moves forward, her vision is clear: to build a conscious, inclusive dance culture that respects roots while embracing evolution.
Her future goals include:
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Hosting in-depth Afro training programs in Kolkata,
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Bringing global street dance cultures to local stages,
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Creating performance pieces that tell untold stories through movement.
She sees dance as a vehicle for healing, learning, and collective joy—something the world needs more than ever.
Conclusion: Movement with Intention
Deepanjali Debnath (Irene) isn’t just a dancer or teacher—she’s a movement artist with a message. Her journey is a reminder that dance isn’t always about perfection; sometimes, it’s about presence. It’s about showing up for yourself, for your roots, and for your purpose.
From curious student to bold educator, Irene’s story continues to unfold—with rhythm in her bones and purpose in her heart.
