Down syndrome didn’t define her; dance did

Dance became the language of Sayalee Agavane, a Down Syndrome professional dance artist who has transformed every stage she has stepped on, from local performances to international platforms. Sayalee performs both Kathak and Western dance. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious honors and has also appeared on various television reality shows, becoming a true role model.

Sayalee has represented India on global stages in Bangkok, Malaysia, Singapore, and Colombo, and received the World Down Syndrome Day Award in London (2018). Today, she teaches dance to children with special needs across Maharashtra free of cost, spreading joy, rhythm, and confidence through her art.

Mrunal
October 27, 2025

Boss Naari: Sayalee, how did your journey in dance begin?

Sayalee: Me and my sister started learning Kathak from the age of 9. I attended all the batches, right from preliminary to advanced, slowly improving on my skills and memory. And all this with 200 ‘normal kids’ as fellow students.

Boss Naari: What inspired you to make dance your profession?

Sayalee: I made dance my profession and decided to train other children like me. When I was invited by different schools to take dance workshops for their special children, I was upset to see the condition they were in. They sat idle and looked lost. That is when I thought of starting Sayalee’s Dance Classes at home.

Sayalee meeting the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

Boss Naari: You’ve performed across India and abroad. Could you tell us more about that experience?

Sayalee: Nationally, I have performed in many states, and internationally in Thailand (2010), Malaysia (2014), Singapore (2014), and Sri Lanka (2016). In 2018, I received the World Down Syndrome Day Award in London, where I represented India at a world-level program. I also hold a record for performing solo in six countries.

Sayalee receiving the Nari Shakti Award from the then President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

Boss Naari: You’ve received several national and international honors. Which ones are closest to your heart?

Sayalee: I received the President’s Award in 2012 from Pranab Mukherjee, and the Naari Shakti Award in 2022 from President Ramnath Kovind. I also received the Limca Book of Records “People of the Year” Award (2016) from Narayan Murthy, the Spandan National Award, and the DCW Annual Award (2017) by the Government of Delhi. In 2024, I was specially invited by President Droupadi Murmu for a function on 15th August at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where top officials personally came to invite me. All the rewards are close to my heart, and am truly humbled.

Sayalee in her element on stage.

Boss Naari: You also teach dance to other children. Tell us about that.

Sayalee: I teach dance to special kids across Maharashtra and I go to their schools free of cost. I love both Kathak and Western dance, and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others.

Sayalee teaching dance to her students.

Boss Naari: Apart from dance, what other activities do you enjoy?

Sayalee: I do yoga, zumba, skating, and swimming. I also do emboss painting, and I love making designs on pots and flowers.

Sayalee with her group on a television reality show.

Boss Naari: How do you feel when you perform on stage?

Sayalee: I perform on stage without any fear. I am not afraid to perform; I always enjoy doing it.

A spark of energy and grace.

Boss Naari: You’ve also represented kids like you on television. How was that experience?

Sayalee: I have represented kids like me on a television reality show. It was a proud moment for me.

Disclaimer: Some responses are Sayalee’s, and some are shared by her parents to reflect her experiences and perspective.

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