Creative Class: Meet Nirva

We are proud of our strong company culture rooted in collaboration and innovation. This special series highlights the creativity of our employees on and off the clock.

Nirva Shah. Sales Auditor. Classical Indian Dancer and Guru.

Nirva Shah demonstrates effortless poise and grace whether using her analytical skills as Store Sales Auditor to crunch numbers in the accounting department at Fossil, or using her creative prowess as a Classical Indian Dancer to teach students dance in her home-based dance studio.

We asked Nirva a few questions to get to know her and her Creative Class persona on a more intimate level.

What is your Creative Class hobby or business?

I’m a classical Indian dancer and guru of 35 years. I teach classes in in Murphy, Texas and currently have approximately 55 students enrolled in my classes. I teach numerous forms of classical Indian dance. Bharata Natyam is one of many forms of classical dances prevalent in India that can be traced back to the fifth century A.D. It was birthed in Tamil Nadu region, a southern part of India. Bharata Natyam is intended to provide spiritual satisfaction to the performer and aesthetic experience to the audience.

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What does this dance look like on stage?

The dancer uses precise hand gestures, forceful footwork and swift body movements along with beautiful facial expressions to exploit the body, mind and soul to their fullest potential.

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How did you get started and what was your original inspiration for dancing?

When I was 10 years old, my mom and dad inspired me to start dancing by sending me to dance classes to learn traditional Indian dance. I enjoyed dancing so much that I continued to develop my talent as I got older.

What do you do at Fossil and what makes your job unique?

I was recently promoted from Sales Audit Clerk to Store Sales Auditor for the outlet stores. In my new role I wear many hats, which makes my job unique. I’m responsible for auditing outlet stores’ cash variances, TRN errors and inventory adjustments. I also assist with reconciling customer duplicate charges, refunds and more.

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How does your Creative Class skill set align with what you do for your day job?

My Creative Class skill set aligns with my day job due to the multitasking and prioritizing that’s required for dancing, learning and teaching new choreography and preparing for performances. I’ve found that I’m able to get more work done and work on many tasks simultaneously due to my training and preparation as a dancer.

How do you balance your Creative Class persona and your main career?

What helps me balance the two is my ability to multitask and stay organized. I run a one-woman show. I’m responsible for all of the choreography, costumes, lighting and stage setup, so I have to be able to juggle many priorities and projects with ease.

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What are some successes you’ve had with your Creative Class hobby?

I’ve experienced tremendous success with my dancing career. Back home in India I established the Payal Dance Academy, where I trained more than 300 students in classical Indian dance. Currently, I organize shows every year to highlight my graduating students. I also perform alongside my students during these same shows. Back home in India I became a leading artist in my field; I received the Sringar Mani Award by Sur Singar Sansad. In the late 80s, I was honored by the government of Gujarat for the choreography of my dance ballet “Sonal”, among other accomplishments. I’m content with where my dancing career is and I have no plans to expand it.

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What are the requirements to graduate?

In order to graduate, my students have to complete two hours of dance instruction, and of course, have fun learning how to dance.

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Do you have any tips/techniques to help novice dancers (the ones with two left feet)?

It’s about having fun when you dance. Don’t take yourself too seriously and you’ll be great.

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Are there any other outlets that spark your creativity, such as reading or listening to music?

I love music and I listen to tons of it, mainly Indian music.

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What are you most curious about?

Knowledge. I’m always eager to learn more and grow as a professional.