Young India gets foreign platform
Dance is a medium of expression, a form in which we can explain all our feeling and desires. This expression is incomplete if we are inhibited or have hesitation inside us when we dance or perform. Have you ever realised that whenever we see children dance, it brings a smile to our faces instantly? That is because children have no inhibitions so they do not feel shy when they dance and seeing them so relaxed and carefree on the floor makes us smile — a smile that lasts even after the performance is over.
One such carefree young couple is Abhishek Goenka and Shebani Bhargava. Abhishek is all of 14 years and is a student is Jasuben ML School while Shebani is a cute 10-year-old girl from Jamnabai Narsee School. Both these little stars have been learning dance under me for almost four years now and have performed for many an event, including the prestigious Kala Ghoda Festival.
Not many may know that Latin and Ballroom Dancing is now an accepted form of sport and it goes with the name “DanceSport”. Ballroom and Latin Dances are even a part of the international games such as Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the biggest of all gaming events — Olympics.
Abhishek and Shebani made me proud when they won the AIDSF (All India DanceSport Fereration) National DanceSport Championship in 2010. Later, after a few more selection rounds, based on their dancing skills, they were chosen to represent India for the “Eastern DanceSport Championship 2011” to be held in Singapore later this year. They will be competing with children from 22 countries in Rumba, Cha Cha Cha and Jive categories. This is the first time that India is sending such a young couple for a competitive international dance event.
This not only makes me proud, but also gives me hope for other Indian children that may want to take up Western classical dance form a lot seriously. Latin and Ballroom dances need dedication, extensive coordination, great technique, trust in each other and above all, the uninhibited belief of sensuality. We send our children to learn different forms of sport like cricket, hockey, swimming, etc and many parents hope that their child will one day take up sports, but when it comes to dance, we look at it as a hobby and as an activity for holidays and weekends.
Abhishek and Shebani have all the qualities that a winner needs and I only have their parents to thank for it. For the past so many years, I have seen both sets of parents encourage their children to concentrate on dance. For all their efforts and attitude they deserve a standing ovation.
My instructors and I have worked tirelessly on this vibrant young couple to look the way international dancers should. Just a week away from the main event, all the preparations are done and even the last minute tips have been shared. I am writing this piece because any competition and examination is incomplete without blessing, love and good wishes. I, request all the readers to please keep this dynamic couple in their prayers and let’s hope they can make our country proud. “ALL THE BEST”.
Post new comment