Giving us life goals, youngsters and tiny tots in namma ooru and across India have been shining bright and chasing their dreams in a footloose frenzy. Having won several medals and titles in previous editions, they are all set to repeat history in the second edition of the Dance World Cup taking place in Portugal.
The Indian Society for Performers and Teachers of Dance in association with Lourd Vijay’s Dance Studio bring the second edition of the Dance World Cup India Qualifiers to the Garden City. Over 1,000 (and counting) dancers under the age of 25 from all over India who auditioned online, and 200 dancers who have qualified through the video audition will now descend to Bengaluru, to show their mettle at the Qualifiers at Phoenix Market City, on the January 26 and 27.
Thrilled to witness these young talents unveil and roar, the director of Dance World Cup, Lourd Vijay, says, “The audition that is taking place in Bengaluru is to select those who will be representing India in the Dance World Cup finals which will take place in Portugal from June 28. We had over 40 participants who showcased their talent last year in Spain and we bagged three gold medals as well. This year, for the qualifiers, we have over 200 participants and 84 of them are from Bengaluru. Gene Takooree, Shane Mendez and Sharmila Mukherjee are the judges for the event.”
To open up an international platform for young talent is a great opportunity indeed. We talk to some of the dancers from Bengaluru to get a peek into what we can expect and how they are preparing for the mega event...
Meghan Singhal, a 14-year-old student from Greenwood High will be performing in the Under – 17 category. Having performed in the finals at Spain last year, she says, “Last year I participated in the under 13 category and got a 100 on 100 for my hip-hop performance in the trial category. We did a trio and came fifth in the finals and won best dancers in the Indian category. It was a great experience. Apart from hip-hop, I’m also interested in contemporary, jazz, and Bollywood. Dancing is my biggest passion and I want to pursue it once I grow up. It helps me build my confidence.”
But for Anoushka De, a 13-year-old student from Amaatra Academy, it’s a brand new experience. She says, “I’m very excited to participate in the competition as it will provide me with the exposure and experience that I need. I will be performing hip-hop and Bollywood. We started the choreography months ago and have been working really hard for it. Dance helps me express myself and is a great stress buster. I have been learning Classical dance since the age of six and shifted to hip–hop when I was nine. My family has been very supportive of my interest in dance.”
To pursue a career in the field of dance and music is a tough call; one that will be challenged with questions of practicality and stability. But that doesn’t stop these enthusiasts from following their heart.
Priya Najpande (23) is pursuing her masters in Kathak and is very happy with her decision. She says, “Dance means the world to me. I cannot see myself as anything but a dancer. As far the question of how practical it is to pursue a career in dance is concerned, I think anything is possible through hard work and I also have a very supportive family which keeps me going. I’m thrilled about the qualifiers and have been practising since over a month to be able to give it my best.”
