Dance has always been part of my life, and the best memories are related not only to practicing but especially the shows and events.
When I first came into contact with Indian dances and Bollywood, I was dancing as a white rabbit… I can explain! We were preparing for the final show dedicated entirely to Alice in Wonderland. My role was the White Rabbit, always running with my waistcoat on and my clock. The school director decided to have a special final dance with all the dancers on stage, inviting an Indian dance teacher, who immediately agreed to create something special.
So yes, I danced my first Bollywood choreography dressed like a rabbit! Funny, eh? That night everything was so colorful, joyful, energetic and emotional, I just fell in love with Indian music and dance. I remember experiencing so complete happiness, I wasn’t able to stop dancing! I am grateful to Roberta Borello, the dance school director for making me fall in love with dance, and Rama Iurilli for introducing the beautiful world of Indian dance.
Later we founded a performing group called Nachde Sitare. I don’t want to bore you with a list of performances but to talk about a very special day, Milano was almost like India. We had been invited with another dance group Apsaras Dance from Rome, to perform at an exclusive Bollywood party in La Rinascente. The party was attended by some of the biggest names in the Italian fashion industry. La Rinascente – a megastore in a historical building – celebrated restyling its men’s floor by the architectural studio Mumbai Architect. Impressive 3D images of a Rajasthani building were projected onto the walls, and everything was decorated in Indian style. Can you imagine?
Bringing Indian dance in Italy to an important event had been our mission. We had the opportunity to perform Bollywood choreographies, as well as Bhangra and Giddha, popular folk dances from the Punjab region. The most beautiful thing for me as a dancer, was to see the audience enchanted by these styles, and especially the smiles!
"It became clear, spreading happiness through dance is one of my purposes in life."
According to Indian legend, the gods invented dance, right? It became clear, spreading happiness through dance is one of my purposes in life. After the event I saw pictures of our group in Vogue Italy, the Italian edition of Vogue magazine. Seeing the pictures made me realize spreading the beauty of Indian dances was a gift, and it was important to continue on the path. I believe Lotus Indian Dance Centre has this mission too, and being part of it makes me very proud and happy!
Editing: Ilona Kolachana
HELSINKI, FINLAND // INFO@BOLLYBEAT.FI // Copyright LOTUS INDIAN DANCE CENTRE
HELSINKI, FINLAND // INFO@BOLLYBEAT.FI // Copyright LOTUS INDIAN DANCE CENTRE