"Dance is a expression of confidence, style and emotions" - Vikrant Dharade



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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Well I have always believed that surrounding makes you evolve in the best version of yourself. Having a support of your family is the key to achieve your dreams. My Dad, Mom and sisters have always motivated me to be the best among all. I come from a family who believes in freedom of choice though my family background is more towards banking sector but I was always asked to follow what makes you feel passionate about.

I have completed my Bachelor's of Management Studies in Marketing and now studying Master's of Management Studies in Marketing. From childhood days i was into painting (have achieved recognition in interschool competitions), karate-senior green belt (gold medalist in district level imagination fight) , advanced swimmer and also an anchor performing stage activities. During my college days I was always being recognised as a all-rounder guy. And then dancing made a major role to develop the better person I am today.


2. When did you first decide you want to pursue dancing and how did you start.

Well right from my childhood days I was interested in dancing I use to feel the music and just use to swing my hands and tap my feet to the rhythm. I did enrolled myself in dance class when I was in 8th grade. I improved my skills , worked upon my expressions, style and presentable way to execute the emotions through gestures. I have learned dance forms like- Bollywood, Freestyle, Hip-hop, and one of the my favourite style Contemporary which made my life to take turn and be specific to this style. 

I still remember my first act having a concept of a beggar who executes his life showing emotions for which my first achievement in a district level dance competition was achieved by Second place. Slowly and gradually during my college years I have always performed and gave my best in every performance which helped me to grow my confidence to face the audience, outshine, showcase my talent, hard work and to remain one-step above the crowd. 

During my degree college days my Best friend Vinutha introduced me to a Dance class Step to Step dance academy as even she was a part of instructor team. They hired me as a Contemporary Dance Choreographer and instructor. Where I taught 3 different batches of students age group from 5 to 15 And I even learned and explored my choreography skills. Working in a team and teaching kids was the best part of my life. Rehearsals shoots and fun were always the best memories I'll cherish for life. Dancing made me passionate to achieve and to love what you adore about yourself.. Dancing as a talent transformed my personality and developed communication & interaction skills.


3. Who is your favourite dancer and why?

My favourite dancer is one of the best leading dance choreographer in India Remo D'Souza. He struggled as a background dancer years back but his hard work was incredible, his techniques and choreography is always breathtaking, he judged TV reality shows. His is also a Film Director and has 3 films on dance directed by him till now. He is talented , focused , disciplined and gives opportunity to those talented people who struggles day and night to become someone's inspiration. He is kind and humble the person he is reflects his real personality in his profession.


4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer?

Being a Contemporary Dancer and choreographer I have always got end number of opportunities to showcase my talent my skills to the audience various shows and events intercollegiate competition made me recognized. During my teaching days we had our annual dance event on which I performed with my students in front of there parents my mom and sisters sitting at the first row and watching me dance feeling proud of me was always cherishing moments and getting that round of a applause for my hard work and dedication to teach. Also Last December we were a part of the event H. O. P. E which was for cancer patients of tata memorial Hospital. We taught them dance and also danced with them sharing same platform and that happiness on those innocent faces will always be the best decision I ever took for teaching dance.


5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

I was always been a combination of guidance by my teachers and self trained skills which I learned from watching YouTube videos and on other social media platforms. One at a point need guidance because variations in every step makes u more thoughtful if you're talented enough, have ideas to explore the meaning of every dance rhythm and passionate about dancing so I must say you're ready to give your learnings and lessons to the upcoming youth.


6. What piece of advice you would u like to give to future aspiring artists.

Have faith, be confident, be passionate not only if you love dancing but if you have any other talent please showcase it. learning comes in various different ways it's you who will decide giving a try can change and mould your future just like my did. Not everyone has same Talent but everyone has some kind of talent focus on it and grow develop your talent not only for audience but for yourself to be different and to feel proud of yourself.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book and inspiring one is ''The Story of my Life'' by Helen Keller being dumb and deaf and still has that ambitious mind to learn to read to write and to be extraordinary from the crowd that makes me inspiring.


- Vikrant Dharade

Interview by - Mayuresh Sangale