Correct Knowledge and Training Is a Must

Dancing and teaching dance is not something that is learned once and can be mastered instantly. It requires continuous practice and dedication.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I've done Bachelors in Management Studies (BMS). I've never been interested in academics though I scored decently well in my school times. I have always been up for dancing, dance competitions, practised hard day and night during annual days etc.

My mother always gave me an opportunity to choose dance/dance-school over academics/college. I never opted for it because I was more concerned about good income. Hence, I chose to become a CA. After 12th, when I actually started with its classes, I realised how desperately I missed dancing.

The hours of studying not only on weekdays but also weekends, made me skip my dance classes. Within a week or so I realised, "I can't do this, I can't survive without DANCE" and I requested my parents to let me give up on CA and continue with any other graduation.

I am BLESSED to have supportive parents. Coming from a middle class family, it is not easy to let your child follow passion. But they supported me despite already having spent a big amount behind my classes and books which were not refundable. Hence, I chose BMS thinking that I'll be dancing as a part-time thing.

After my graduation, it hits in my another realisation that I cannot do a 9 to 5 job. I then started researching different dance courses. My main intention was to have proper knowledge so that I can become a good teacher. I have always focused more on self growth for becoming a better teacher than a performer when it comes to DANCE.

I then applied for scholarship in the Diploma in Dance Foundation Course in Terence Lewis Academy. Because the fees were a bit on the higher side, I had decided that I'll join the course only if I get a scholarship. I was also researching other courses meanwhile.

In a few days, my mother got a call saying, "congratulations! this is to inform you that URVI NAIR has got the highest scholarship on the basis of her talent". My happiness had no bounds for some days after the news had come. After the completion of Diploma, I worked in different places as a part-time dance teacher.

Also kept upgrading my skills by learning more styles. Now, it's been 5 years of my experience as a full time Dance Teacher in school.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue Dance and how did you start?

After my graduation, when I realised I have to get a job now. A normal job, a 9 to 5 job, a desk job!!!!

After my graduation, I realised that I cannot do a 9 to 5 job. I then started researching different dance courses. My main intention was to have proper knowledge so that I can become a good teacher. I have always focused more on self-growth for becoming a better teacher than a performer when it comes to DANCE.

After the completion of Diploma, I worked in different places as a part-time dance teacher. Also kept upgrading my skills by learning more styles. Now, it's been 5 years of my experience as a full time Dance Teacher in school.

3. Who is your favourite Dancer and why?

I don't have favourite dancers. I have favourite dance teachers because of their teaching skills.

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

Primarily, a Dancer has 2 choices or rather, interests. If a Dancer is interested in performing, one can get a lot of opportunities, because the entertainment industry is growing. Performances and shows happen globally. Hence, opportunities also increase.

If a Dancer is interested in teaching/choreographing, he/she can choreograph and teach others, be it their own classes or even as a visiting faculty at a studio for taking workshops.

Either way, everything is directly connected to self-up-gradation. Dancing and teaching dance is not something that is learned once and can be mastered instantly. It requires continuous practice and dedication.

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

It is not necessary if you are training yourself with correct knowledge. I would say CORRECT KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING IS A MUST. Bluffing yourself and others with skills and wrong training will not help in the long run. Talent and dedication speak a lot.

One just has to be truthful to his/her skill, learning and growth. Research is very important. Understanding your body in detail is very important.

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

I would say CORRECT KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING IS A MUST. Bluffing yourself and others with skills you don't possess or providing inaccurate training will be harmful to you and your audience. Talent and dedication speak a lot. One just has to be truthful to his/her skill, learning and growth. Research is very important. Understanding your body in detail is very important.

If you really want to upgrade your skill, don't just follow trends, trendy songs, hook steps etc. I understand it is important to make your audience happy and keep them attracted towards you and your art, but knowledge is MORE IMPORTANT. PRACTICE IS MORE IMPORTANT.

Try styles out of your comfort zone, practise it, master it. Do not stay in a box, in your comfort zone. BE OPEN TO LEARNING. START TAKING YOUR ART AS MEDITATION.

Urvi Bhargava - Dancer

Interview by - Rupali Rawat