Rhythm of life

Choreographer trains youngsters for stage performances

Chhabi Sahai has been in the field of performing arts for the last 20 years and has carved a niche for herself in Dubai as a choreographer.

She lists having choreographed many small and big shows and conducted annual cultural shows in schools and colleges. She has also groomed models for many stage events in Dubai.

Obsession

A trained Kathak dancer, Sahai has performed on stage since the age of eight. "The stage has always been my obsession," says Sahai, who also has a flair for acting.

She has worked with a group called Natya Bharati in India. The accomplished Kathak dancer now trains girls in folk and semi-classical dance forms.

She also teaches western dances, assisted by her daughters. Besides the passion for music and dance, she is also an artist who paints with oil colours.

In her grooming classes she trains youngsters to walk the ramp, overcome stage fright and develop confidence.

"With a little help, they can go a long way," says Sahai, who is the mother of three grown-up girls. She is always keen to strike the right balance with her students to bring out their best.

"There are a lot of talented youngsters in Dubai who are eager to learn and get trained in the various streams of performing arts," she says.

Outfits

She recently choreographed a theme dance and fashion show displaying traditional, modern and fusion fashion wear for students and alumni of Our Own English High School Dubai.

"Fashion outfits are not only for those who walk the ramp, they should be made in a way suitable to be worn by everyone," says Sahai.

Devoted to music, she is an accomplished singer as well. She sings light, semi-classical folk songs and ghazals.

She has recorded a cassette of her songs consisting of old Hindi hits titled Shades of Joy. She plans to teach light music training and ghazals soon.

It gives her great satisfaction to impart her skills to others, especially as she feels it helps them bring out their talents.