Focus on folk

Dubai resident teaches various Indian folk dances

There are many people in the Emirates who teach classical Indian dance and many others who teach how to move to Indian film and pop numbers. Namita Chandra, on the other hand, teaches at her home in Dubai, the various folk dances of India.

There are various diverse folk dance forms in India and Chandra is proficient in many of these. She teaches Bhangra (from Punjab), Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat), Gumroo (Rajasthan), Raai (Bundelkhand), Karma, Saira (Uttar Pradesh), Lavani (Maharashtra), Naga (Nagaland), Kartali (Assam) and Jhoomer (a tribal dance form).

"Folk dances, unlike classical dances, are generally done in groups, and because the movements are not too rigid or methodical they can be performed on any occasion," says the versatile dancer.

Chandra received her training at the Bathkande Sangeeth Vidya Peeth, Lucknow. She comes from a musical family; her mother is a Kathak dancer and her sister practises Bharatnatyam.

Chandra, however, chose to specialise in folk dance. Her fascination for the folk dances of India compelled her to do research on the subject. She has recently moved to the UAE and wishes to study Arabic dances as well.

Chandra had her own dance institute in Lucknow named Nrityanjli. Her dance troupes have given many award-winning performances in India. She has also choreographed dances for Doordarshan TV.

"Dancing is not just my hobby, it means everything to me. It is my source of joy, my means of expression," says Chandra. She feels that dancing is a very useful personality development exercise as a dancer gets rid of all inhibitions and is able to express herself freely.

"Dancing is an inherent talent that all of us possess. I only show my students their hidden potential. I guide them by showing them the basic steps and encourage them to create their individual style," she says.

According to Chandra, learning folk dance enables a person to dance to any film or pop number. Chandra is looking forward to teaching young girls and women of any age. She would prefer groups, as the real essence of folk dance is lost if it is done in isolation.