Shake it like SHIAMAK

He believes that dance is an expression of the soul and has the knack of making you swing to his steps. Seema Sachdeva captures the choreographer’s lively rhythm.

THE first thing that strikes when one meets Shiamak Davar, besides his infectious smile, is his enthusiasm, especially when he speaks of his school for dance, SDIPA (Shiamak Davar’s Institute for Performing Arts).

The confidence he exudes is evident in his students. Whether it is the 27-year-old Mona, mother of a four-year-old, or the seven-year-old Navia, a student of Class I, who joined his winter funk programme held recently in association with the Durga Das Foundation, he puts everyone at ease.

Through the medium of dance he makes them know themselves and their body. His inner dance movements combine elements of yoga, asanas, meditation and relaxation techniques. Dance, says Shiamak, is not a frivolous activity. "It is an art form that needs to be developed with a lot of aesthetic sense." According to Shiamak, each of us has that rhythm inside us. The only thing that stops us from dancing is the will (or the lack of it) to express it and enjoy it." Dance, for Shiamak, is an expression of the soul, the inner self. For him, there is a close relationship between dance and spirituality.

About the spiritual aspect of life, Shiamak says, "I am a big believer in God, karma and reincarnation. Spirituality gives me a sense of balance, a direction in life." He is careful to add, that he is spiritual, not religious. Although he prays everyday and meditates too, he is not ritualistic about it.

Rated among the top-most choreographers of the country, things haven’t always been easy for him. According to Shiamak, "Twentyfive years ago, dance was considered the domain of women. When I decided to opt for this profession, I was greeted by taunts like it was a girl thing to do etc". However, he followed the call of his heart and his family was supportive of his decision. His interest took him to Pineapple Dance Centre and Contemporary Dance Theatre, London, and later to Paris and New York to learn the art of dance.

Of his present ventures, Shiamak has choreographed the sole English song in Subhash Ghai’s Kisna. The song My Wish Come True, written by Blazze, pairs Vivek Oberoi and British actor Antonio Bernath. He says the song is an experimental piece and an expression of what he had been hiding for 25 years.

He also acted in Evita, based on the life of Eva Peron, the small-town girl who went on to become the first lady of Argentina.

The first Indian to choreograph an Italian opera, Shiamak is also set to choreograph Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next film Bajirao Mastani.

However, films are not on his agenda. "After Dil to Pagal Hai and Taal, I got a number of offers to choreograph but none was interesting and novel enough. For me, my dance school and my students come first," says.

Shiamak’s dance school founded in 1992 in Mumbai with seven students, now has branches in many cities. His entire focus is on creating a dance form with rhythm and creativity.

"I don’t want my students to emulate the rubbish music videos that choreographers today make. Choreographers are n ot creating music. They should work on their craft first."

As many as 10,000 students enrol annually with SDIPA. Special classes are held for the differently-abled, senior citizens, children of commercial sex workers and street children. He sure does believe in the motto of his school: "Have feet, will dance".

HOME