Have Feet Will Dance - SHIYAMAK DAVAR

The word “institute” brings to mind visuals of strict spectacled teach hers, neat rows of students sitting on benches and punishment for not adhering to rules. Shiamak Daver-the pioneer of modern dance in India decided to do exactly the opposite of that when he started his classes in 1986.With a motive to help the young and the young at heart discover and enjoy creative expression through dance, Shiamak Davar’s Institute For The Performing Arts or SDIPA, as it is popularly known, teaches Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock N Roll, Afro Jazz ,Salsa, Shiamak’s Indo Jazz and Shiamak's Bollywood Jazz styles of dance. SDIPA conducts dance classes in nine cities in India, reaching out to thousands of students every year.
SDIPA encourages more and more people to speak the language of dance, and also gives potential students the opportunity to explore arts as a profession.
Q) How will you describe about you?
A) I have always been a passionate kind of person, an extrovert, some one who loves to express myself. Dance is an extension of what I am, of what I can do.
Q) What is dance according to you?
A) Dance is a therapy. When you dance, you sweat; your feel-good hormones come out. People get so much out of the class and then we put the people on stage to perform. Every three months all my students come on stage and perform, all shapes and sizes. Performing on stage gives some self-worth, self-confidence. It gives you something more than dancing in class.
Q) When did you start all?
A) It all begins 25 years ago.
Q) Who is the best Bollywood dancer according to you?
A) Helen, There is nobody like her. Helen is Helen .I have never seen such movements, and in those days, no technical wizardry, nothing. She was so mind blowing.
Q) What is Victory Arts Foundation?
A) VAF is a not-for-profit organization committed to making dance a meaningful experience for “all”. VAF endeavors to use the power of performing arts, especially dance, to bring joy to the underprivileged, specially challenged, visually impaired and others. Bringing a smile on their faces and adding a bounce in their stride, VAF takes the mission of HAVE FEET, WILL DANCE.ONE STEP FURTHER. Any one can send donation to VAF at TARDEO office.
Q) What is the meaning of SHIAMAK?
A) SHIAMAK meaning “Prince”, the “Prince of Hearts”, the “Prince of Joy”, the “Prince of Simplicity”. Dancing is my true being; it is my sole nature and my soul nature, my only existence.
Q) Your Bollywood films as a Choreographer?
A) Song-Nach Baliye, film- Bunty aur Babli, staring Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerjee. Song- Chak Dum Dum (Koi Ladki Hai), film- Dil To Pagal Hai, staring-Shahrukh khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma KapporSong- Kahin Aag Lage,film- Taal , staring Aishwarya Rai.Song- BnBrap, film-Bunty aur Babli, staring Amitabh Bachchan. Song-My Dream Comes True, film-Kisna, staring-Antonio Bernath and Vivek Oberoi.
BY RAJENDRA GANOTRA AND VIJAY SHANKER.