Besides talent, dancing to Covid songs created by the community requires courage and dedication. Meet some of Victoria's most passionate dancers who are enhancing their craft spiritually and mediating dance to express themselves creatively.
Our goal at G'day India was to create customised content to signify the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and booster programs set by the Victorian health authorities. Also, to have a narrative explaining how implementing specific measures relates to the extent of practising COVID-Safe behaviour and preparing for the different strains and outbreaks of COVID-19 as it evolves.
The idea of utilising the power of Bollywood enabled us to amalgamate the Indian and South Asian communities. The focus was to create something unique, creative, and very informative, utilising the medium of dance and creating Bollywood-style songs.
After several interactions with the community, we listened to the many lived experiences with COVID-19 and condensed them into a song.
So once the lyrics were ready, which were crucial to the COVID-19 messaging. What more can we ask? When nothing beats a good tune, it becomes extra special when our community songwriters and singers, Chondryma Chakrobortti and Pulak Bose, creates it; the search was on for best dancers. We contacted all the known Indian dance schools and studios.
The response from the community was overwhelming and their eagerness to participate did our job at G'day India, which was challenging to sift through. Finally, we had the arduous task of choosing fifteen performers and influencers, with ten performances. The talent we saw was bold, electrifying and irrespective of their cultural and professional background, their storytelling about dance was to express themselves passionately. It is unusual to see fifteen dancers under one roof come together dancing to unique tunes to spread subtle messages of COVID 19.
Most of them pursue dance as a hobby, but some have been honing their craft professionally, and our dancers could be the doctor you visited once, the teacher who teaches your kids, or simply the humble neighbour next door. Additionally, the dance performances were professionally video graphed to create and enhance their music videos.
Come with us on this phenomenal journey, and let's meet the fifteen dancers and introduce them to you, who they are, what they do, what dance means to them, their journey, and their message for a COVID Safe community. Behind-the-scenes introduction of the dancers and as we learned about their love. Be, mesmerised by them and the story behind their dance. As a media company, let us share this as a critical element where a campaign is co-designed with community participation and community influencers.
SHIKHA & ANISHA
(Mother Daughter Duo)
SHIKHA KANSAL has been a working schoolteacher for the past 18 years and has also been running a Kumon centre for the past eight years. She moved to Melbourne in 2004 and has been dancing since childhood, maybe six or seven. "I haven't taken any professional training or anything. I do it as a hobby, as my passion." Says Shikha
Shikha's favourite style is Bollywood dancing, and she also enjoys semi-classical. "Dance is like a passion, and it's like an art to me. And I think it gives you immense pleasure when you dance." Shikha adds.
Shikha's covid message is simple: to follow COVID safe rules, stay hygienic as much as possible, and wash our hands and social distancing. "I think so that we can enjoy most of the liberties and social life, so I think we should all be compensated and stay away as much as possible, make sure you all are double vaccinated and just keep getting your booster every time."
ANISHA GOEL is an eleven-year-old year-six student from Yarra Valley grammar school in Melbourne. She's been dancing since she was three or four years old and has loved dancing. "My favourite dance today is Bollywood and hip hop. Because in hip hop, it's fun because you get to do what you want and do freestyle and Bollywood."
Anisha will keep dancing as a hobby, but she would like to be a doctor when she grows up because she likes keeping people safe, especially in these COVID times. Dance to Anisha is fun and something she can do whenever she wants to, as no one needs a piece of equipment for it. It means, like, for me, it's a passion for her.
Anisha's covid message - "We can sanitize our hands get double vaccinated and keep ourselves safe".
Both Anisha and Shikha used their dance to choreograph their message of COVID to build a safe and positive future and using dance to spread the message of safety.
MANISHA ISAACS
(The Dancer with Multiple Hats)
MANISHA ISAACS has been living in Melbourne for the last twenty-two years. To her, dance is a hobby, and she does some Bollywood workshops in childcare centres and then works as a professional in Children's services. Wearing multiple hats, she not only manages her husband's finance company but also manages her farm too.
Once, her friend invited her to a dance workout which turned out to be Shiamak Dance Company. "I was like, oh my god, this is not a workout. This is dancing. And my friend’s like, oh, yeah, yeah, join. Come join in." says Manisha. Later that day, she was told there would be a show, "I'm like, Oh, I'm going to do a show. I'm just doing this for fun. I didn't even dance like, you know, seriously. And she's like, ah, it doesn't matter. You do it. You got some time. And I'm like, Yeah, sure. And I mean, I didn't do it willingly. But then I was like, Oh, I'm in it now". Manisha adds.
Her favourite dance style is Bollywood, which comes under a large umbrella.
To Manisha, Dance means health, as it keeps her active and goes a long way with good nutrition, but it also adds to anyone's mental health. So, dance is essential to sustain excellent psychological and physical health.
Manisha's COVID message is simple: "social distancing is a must, especially when people have been exposed to different strains. It's common sense. Increase your immunity by having all your vitamins, exercise, dance, you know, that's the main thing."
HARISH & SHIBHA
(Na2 Entertainment)
HARISH KARUNAKARAN came to Melbourne in 2009 as a Civil Engineer by profession and a postgraduate in Environmental Engineering.
He's been dancing for as long as he can remember, for the last thirty years. He is a passionate dancer and a choreographer, as he's the creative director of Na2 Entertainment, a Melbourne-based dance and events company that celebrates local and international artists.
"I love all passionate dances, namely South Indian Naatu Kuththu (stylized folk), Traditional Folk, Contemporary, Indo-western Fusion and some Latin and Ballroom styles too," Harish adds. That dance is more than just a hobby to him. It is how he narrates gratitude for his life and expresses emotions reflecting on the experiences.
Harish Covid's safe message is about "keeping good hygiene but not at the cost of losing your life. Stay home if you are unwell. When you are healthy and keeping good hygiene, give your hugs, kisses, handshakes, fist bumps, 'Vanakkams/Namaste', or whatever you do to celebrate humanity."
Harish also adds that just as our culture got most of the answers to living a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable lifestyle, it should be easy to practice COVID Safe rules.
SHIBA SWAMINATHAN is a Project Manager by profession and has been living in Melbourne since 2013. She's been dancing since she was five years old.
"I dance with Na2 entertainment in Melbourne, and I've been dancing with this company since 2016. I love all dance styles and prefer western hip hop and Indian classical Kathak," says Shiba. Dance is happiness and joy for Shiba, and it helps her to escape from reality.
Shiba's covid message - "We should follow the rules set by the government no matter how many times these changes, get vaccinated, and follow personal hygiene practices to keep ourselves and those around us safe."
According to Shiba, dance brings her happiness to escape her from reality, but life is a reality that needs a plan of safety, especially when there's a pandemic.
HANSINI & SIMI
(Hansini Dance)
HANSINI PELENDA is a pediatric doctor by profession and has been in Melbourne almost all her life. Her parents moved here from Sri Lanka when she was only a year old; started her formal training when she was seven years old. "So, I started a dance company with my best friend Simi, when we first did our Arangetram Bharatanatyam over ten years ago." adds Hansini. They wanted to form this dance company then, but it only came to life during the lockdown last year. It's called the Hansini Dance.
Dance to Hansini "Dance means that I can create a connection to my culture and my roots. And I love India, Bollywood, and Indian music as well. So, it's also helped foster a connection to India."
Doctor Hansini's message to covid is "Be mindful that individuals can affect community health. It’s important to follow government advice; the basics have proven to work in pandemics, such as good hand hygiene, wearing masks, social distancing, etc. Just following health regulation, advice and vaccinations."
SIMI ABRAHAM was born in India and bought up in Melbourne; she is in Allied Health and works as a speech pathologist.
"I've been dancing for as long as I can walk, watching dances on the TV. Would mom see me dancing and then enrol me on a professional dance school? When I was in the first grade." Simi adds. She's also the co-founder of Hansini dance, a business she created with her friend Hansini Pelanda.
Simi loves classical and Bollywood types of filmy dances.
Dance is quite liberating and working as a health professional can sometimes be challenging, so dance is the one thing she does for herself.
Simi's Covid message is, "Follow government advice such as hand hygiene and wearing masks when required. If you're sick, stay home and get vaccinated. So, whatever you can do to help limit the spread, then try your best to do that."
LAKSHMI & HARISH
(Na2 Entertainment)
LAKSHMI PRABHA ILANGO has been living in Melbourne for the last eleven years and dancing for twenty -six years. IT engineer by profession and has been dancing with groups like Na2 Entertainment and Blend Boogie.
Her favourite dance style is South Indian folk, and to Lakshmi - "Dance is like a therapy that motivates and keeps me going even during my low times.
Her Covid message -: "Be fully vaccinated and put on our masks to guard ourselves against the virus."
As Dance to Lakshmi is like therapy; it keeps her going even during the worst times just like her job as an IT consultant, life is hectic. Lakshmi is a busy body with projects, and she can't afford to take any sick days, so following government advice to protect social liberties is the best.
HARISH KARUNAKARAN came to Melbourne in 2009 as a Civil Engineer by profession and a postgraduate in Environmental Engineering.
He's been dancing for as long as he can remember, for the last thirty years. He is a passionate dancer and a choreographer, as he's the creative director of Na2 Entertainment, a Melbourne-based dance and events company that celebrates local and international artists.
"I love all passionate dances, namely South Indian Naatu Kuththu (stylized folk), Traditional Folk, Contemporary, Indo-western Fusion and some Latin and Ballroom styles too," Harish adds. That dance is more than just a hobby to him. It is how he narrates gratitude for his life and expresses emotions reflecting on the experiences.
Harish Covid's safe message is about "keeping good hygiene but not at the cost of living your life. Stay home if you are unwell. When you are healthy and keeping good hygiene, give your hugs, kisses, handshakes, fist bumps, 'Vanakkams/Namaste', or whatever you do to celebrate humanity."
Harish adds that just as our culture got most of the answers to living a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable lifestyle, it should be easy to practice covid safe rules.
SHWETA PANDYA
(ABCD Bollywood Dance School)
SHWETA PANDYA has been living in Melbourne for the past five years and runs a dance school called ABCD Bollywood Dance School. She's been dancing for the last thirty-five years and has just started teaching in the previous two years.
Bollywood freestyle is their favourite form of dance, and dance means everything to her, as if through dance, she can connect to God and people. "Giving joy and happiness to others makes me keep working hard for the community," Shweta adds.
As dance connects her to her higher self, she feels that it is the only medium that puts a smile on people's faces. Music and dance bring the community together, and what is better than this is to bring everyone together. But we can only enjoy dance if we are fit and to be fair is to have a healthy body. It is more vital than ever before, especially now as we are still dealing with COVID- 19 strains, and it is essential to practice social distancing in a crowded place, wear masks and wash hands frequently.
Her COVID message is about social liberties - "Wear a mask, when possible, wash hands frequently, and social distances."
What is a better way to spread a covid message than with dance?
As we witness Shweta's well-balanced choreographed dance moves, let’s take this moment to also ponder and reflect on the year gone by and be like Shweta, a joyous citizen, bringing the community together with her dance.
BHASWATI BANERJEE
(The Fearless Dancer)
BHASWATI BANERJEE, IT vendor manager, 's been living in Melbourne for the past 12 years; she's been dancing for the past 30 years. She's also a senior choreographer at Mai Nachunge Dance Company (MNDC) and enjoys her favourite dance style, folk, Jazz, Freestyle and Classical.
"Dance to me to express anything without fear. It helps me to lift my spirit. It is my escape when things in my life aren't going the way I want them to. Dance is my happy place." Says Bhaswati.
The best way to be COVID Safe is to "Stay up to date with vaccines, maintain distance, wear a mask if needed, socialize outside, eat healthily, and most importantly check in on your loved ones."
Bhaswati's message is to be fearless, which is her expression through dance. Her spirits lift when she escapes to another place with her creativity, but that's only possible if we look after ourselves positively. The pandemic isn't over yet, and with daily battles of new strains of COVID-19, it is vital to follow government guidelines to enjoy our lives.
To socialize, especially outside, we must be healthy, have strong immunity and eat healthily. Our most fragile members of society are our loved ones and keeping them safe is one of the biggest priorities for every household.
Be fearless as Bhaswati's dance, and let's make a safe environment for everyone, where everyone is courageous to socialize—practising safe COVID-19 rules which is not only. For Bhaswati but for every citizen.
NATASHA BAWEJA
(NB Dance)
NATASHA BAWEJA runs a Bollywood dance company based in Melbourne named NB Dance and works as a business professional managing a transformation program for a corporate business.
She moved from New Zealand to Melbourne in 2011 and has been dancing from a very young age, professionally, more than fifteen years.
She loves the Bollywood dance style but has a strong inclination towards Hip Hop. Natasha is also a Zumba instructor, as she loves the vibe and tunes in Latin songs that add to the Zumba genre.
"Dance to me is like falling in love. I lose myself but also find myself in it. It's my soul coming out to play. Dance also enables me to connect with others from various communities with a common interest and love for dance." Natasha adds.
She firmly believes in enjoying social liberties; whether our community is at risk of Covid exposure or not, we must focus on elements we can control or influence. "And that is you! Yourself! Take care of yourself, which will intrinsically take care of others. Practice safe hygiene, eat nutritiously, stay active, and look after your well-being."
Natasha is a business professional who loves dance but also knows it is vital to have a healthy lifestyle to balance the two professions. The out-of-body experience is only possible if there is passion, dedication, and love for anything one aspires to become, as dance is too. Natasha.
Let's all have that passion for making a safer community to enjoy our love and dreams.
JASREEN SINGH
(The Expressive Dancer)
JASREEN SINGH has been a banker for the last fifteen years, and it gives her immense pleasure that she has helped many people along the way during her journey.
Melbourne has been her home for the last twenty-two years, she arrived as a student initially, and dance has been her life since the age of five.
Her first performance gave her wings, and it helped her grow immensely, from winning dance competitions to performing on National and International platforms. She was also at the Boogie Woogie dance competition in India and several dance channels in India, giving her the fame and confidence to continue her journey.
In India, while growing up, the focus was folk dancing, ranging from Bhangra, Haryanvi, Lavani, Rajasthani, and Garba. However, migrating to Australia changed everything as she decided to try more dance styles, including Salsa and Foxtrot.
"Dance is like a meditation for me; it helps me connect with my inner soul n express my emotions. Like any dancer, I would say dance is my life," says Jasreen.
She also expresses that COVID has played a lot of havoc in people's lives - "Best is to follow the guidelines set by Govt, Social distancing and keeping your Covid software updated."
Jasreen's language of dance is to connect with her inner soul to bring out the emotions that she beautifully expresses. In her dance, the only way possible is to stay away from Covid and follow safety.
DEEPTI, ARUNDHATI & ANUSHREE
(Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy)
DEEPTI SHUKLA has been living in Melbourne for the last six years. Dance is her first love; since the age of eight, Deepti's glad she has been able to foster a career out of her passion.
Back in India, she's been teaching dance for about twelve years, and now in Melbourne, founder of the dance company - Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy based in Bayswater, Victoria.
Professionally trained as a Bharatnatyam dancer, her favourite dance style is, of course, Indian Classical. "Dance is connected to me within, my soul, as it gives me peace, freedom, strength and utmost happiness. The dance will always fuel me to be the best version of myself." Deepti adds.
Her covid message is to remember to maintain distance whenever we go out, follow all safety procedures mentioned everywhere, wash our hands regularly, and not go out if we are not feeling well. "It is important that we all follow these basic requirements to promote a COVID-safe community," Deepti adds.
ARUNDHATI BHOWMICK ROY has been in Melbourne for the last six years and is an IT Delivery Lead at Coles.
She's been dancing since she was ten years old and used to perform at family and friend gatherings. But it was in 2021 she started learning Bharatnatyam.
She's also a part of Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy, and her favourite dance style is a fusion of classical and western or Bollywood.
"Dance makes me happy. It is my way to trigger positive energy and good vibes! It also helps me to stay creative and physically fit." Arundhati adds.
Her COVID Safe message is to take care of ourselves and maintain personal hygiene. "Also, be responsible and take accountability when something is wrong."
ANUSHREE SEN calls herself the curious mind and has been living in Melbourne since 2018; she is currently a Risk Manager and Advisor at ANZ, handling technology risk for Australia Retail and Commercial Divisions.
As a kid, she loved to watch songs on TV and dance to them; noticing this, her cousin enrolled her on a Kathak dance school at eight.
Being an instructor and performer at Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy, she's a trained dancer in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, which is undoubtedly her favourite.
Dance to Anushree is a vehicle for expression in both a creative and personal way. "Through." dance, not only have I been able to convey feelings of grief or strength, but it has taught me discipline; it has helped rebuild my self-confidence.”
Anushree’s Covid safety message, “Keep your house or indoor spaces sanitized after an event, observe hand hygiene regularly and always stay home if you are not feeling well
It has been a great learning experience while creating this unique content as we learn so many things about an artist's passion, the things that tick them, giving them immense pleasure to keep their art flowing.
A sheer joy to see this group of dancers from the community coming together to spread the language of dance with a unique message, and we could not be prouder of them.
We had so much fun bringing their dance that they neatly choreographed and that our audience got to view over the last few weeks. We loved everything about them, their dance, their language of culture, the expression of dance they hone their talent.
These talented dancers didn't lend their art for money but for the public of spreading the message of safety so that we maintain that social distance when there are covid outbreaks.
The most important code of safety is to protect the vulnerable and the aged population, and the principle of security starts with us in our house and community. Government Guidelines are there for a reason, and it is common sense when you are not feeling don't go outside; it is always wise to wear a mask when it's impossible to social distance.
The ethos of dance is the way its translated by a dancer, but one thing that binds everyone together is the language of expression. It holds everyone together to a commonality, uniting people and giving them a reason to smile.
What is the meaning of life? When can one not enjoy life freely, breathing fresh air and socialising with loved ones, family, and friends?
What is the most significant stake in life than living life? Life is a gift and precious; if anything, we have learnt more than ever during the pandemic how isolated we are, and nothing matters more than life.
The messaging among all our dancers were not unique; they were the same surrounding safety, just like their passion for dancing. They all enjoy their life, and it brings joy to them.
We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing dancers and teaching us a thing or two about their passion and their 'COVID MESSAGING'.
From all of us at G'day India, we wish them the very best in their future endeavours, may their talent sore to new heights, and may they live their lives to their full potential, and we hope they keep entertaining us with their artistry.
By Nandita Chakraborty
(To enjoy all their performances visit. G’day India facebook. YouTube and Instagram)