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In episode 33 of ADOR LOVESHOTS, enjoy this conversation between Udit Shah - CEO of ADOR Dating, and Archana Dwivedi - Artist and Kathak Dancer.
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Please share a brief about you and your journey as a professional dancer and your life experience as a part of the same.
I am a senior and sincere disciple of Kathak Exponent Moumala Nayak. I graduated in Kathak from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi. I have also choreographed time and again from many schools. Being a member of the Indian Classical Dancers Association (ICDA), I have performed with my Guru and other exponents. I have also tried to enhance the nuances of my Kathak repertoire by attending workshops of many legendary gurus and have been honored as a Judge in District level Kala Utsav organized by the Directorate of Education. With my Guru’s blessings, I have been awarded Annapurna Sinha Scholarship for my efforts by Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Hailing from a Brahmin family, I put my devotion to acquiring the theoretical & practical aspects of my Indian classical dance form by moving ahead in my journey in life.
Dancing requires a lot of dedication, persistence and patience; how do you manage to follow your hobby along with your daily routine?
In the Morning I do yoga and then do riyaaz. After that, I give dance classes to my students of Nitya Archana. For rehearsal, my daily routine is not fixed because I have to manage according to the rehearsal time.
If you had a chance to spend 1 hour with one professional dancer, who would he/she will b?
I will spend 1 hour with Guru Malti Shyam Ji because I met him in 2016 at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya auditorium. I have seen many of his shows. She was so sweet and kind when I met her.
Why traditional dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam are utmost importance for youth to learn in their initial years?
Dance is a form of meditation. Both the dance forms keep our minds peaceful. Youth should learn in their initial years because we should take our culture forward.
What are the easiest ways for the youth to learn the basics of dancing from the comfort of their home or online?
The easiest way for youth to learn basics is footwork which is Ta Thei Thei Tat Aa Thei Thei Tat. Maharaj Ji says to always keep chanting it.
What are your tips for women who wish to balance their passion and daily routine?
For women to balance their passion and daily routine, it's difficult but if women want to follow their passion then they should go out for half an hour for dance practice in their daily routine.
Your Top 3 favourite dancers in India?
Prabhu Deva, Madhuri Dixit and Nora Fatehi.
Fun and Rapid Fire Round on ADOR LOVESHOTS
Udit Shah: If you had to choose between dancing in front of a 10,000 audience or dancing with any Bollywood star - what would you choose?
Archana Dwivedi: I'll choose dancing in front of a 10,000 audience.
Udit Shah: Your favourite dance form?
Archana Dwivedi: Kathak.
Udit Shah: Your favourite dancer in your favourite dance form?
Archana Dwivedi: Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Udit Shah: Your favourite dance step?
Archana Dwivedi: Knee Spin.
Udit Shah: How a month without dancing would look like for you?
Archana Dwivedi: It will be really difficult for me to live. It would feel empty without dancing.
Thank you for your lovely time!