Still waiting to take flight

When it comes to ballet, Mumbai's performance is abysmal, but there is a good enough market, say teachers

One of the most timeless and famous of all dance forms — and in our case, most under-represented as well — is classical ballet. It is notable for its techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs; its graceful, flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.

Despite being one of the most revered and respected dance forms, ballet is yet to really catch on in Mumbai. One of the biggest obstacles in its development is the fact that it’s a fairly expensive art to learn. Another reason is that the certificate or grade exams are conducted through the Royal Academy of Dance in London, and examiners have to be invited from abroad.

Khushcheher Dallas, one of the few certified ballet teachers in Mumbai, says, “It’s a very unnatural dance compared to other dances. It’s better to start it at a very young age since the body is much more flexible. It requires a lot of discipline.”

Khushcheher runs the School of Western and Classical Dance — founded by her mum, Tushna Dallas — with branches all over town. “The ideal age to start training in ballet is around five to six years, and training can go on till the late teens. Majority of those who drop out do so within the first year; else they stay with it till the end.”

There’s a world of difference between ballet and the vibrant Latin America dances or the stately waltz and ballroom dances. Ballet dancer Karim Modi says, “The Latin American dances are more social, whereas ballet is performance-oriented.”

The career options for a trained ballet dancer aren’t very promising either, as there are no proper companies or troupes in the city that one can join. So, either you join a ballet company outside or you start your own company or school.

Another problem is lack of exposure and public awareness compounded by the stiff competition offered by more upbeat dances like jazz, hip hop, Bollywood, salsa, et al.
However, the horizon isn’t bleak either. “Ballet is the best. It is slow and very enjoyable. It’s a lot of fun,” says Urveez Kakalia, who has been training in ballet for the past eight years.

There is a market, evident by the fact that studios like Expression Dance and Fitness Studio in Dadar and Dance Worx Performing Arts Academy  in Bandra have started offering ballet classes.

Says former dancer Miral Durlabhji, “The performance scene in Mumbai is quite good, but it does need more publicity and exposure. It’s only picking up now.” On being a male ballet dancer, he says, “When Shiamak Dawar’s classes started, people used to say that boys don’t dance, leave alone doing ballet. But things are changing now.”

Due to limitations like lack of funding, trained teachers, academies, etc., the present scenario isn’t all it could be. But things are changing, and enthusiasm seems to be high among Mumbaikars, who are willing to face the daunting challenges of a “turn-out” and a “tendue”.