January 10, 2016 marked a significant milestone in my life. It was the day I decided to turn my love for music and dance into a profession as a dance instructor and choreographer. What started as a hobby, helping friends and family with their events, transformed into a career focused on helping natural dancers reach their full potential, guiding those once afraid of dancing, teaching kids in a fun and positive environment, and preparing them for stage performances.

This decision opened up several avenues for personal growth. Working with kids was particularly challenging, testing my patience in numerous ways. My first summer program proved to be a valuable learning experience, as I trained myself on how to interact with children, respond to their inquiries, improve their performances, and instill a team culture that encourages collaboration over individual stardom. I was pleasantly surprised by the children’s positive response, gaining their respect and trust in the process. Credit is due to the parents who entrusted me with their kids – they should be commended for believing in me and my approach.

I firmly believe that group dancing is akin to any team sport. Every team has weak links, but when everyone works together towards a common goal, the impossible becomes possible. Over the past eight months, I have had the opportunity to impart my knowledge to individuals of varying skill levels. It was fascinating to witness how, despite some struggling in practice sessions, everyone pulled their weight when performing on stage. Each dancer’s passion and love for dance was evident, even those who may not have been as naturally talented as others.

My ultimate goal is to help anyone with an interest in learning, not just the gifted few. Dance is an art form that enables one to express oneself through music. Dance like nobody’s watching…

Srimanth