Hip hop, salsa, kathak, flamenco, tap dancing…all these dance forms are much in demand. But, how great would it be if two of these were combined to produce a completely new dance form? We found two dance instructors that have gone out of their comfort zone to break the monotony and create some unique new dance forms.
Kathak and Flamenco
Intructor: Sharmini Tharmaratnam
Why the fusion?
Based partly in India and partly in Spain, Sharmini was introduced to flamenco and the gypsy world early on. She was an avid exponent of kathak too, which, after living in Europe, incited her to consider a more universal approach to the dance form. She decided to blend the two to create a unique new dance form that would appeal to both the East and the West. Both kathak and flamenco use primarily leg movements, which completes the synthesis. Sharmini explains, “If my workshops enable people to experiment something new or to understand the value of the old, I’ll feel great. Any artist who doesn’t challenge himself by widening his horizon—even while making mistakes—is not an artist.”
Its benefits: Kathak-flamenco, as any other dance form, is an interesting method to improve coordination. Combining these forms bring new physical challenges because of the varied movements. In addition, you are able to learn more about different cultures and their music. “Creation in any form is a divine expression. The rhythm of both flamenco and kathak connect us with our origin of life; our heartbeats and our souls. Footwork, which is an integral part of both kathak and flamenco, is the connection with the Earth and space, because with fast footwork, you are almost floating, elevated in the air,” says Sharmini. She adds, “Doing kathak to flamenco music has invited more people to join in. In kathak, you are always representing someone or something, whereas in flamenco, your personal story can be expressed in a more abstract and direct manner. Flamenco is not about storytelling; the whole body expresses personal emotions from within.”
Hip Hop and Salsa
Instructor: Aanchal Gupta, Director of Arts in Motion
Why the fusion?
With more dance competitions and reality shows featuring fusion dance forms, the demand for these dances is on the rise. People get bored doing the same kind of dances all the time, so changes are always welcome. Aanchal, who has plenty of other fusion dance options in her dance academy, including tap dance and belly dancing, says, “Blending hip hop and salsa is not about creating a new dance form or creating hype in any way. As dancers, it’s exciting to experiment and explore different styles and see what is formed when fusing two distinct styles together.”
Its benefits: It is challenging as dancers to try something new, to enhance your skills and the high it gives you when you create something outstanding by using two unique styles. Hip hop and salsa are both fast-paced dances that require quick moves. Its fusion increases stamina, adds grace and improves flexibility.
“I believe that the dances people opt for are defined by their personalities. A master of tap may be below average at waltz since his body type and life-long training has been dedicated towards a particular style. Creating a fusion dance form like hip hop and salsa is like stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with a style that may or may not be your forte,” completes Aanchal.
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