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Rajendra Ganotra and Vijay Shanker  spotlights famous Latin Ballroom dancer, choreographer and teacher Sandip Soparrkat who has been credited for having promoted ballroom culture in India and won accolades for his performances from Royal personalities like Queen of England and Prince of Wales. In an exclusive interview Sandip talks about his celebrity students, Bollywood assignments, passion for dancing and much more,

Why did you select dancing as your profession?

“While I was hardly fifteen I realized that I would be interested in a profession where I get to interact with people and since I enjoy dancing the most, I felt dancing was the most appropriate profession for me”

Have you had  any formal training in Latin Ballroom dancing?

“Fortunately I am a German trained dancer and teacher. I was trained at the Dance Teacher’s Institute in Bonn. Since it was not possible to function as a dancer and teacher I decided to start my own classes in India, I arrived in Mumbai in 2000”

Could you elaborate as to what is Latin Ballroom dancing all about?

“Actually there are ten types of ballroom dances, hence can be divided into two categories. There are five types of Latin ballroom dances, they are Rumba, Samba, Jive, Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble. The Rumba started in the 16th century and was performed exclusively by Africans  and was also known as the Cuban Rumba. The Americans and the Britishers further popularized this dance which is known as the dance of love. Samba is also from Africa but today it is known as the national dance of Brazil. The movements are rhythmic, animalistic ,exotic, sexy and the mood is festive and is the fastest dance. Jive is mixture of all the dances and the style is relaxed and fun filled, according to the music. Cha Cha Cha was originally known as Triple Mambo. Hip action and speed is the essence of this dance and the mood is naughty and spicy. Lastly Paso Doble means two steps and is associated with Spain, particularly the Spanish Bullfight. The man is the matador and the woman is the caper.This dance also relates to Vienese Waltz and is known for its technical ability and the mood is fight. I teach in Mumbai., Pune and Surat”.

Tell us about your celebrity students?

“Everybody has to go through  the complete course, it is does really matter as to whether they are celebrities or not. Some of the names I would like to mention are Yana Gupta  Nethra Raghuraman,  Kittu Gidwani, Jessy Randawa,  Dipannita Sharma, Tejaswini Kolhapure. Sheetal Mallar, Aditi Gowatrikar and Dino Morea and others”.

I believe you fought with Pooja Bhat?

“ While I doing the choreography for Pooja Bhat’s Holiday, I taught Dino Morea and Onjali Nair. After working for six months I realized that I was not paid at all, that’s how it all started but I have no regrets as I know I was not wrong”.

Which has been your best teaching experience?

“I was invited by Mrs Sarah Giri, wife of Ex Prime Minister of Nepal, Dr Tulsi Giri to teach the dumb and deaf children. You will be surprised to know they danced to perfection without music. Most memorable experience of mine”.

Your forthcoming movies?
“N Chandra’s Cyclone and a Subash Ghai film”.

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