Get ready to roll your eyes, move your body, and tap to the rhythm of your heartbeat with the 22-year-old Charvi Bharadwaj from Jaipur.

This talented girl is a professional dancer, choreographer, and performer. Starting her career from a very early age, Charvi began dancing when she was just three years old. Later, like most of us, she spent hours preparing for IIT and PMT until one day she let the books take a back seat so that she could follow her heart.

In a country where educational degrees consists of Science, Mathematics, and Commerce, Charvi is an example for those kids (and parents) who think dancing, singing, painting, sports, etc., are just hobbies to be pursued during one’s summer vacations. Today on JWB, let us read her story and see how academic education is not always what one desires and requires…to feel content.

Beginning

I was 2.5 years old when I started dancing, and as my mother tells, I danced so well that the audience said, ‘She is a born dancer!’ I began with learning Kathak and various other forms of the folk dance. Seeing me perform on stage, one day the founder of Neerja Modi School offered me a scholarship in the school till class 12. She told my parents how proud she would be to see me as the part of this school. She assured them that I would never be ‘forced’ to study and could focus on dance practices alongside regular exams.

Step 1

During school, I joined Ashley Lobo, went to Udaipur to learn further levels of Kathak, then to Mumbai and got trained under the renowned Bollywood choreographer, Ganesh Acharya. This was when I was in the 7^th grade. I stayed in Mumbai for about 9 months along with my younger sister. Both of us were tutored under him making sure not to miss any instruction given by him. I guess, we were the youngest students in his academy so far.

In class 9, I went to Delhi and lived there on my own to learn the western dance forms like belly dancing, salsa, etc. I wrote my 10^th and 12^th exams from an open school. Meanwhile, I got through the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Delhi.

Financial Independence

When I moved out, I was still a school kid. My parents used to send money for my monthly expenses. Although you know how it is once you move out, you want to act like an independent individual, no matter what your age is. Intrigued, I started earning as a Performer. I did shows with my troop for which I used to earn something between Rs. 1000 to 3000 per show. This taught me the worth of money and hard work.

Overcoming Uncertainties

When I came to Delhi for the 1^st time, I was a bit fearful.  I had always lived in Jaipur, a secure and conservative place. Delhi was outrageous and swift. Luckily, I was fortunate not to fall into the trap of people with wrong intentions. Somehow my wisdom always worked out. Maybe because my intentions were right.

At the professional front, I had a lot to struggle with. Traditionally, the guru-shishya (mentor-disciple) relationship is a ritual in the art circle in which the disciples leave no stone unturned to become their Guru’s favorite and win at every performance. I could never do all this. My mother once guided me, “Nobody can stop you from moving forward when you are talented”. I kept her words in my heart throughout.

Family Support

When I decided not to study and rather invest my time in learning dance, it was my father who showed faith in me. I remember people (especially, relatives) saying things like, ‘This is just a hobby, she won’t pursue it,’ ‘You will regret this decision,’ ‘Making dancing a profession is not a respectful thing being a girl.’

Future Plans

I want to open a dance academy in my city – Jaipur. When I look back, I think about why I had to move to Delhi to pursue my interest. It was because there was no platform here. I often think of those girls who share a similar dream but can’t move out of their homes because of family’s disapproval. For them, I see my dance academy as a training ground.

Interestingly, Charvi agreed to express her reactions towards the burning social issues:

Fear – Being a girl living in India, I wonder what if my in-laws don’t accept my career choice in the later stage!

Jealousy – Every profession has its negative side. Mine is full of jealousy. If you dance well, get ready for the criticism. In the past, I happened to meet one such woman who couldn’t stand me and did everything to destroy my image and performance in the Live shows.

Anger – Why are women looked down? We’re as capable as men.

Love – For all the love I have ever received, I am grateful, and I am ready to reciprocate.

Proud – I might sound like a highbrow, but I am proud of myself. I have come a long way, overcoming so many difficulties.

 

We’re so happy for you, Charvi. Keep shining! 

Psst, recently Charvi excelled in Bachata dance form. Check out a small clip below:

#bachata #freestyle #latinlove #someonelikeyou #instavideo #instalike #like4like #dancelife #❤

A video posted by Cornel Rodrigues (@cornelr2090) on Jan 25, 2016 at 7:22am PST

 

Photographer: Shashank K Tyagi