KATHMANDU, Nov 27: For over 15 years, Subima Shrestha has been dancing and working as a choreographer and teacher. The founder of Nrityaagan, a dance school in Jhamsikhel, Shrestha is already an accomplished Kathak dancer.
“Although I mostly do Kathak, I’m also interested in Charya dances as well as contemporary forms of dances,” says Shrestha who likes to fuse kathak with other forms of dances and theatre and try out new concepts. In doing so, she’s always pushing her own limits and stretching the boundary of the dance form that she’s so passionate about.
One of her recent projects was the choreographing of the classical dances for the movie “Soongava.”
What got you into dancing?
It was my mother and uncle who pushed me into learning dances. I learnt dance at Padma Kanya College from my first guru, Honey Shrestha. Then, through a scholarship from the Indian Council for cultural Relations, I completed my Bachelors in Kathak from Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi.
Tell us about Nrityaagan.
I founded Nrityaagan in 2009, feeling the need of a proper dance training center. I basically teach kathak dance to anyone above the age of six but sometimes there are also classes in contemporary dances.
How difficult is it to teach dance?
It isn’t necessary that anyone who dances or choreographs well can teach equally well. Teaching dance is a difficult thing to do. Along with an indepth knowledge of the dance form, the person needs also be very confident, and in today’s times, up to date.
What are your suggestions for aspiring dancers?
It’s very difficult to sustain yourself as a dancer. However, it isn’t impossible. I suggest that those who are interested in doing something in the dance field, learn to master any one dance form at first. Once one has done that, then one can choose between becoming a dance artist, a choreographer, a teacher, or all three.
What do you aspire to do in the future?
I have never thought of any other option than dance. I am and will be trying to level up the quality of the dance sector in Nepal and take it to a new phase.
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