Dance
“Be your own saviour, Be your own hero” and many other lessons with Odissi Dancer Laavanya Ghosh
In a conversation with Odissi specialist Laavanya Ghosh, we discovered what it takes to unlock the purity of art.

Scholars and practitioners of the great dance Odissi would tell you about how it’s one of the oldest dances birthed from this great land. And it has evolved immensely as time has gone by. They will also tell you that while some things have changed, the intense bhakti bhava (the feeling of devotion and surrender) which ripples through each movement has been present throughout. Just as the art has grown, so has the artist.
All dancers make their own way through the walk of life, they find different parts of the art they love and end up revolutionising it. But at the core of it, no matter what the challenges, the love persists and this makes the pursuit of art so noble. Odissi is an old classical dance form, the centre of which is largely considered to be the towns of Puri, Bhubhaneshwar, Cuttack and Konark. Laavanya Ghosh is an Empanelled artiste at Doordarshan Kendra Kolkata. She is also the recipient of many national-level awards such as the Gopikrishna Award and the Bal Kala Award. And her story shows perhaps just as much evolution as the dance itself.
Early Life and Challenges
Born in Kolkata, she moved to Bhubaneshwar where her path in Odissi commenced. Her mother whom she calls her only positive critic was her initial source of inspiration that pushed her to start learning Odissi. Due to personal reasons, her mother couldn’t pursue the dance herself, so she made sure her daughter got classically trained. And naturally, she went to a class near her house and wrote the first chapter of her career. She looks up to Guru Smt Sujata Mahapatra and also to Madhuri Dixit.
Almost instantly, Laavanya fell in love with the beauty of the movement and as the days went on she admired the wonderful depth of the history of Odissi. Dance in the mainstream is thought of very subjectively—some may like the way one person expresses dance and some may not. There is no objective truth here but the criticism can often get extremely hurtful. For Ghosh, she fell into a period of depression and hurt because of society’s perception of a ‘pretty dancer’. Clearly, her beautiful performances have shut all the critics down. It is important to understand that physical traits really don’t have any correlation with one’s dancing ability. So this is a call to you dear reader, get dancing!
Lessons and Message
Laavanya’s character is amongst her strongest characteristics. Constantly looking to improve and challenge herself, she has learnt how to prioritise the right things in life. She recalled how once she had to decline to participate in social gatherings as it interfered with her practice and rehearsals. When it comes to finding the right balance in life, she has done that from the very beginning. Even as a young kid, she danced her best before an important exam and aced the exam too! As an introvert, she has taken huge steps to improve her interpretation and expression. Always improving, always shining.
Dance taught Laavanya the importance of the 3Ds: Dedication, Determination and Discipline. The discipline itself is a major component of the lifestyle of a classical dancer. Laavanya tells us that dancers must remember that classical dance is a form of worship. One must conquer the basic techniques while also following a proper diet (yes and that means you need to advise junk food)
Laavanya’s parting message is one filled with strength and grace, just like the glorious tradition of Odissi. Every person has the potential for doing something great. Be true to your inner artistic self. Her life’s motto is simple
Be your own saviour. Be your own hero.
Dance
Some Mesmerising Dance Covers That Rules Reels And Videos
Through dance covers, old songs regain power and to songs in repeat mode people fall for it again. Dance covers rules YouTube by viewers.

YouTube has become a talent with dance and music videos. The latest trend being dance covers. The large sum of people has been engaged in these art forms. This recovers dance as an art form and even our Indian songs could be watched by many abroad widening the scope of Indian art and culture.
Priyanka Mulchandani
Dholida song, has never stayed away from the limelight since its release. Peacock Culture famous for its beautiful choreography is here to enchant the viewers with their grace. The energetic Garba song is met with energetic dance. There is pure ecstacsy in the face of the dancers that they give out the right expressions and emotions during the performance. Inspired from Gangubai, a role played by Alia Bhatt in Gangubhai Kathiawadi-a role that gave her more fame and admiration from the fans, dance videos with the similar Gangubhai attire and dance steps rules the YouTube. Priyanka Mulchandani, who did the choreography and Kajol Malekar are performing to this beautiful song. Peacock Culture represents a team of dancers headed by Priyanka Mulchandani who is also the choreographer. They love Dancing and can make different dance covers in different styles including Bollywood, Hip Hop, Sei Classical, Fusion. Peacock Culture take dance classes in Mumbai and Sangeet Projects around the world.
Arunima Dey
Arunima Dey had started making YouTube Videos from 2012. She has made reels and videos of dance performances. Most of them are loved by many and the viewers are hiking day by day. The current trend is Yaar Ki Mehfil, lyrics and music been made by Kunaal Verma. Arunima uses Contemporary style to meet with the agony in the song. Every minute step are taken in detail. She has also done Dholida song which has been a hit in YouTube. Arunima never fails to amaze the viewers. She brings every song to an upgraded level with her brilliant dance steps. Sometimes she presents with a team.
Nupur James Choreography
Raanjhana Hua from Benaras movie starring Tamil actor Dhanush and Hindi actress Sonam Kapoor was always a heart-warming song for many music lovers. Its covers are coming up with amazing dance performances. Nupur James has choreographed and presented one of the best dance performances for this song. Since 2010 she has been different kind of dance videos in YouTube. She usually goes outdoors to shoot these videos. Her attractive attires are also mind-blowing. Nupur
Himanshu Dulani
Himanshu Dulani- a channel in YouTube is loved by a lot of viewers. A trio comprising 3 boys- Himanshu Dulani, Aashish Lama, Hardik Bhutani wins hearts these days. Subhanallah song is an all time favorite for all the Yeh Jawaaani Hai Deewani movie fans. Himanshu Dulani does the choreo and the video is taken by Gaurav Visuals. The performance is done at a Mediterranean background. The contemporary style dance is done with perfection. Their masterpiece video is Tere Liye. Every moves are graceful as anything and viewers are going crazy about their style of dancing. Some of them say U.S have Matt Steffanina and Indians have Himanshu. ‘Pee Loon’ song from Once Upon a Time in Mumbai shows their passion for dance. One cant resist the charm that their dance synchrony radiates.
In the busy world today, these music and dance covers help people refresh themselves from the chaos. Entertainment industry is truly focusing on its purpose, to entertain the ever stressed minds.
Dance
Pasoori Has Captivated The Whole Country with Its Music Beats
Music has no boundaries; it cannot be resisted the beats, performance, lyrics and visuals. Pasoori fits in different dance styles.

Produced by Coke Studio Pakistan Season 14, Pasoori is a Pakistani song blending folk music with modern beats sung by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, the song has gone trending with many dancing to its beats. The song has captivated the people from the other side of the world. As the voice of both, the singers are compatible, and the advanced melody wrapped up in fine beats lures the listeners. Indians have shown much enthusiasm in grooving with the songs.
Shachi Biswas
Shachi Biswas presents a fusion of classical and contemporary styles to give an exquisite performance for Pasoori. Her expressions reveal her joy in dancing. Her elegant attire and the old sculpted building in the background add charm to the visuals. These energetic dance moves have helped her get so many positive comments and the audience are repeatedly watching this brilliant choreography. Other videos on her YouTube channel have also attracted many.
Urvashi Jain and Devika Krishnamurthy
Yet another amazing performance is by Urvashi Jain and Devika Krishnamurthy. This elegant mix of traditional with modern dance styles has hit thousands of views. Their efficient synchronization shows their hard work. No one can resist the grace or skip without watching. A luring experience entangled in the deepest melody. Worth Watching, yes, it is.
Payal Shah and Mitali Vasant
One-Stop Dance has been pulling off vivid and brilliant choreography for a very long time. Payal Shah and Mitali Vasant bring this time a beautiful costume with traditional accessories to play Pasoori at its best. The duo has shown immense energy and poise. Their Rafta Rafta song performance is also popular.
Kashika Sisodia
Another flamboyant dance performance to Pasoori is from Kashika Sisodia. With millions of subscribers, Kashika’s ravishing dance has won many viewers. The background and outfits are also alluring giving a Mediterranean aura. She has used a contemporary style of dancing and has incorporated belly dance too. Kashika gives a visual treat with her stunning steps.
Amrita Sarker
The Pakistani music Pasoori is given Indian touch through its fusion style classical dance by Amrita Sarker. Direction and cinematography are done by Excellence. Wearing a white and red attire and dancing on a balcony, Amrita stands as a poised beauty with her expressions showcasing her happiness with each step.
Pasoori continues to travel irrespective of boundaries and languages, straight to the hearts. The purity of folklore pierces right through our ears with the music beats. The soothing and heartwarming lyrics couldn’t be avoided at all. Music lovers may put in loop; one cant ignore the beauty of this great art.
Dance
The Dancers of India: Unique Dance Covers from Different Parts of India
Catch these phenomenal dance covers, each with their unique element and style, representing the dance diversity of India.

Dance might just be the right direction to look towards, because it offers us so much solace and excitement. Dance covers, through the growing technology, have reached us with just a click of the button. On social media sites like Instagram and YouTube, dancers have found an easy platform to connect with their audience. Dance covers are a creative form of activity. The amount of enigma, innovation and passion that goes behind dance covers is truly applaudable and inspiring.
Here we have some beautiful dance covers, from different parts of India, to not only celebrate dance, but its diversity too!
Nagumo – Nimna Nambiar, Divya Raj, Poornima Pradeep
The trio Nimna Nambiar, Divya Raj and Poornima Pradeep present a graceful and poised dance cover on the recent hit song Nagumo from the movie Hridayam. Performing Indian classical dance, the trio doesn’t miss one beat or any facial expressions. They synchronize with each other perfectly, and present to us a calm and serene dance cover.
Pasoori – Mohana Meem
Pasoori by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill has been trending on all music platforms and social media sites. An already great song, Mohana Meem, sparkles it even more with her dynamic and charged dance cover. From the outfit, to the presentation, and the choreography, Mohana Meem completely owned the show! The dance cover completely matches with the vibe of the song.
Ghoomar – Nisha Vardhaman
Nisha Vardhaman provides us with glimpses of Rajasthani culture and Rajasthani dance through her phenomenal dance cover of the song Ghoomar. Nisha Vardhaman flawlessly delivers an energetic and enthusiastic Rajasthani dance. She is attired in a Rajasthani outfit which makes her dance performance even more majestic and beautiful!
Tapa Tini – Payel Dance Group
The Payel Dance Group brings to the table the Bengali dance celebrations and culture. The song Tapa Tini is a vibrant and enthusiastic song to listen to. The Payel Dance group adds dynamic and energetic choreography to it. Dancing against the background of green lush trees, and in Bengali attire, the trio will completely enrapture you with their expressions and energy.
Dance
Stages Or Channels, Never Let Your Dance Dreams Die Out
Dance as a performing art grows in its exposure through modern technology and digitalization. Young minds are following the virtues of art, these days.

Dance as a performing art grows in its exposure through modern technology and digitalization. Young minds are following the virtues of art, these days.
Modern ways of art got a trigger by the arrival of social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, ShareChat, etc. People have started using these to showcase their abilities through vlogs, videos, reels, songs, etc. This phenomenon was boosted by the pandemic and lockdown.
The talents of India are not confined to physical stages or Television reality shows. The digital revolution has created opportunities for today’s kids to portray their abilities and charm through such platforms. As more people watch their performances, they can earn their own money too. Thus, the YouTube channels have lined up to be a profession for our younger generation. Typical 9 am to 5 pm jobs are fading away in their priority since these can bring fame and money at the same time. Also, they are able to follow their passion and find their own space in this highly busy world. Our children are greater confidence and belief as to achieve what they want for themselves. What time has in its store is a matter worth waiting for.
Nainika and Thanaya
The new film RRR directed by S S Rajamouli starring Telugu actors Ramcharan, Junior NTR, and Alia Bhatt has been a blockbuster. The song ‘Naattu Koothu‘ was a hit even before the movie arrived. The song was danced to in reels and videos across the country. A video of two Indian origin sisters Nainika and Thanaya from North Carolina, New York gracefully dancing to the song ‘Naatu Koothu’ is streaming on YouTube. With 2.22 million subscribers, the girls have proved their skills like anything. Wearing the same kind of dress worn by the actors in the song, they have come out to the NC streets to dance. Most of all their uploads have been this famous. Recent hits were songs from the movie Pushpa, Gangubhai Kathiawadi, etc… Worth watching dance performances stuffed with real energy and ecstasy.
Shrijita of Payel Dance Group
Another beautiful dance performance is by Shrijita of Payel Dance Group. She dances to a Bengali song ‘Radha Rani‘ sung by Abhishek Aich in Kadom Tole Bose Ache, a 2015 film. Wearing a silk saree, this child plays in the background of trees with immense grace. The channel has group dances as well, that portray Indian culture in its beauty; the most recent viral video being ‘Tapa Tini’ dance cover.
Ishanvi Hegde
‘Jhumka gira re‘ is a hit song by Saadhna and Sunil Dutt and sung by the legend Asha Bhonsle in a 1966 movie Mera Saaya. Nivi Hegde and her daughter Ishanvi Hegde’s YouTube channel Laasya produces great videos. With mindblowing choreography, apt expressions, attractive accessories, and costumes, the dancer Ishanvi Hegde wins hearts.
Aaditri Mali
Super Dancer Aaditri Mali is another star of the year and her recent video dancing to ‘Dholida‘ song in Gangubhai Kathiawadi garnered all the love from the viewers. This 1.11 minute video has shown her energy and passion for art. She has maintained the character by wearing a similar dress and taking the same steps though. The way she carries herself with her expressions is marvelous.
Dance
Dancing Enigmas: Some Dance Performances and Covers to Watch
Diving into the dance performances and covers by these enthusiastic dancers and choreographers to cheer up the mood.

Dance is the language of love and arts. It transcends the language barriers. It unites us all into one happy moment. Dance is surely an enigma. It is with delight that we watch dance performances and covers, and the enthrallment during this is irreplaceable. Most of the credit, of course, goes to dance as an art form, but also to the dancers and the choreographers who bring to light their blissful performances. There are so many dance genres, and each has its own uniqueness, and its own charm. Be it the energy enthusiastic hip hop, or the calming and graceful semi classical, we cannot deny the presence of either, even though we might have preferences. So, here we have a list of some phenomenal dance performances to lighten up your mood, or maybe move your body along with these dancers!
Tejas Dhoke and Ishpreet – Srivalli
Tejas Dhoke and Ishpreet present a magical dance performance on the song Srivalli. This sweet dance, with elements of enchantment and vigour, has been choreographed by Tejas Dhoke. You will not find Tejas and Ishpreet missing a step or a beat anywhere. The synchronisation and coordination of the amazing steps makes this short dance performance a fun to watch, and applaud Tejas’ choreographer persona.
Karan Sharma and Tanya Sharma – Arabic Kuthu Dance Cover
A power packed performance, loaded with fun, energy and rhythmic beats, is the interlude dance performance you need! Karan Sharma and Tanya Sharma, the groovy duo, deliver all their energy into this dynamic dance performance. The dripping energy will surely make you stand up and groove with them instantly. Both Karan Sharma and Tanya Sharma, also accompany with their dance the best facial expressions as well! You can see they’re thoroughly enjoying the dance as well.
Divya Singh – Tum Tak
Tum Tak by A.R. Rehman from the movie Ranjhana, without a debate and without a doubt, is everyone’s favourite song. Sneha Kapoor’s dance choreography on this beautiful song makes it even a more memorable piece. Divya Singh does full justice to the semi classical choreography. Her grace and elegance synchronises with the sweet melody of Tum Tak and delivers yet another enchanting and soothing performance.
Srija – Ghanan Ghanan
The evergreen, Ghanan Ghanan, from the movie Lagaan, has always been the favourite of the songs to do a dance cover on. Dressed in a Rajasthani attire, Srija choreographs an intricate dance performance for this song. Extensive footwork, with simultaneous hand movements, surely Indian classical dances can never be beaten! Srija brings to light a bright, expressive and moving dance performance.
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