‘Dancing is a human right’: May his tribe increase!

Dr. Elsa Lycias Joel

He is nothing special to look at, he hasn’t performed alongside any who’s who and he is not India’s only dancer either. Nevertheless, Ravi Rastogi from Bareilly has developed his own unique strength to master a couple of dance forms. Parents Vs children’s dreams is an unending discussion. Just so it is Ravi had to leave behind his unsupportive parents and head to Delhi to live his dreams. His brother’s words of compliments, encouragement and motivation kept him going as he worked in a tea stall to support himself in a new place.  But for his brother, Ravi feels he would still be dreaming and dancing only in front his bedroom mirror. In addition to his brother’s kind words A CHORUS LINE and DIRTY DANCING are two movies that inspired Ravi. Resisting parents’ resistance and managing to become his best self was Ravi’s unforgettable lesson for life.

More than being exactly thrilled with Ravi’s profession and lifestyle, his parents are grateful that their dancer son is able to support them financially in many ways. Today it seems like they are at peace realizing that their son wasn’t chasing a crazy dream but was crazy about his dream.

The fire in this dancer is unquenchable that he doesn’t stop burning the dance floors with one or two styles but more and more as days pass by. Ravi teaches himself too which is actually a result of a passion for lifelong learning. Having trained hundreds of students, Ravi doesn’t remember each one of them by their names but he does remember a few passionate dancers who have helped him learn the art of dance improvisation. Hebert and Dinaha Spanish couple from Mexico were Ravi’s favourite students. Ravi recalls it was fun and he felt so proud training them especially because Hebert and Dinah came from the ‘land of salsa’.

Being part of a few International Salsa Festivals in India pushed Ravi to go farther. New York looked warm and welcoming and it turned out to be real when he landed there to learn ‘Modern Mambo’. Entering Broadway Dance Centre was like stepping on a diving board that prepared Ravi for a deeper dive, eventually to be trained under Frankie and Eddie Torres. Sooner, receiving the MTV Lycra award didn’t surprise Ravi because he knew he was destined to reach new heights. With each new style, Ravi’s strategy was the same: train under the best teacher available, learn everything there was to know, train rigorously, plan meticulously, then rely on his determination, passion, endurance and flair for dancing.

Of late, Ravi has learnt the art of striking a balance between shows, events and regular classes with a reliable back up team. Day in and day out Ravi sweats it out to earn both wealth and success. At the same time, he finds the time, energy and resources to organize charity shows for different NGOs quite a number of times in and around Delhi. Few of Ravi’s beneficiaries are Theatre Age Group, Chandigarh, Ravi Kalra’s Earth Saviour Foundation and Each one Teach one. Dance school ‘Moving souls’ does move a lot of souls, I understand. At the end of the day, SudeshChawla is Ravi’s reason to smile for she is one most trusted person he relies on for everything. Her journey from a student to becoming her mentor’s mentor is what makes Ravi laugh his head off.

More than men, women love to dance is one mystery that is easily observed everywhere, also in Moving souls without having to be tested and studied to be believed. Yes, thenumber of women outnumbers men and kids. Zumba is what women seem to enjoy the most. Testimonials from various woman dancers reveal that any dance form helps them in the process of anticipating more from life as such. Moving souls is one place where they get what they want from an amazing dance teacher. In today’s health and appearance conscious society dance as a passion has helped many overcome anxieties about health, self- esteem and body image. Ravi’s teaching style is unique that people in all shapes and sizes enjoy the movements that help them keep their anxiety at bay.

Too many dance academies mushrooming all around the country help Ravi reap the benefits of feeling competitive and he is planning a nationwide tour to promote his expertise. Also, dance workshops around the country are on the cards.

Against all the odds Ravi recovers with his brother’s mantra in head and heart. That is, to not lose hope but keep working better and harder.