Teaching to swing to rhythm of song

But that did not deter him from continuing his passion – dance. Kumar not only learnt dance by treading the tough path, but today, he teaches dance to around 300 students in four schools.

Tough path

As Kumar had passion towards dance since his childhood, he used to dance to the tunes of music whenever he got an opportunity. Be it festivals like Ganesha Chathurti or Dasara, he shook his legs to different music. At the same time, he also came across another dancer Kiran Kumar of Moodbidri and learnt some steps from him for about 3 years. But dance was not helping him to eke his livelihood.

At this point of time, the then headmaster of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Aided Primary School, Prasanna Kumar Jain, gave him a chance to perform in front of students. An impressed Jain, gave permission to start dance class for the students of the school (Standard I to Standard X), recalls Krishna Kumar.

Hard work pays

Since then, there was no looking back.

Krishna Kumar started dance classes at ‘Manjushree’ JC Bhavan of Belthangadi, in Mahila Sahakari Bank Building of Ujire. Besides, he also started dance classes at Madantyar, Hosmaru, Bangadi, Anugraha school at Ujire, St Rita school at Vitla, St Joseph school at Nainadu and Vani school of Belthangadi. Of course, three dance assistants are helping Kumar.

Varieties

Right from filmy dance to folk, semi classical to kolata, and thandava to classical, Krishna Kumar can shake his legs to any dance form. ‘Though more students prefer filmy dance, I train them for different kind of dance to for special occasions, he said and added that he has included mimicry and magic artistes too in his team to give a variety.

 Stating that he gets at least one programme a month, he said that there is a good
demand for dancers during festival season, between June and December.

Though Kumar has not won any big awards, many organisations have identified his talent.

He has received more than 25 felicitations. On the other hand, many of his students have won awards thus bringing him indirect credit, name and fame.

One of his students, Panchami Malur, participated in ‘Kuniyonu Bara’ dance competition which is being organised by Zee Kannada channel.