Dance till you drop

Breaking away from conventions in dance, Stephen, a second-year student of BCA, from CMR Institute of Management Studies has made a name for himself in lyrical and hip-hop dance style for Bollywood songs. 

His dance team, ‘Alpha Dance Crew’, is known for trying out unique steps, by tapping their feet to fusions and remixed songs.  Stephen, who first made a step into singing when he was in second-year PUC, decided to move to dancing, when he realised that he could not sing.

He learnt it first as a hobby by watching popular videos in YouTube from shows like Jhalak..., ‘Dance India Dance’, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘America’s Got Talent’ and a lot of videos of ‘locking’ and ‘popping’. 

‘Alpha Dance Crew’ has won many college fests including the ones held by Mount Carmel, Cambridge, CMRIT, CMRIMS, St Joseph’s and Jyoti Nivas College. However, he recalls one of his most memorable experiences as his win in his first year, where he was adjudged as Mr Fresher. 

“It was a great experience as it was my first win in college. I had worked really hard on the performance because I danced for the Bollywood song, Ore Piya, in lyrical and hip-hop style. The most important thing to remember while dancing is imagination and creativity. One can dance to a song in any style as long as they are sure and perfect with their steps.” 

He adds that since he is self-taught, he is at an advantage. “As I didn’t go through any formal training, I am not confined to any particular style. I have the ability to change styles and adapt.” 

‘Alpha Dance Crew’ is currently preparing for their college fest despite the hectic internals that are going on. As one of the main choreographers of his team, he says that his objective is to entertain the audience more than the judges, irrespective of whether the team wins or loses. Stephen adds that he chooses his songs depending on the comfort zone of his dancers.

 “Everyone has their own way of dancing and the songs have to suit everyone’s style. The choreography also happens in a way that every member of the crew shares the centre-stage and the limelight.” 

Though Stephen wanted to get into B-boying next, he says that he will do it once he perfects the art of lyrical hip-hop as he fears he will lose touch with his current style. Stephen considers Bangalore as an important city in terms of contemporary dance. 

“There are many groups who are doing wonderful work in contemporary dance and different venues are open to youngsters to showcase their talent. There are also many dancers to look upto in the City.”

 When asked to describe what dance means to him, he says excitedly, “Dance knows no barriers of style. It’s an extremely fun and therapeutic art form.”