BY DEVANSHI VYAS, 17

WHAT my inspirational idol Michael Jackson once said – “And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine Union through my music and my dance”  – was constantly running through my mind each moment during the Dance World Competition competition.

In May, I was introduced to the Dance World Cup competition being held by 5678 Showtime Inc., thanks to Mr. Gill and Prajakta from Bollywood Hungama Dance Academy who helped and supported me so that I could move ahead and pursue my talent.

On May 18, at the regional competition in Whistler, I performed a classical fusion of Flamenco and Kathak and I was jumping with joy as I came first in the National / Folkloric Category with a high score and an invitation to the Dance World Cup.

The Dance World Cup took place from July 1 to 5 and on July 4 was the day in which my category competed in Whistler. There were approximately 900 participants all together who were competing in different categories of dance forms and were from various countries from around the world. I was ecstatic as I placed fourth in the National / Folkloric Category among trained and professional dancers. I was extremely happy and proud as I was able to come this far and surpass a big benchmark in my life.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported me, especially my parents and Bollywood Hungama Dance Academy. I am so thankful to Prajakta because if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to execute the Kathak portion of the choreography so perfectly. Also, I am really appreciative of Mr. Gill for his support.

Obviously this isn’t the end; instead, it’s a beginning to an amazing musical journey!