My Interview With Shiamak Davar

Award-winning Indian cinematic and performing artist Shiamak Davar will bring his world-renowned blend of Bollywood Jazz and contemporary dance to two Vancouver stages as the official Director of Choreography and Design at the inaugural 2013 Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) from April 4 to 6.

Famous for popularizing Bollywood dance around the globe, Vancouver resident Davar will both choreograph and direct lively entertainment acts for India’s biggest stars at TOIFA’s Musical Extravaganza (April 4) at the Pacific Coliseum, and Awards Ceremony (April 6) at BC Place. Participating celebrities will include Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Sukhwinder Singh, Hard Kaur, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, and others.

“It’s no secret that I call Vancouver my second home,” says Shiamak Davar. “As you can imagine, I am honoured to be part of this historic event, which fuses together two of my greatest loves – the thrill and excitement of Bollywood with the beauty of Vancouver as its backdrop.”

In addition to choreographing and directing (with Cineyug Entertainment) both the Musical Extravaganza and Awards Ceremony, Shiamak will wow audiences with single performances at each event, showcasing his signature music and dance style. Shiamak will also design glamorous and vibrant costumes and props for each entertainment act he choreographs.

[Bollywood Jazz]

Known as India’s guru of contemporary dance, Shiamak Davar is a much sought-after choreographer known for his trendsetting work in Bollywood blockbusters and for changing the way the world looks at Bollywood dance. I had the chance to interview Shiamak Davar via email ahead of next month’s big event.

Q: What process did you undergo in order to mount and choreograph the upcoming India Film Awards musical extravaganza?

A: Every project that I take up is an extension of my creativity. This particular show is very close of my heart as it brings India and Canada together; my two homes. So the concept and the idea is to demonstrate the two cultures through dance movement and introduce Bollywood to Vancouver in all its grandeur.

The planning process for a show of such magnitude starts much in advance. As a co-director, entertainment designer, choreographer and performer; I’ve been involved in every aspect and the basic idea has been to showcase the best of the Indian Cinema. From music, costumes designing, lights and sound, choreographing to rehearsals, coordinating with other star performers; there is constant activity and things to do. I’ve been working closely with my core team and things are falling into place beautifully.

Q: I understand that you’ve rubbed shoulders with Bill Clinton, Oprah, and Tom Cruise. In meeting some of the world’s brightest stars and thought leaders, which luminary has left you with the greatest impression to date? 

A: The thing that touches me the most is that all celebrities globally have such high regard for other cultures and appreciate talent in the true spirit. Of the names that you’ve mentioned and many more, this is the common thread that binds them; music and dance really does speak a universal language. It has always been my mission to reach out and touch people through the performing arts, so whether it is a four year old who attends my dance classes, an eighty four year old who performs at my student shows or an international leader who appreciates my work; the aim is to create a positive environment through performing arts.

Q: You’ll be directing and choreographing two events during Times of India Film Awards: a musical extravaganza and the awards ceremony. Which of the two poses the greatest challenge for your team?

A: Song and dance both are such an important part of Bollywood; it is what we’ve grown up watching. Both the shows are very exciting and they will bring out an essence of what Indian Cinema is about. I see it not as a challenge but a cultural exchange between the Beautiful British Columbia and Incredible India!

Tickets for TOIFA’s Musical Extravaganza and Awards Ceremony are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

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Importance of dance?

Dance is important because knowing it could give you a new talent. not only that dance can also teach you to do other things such as,

• gymnastics
  
• gym
  
• to be flexible

Dancing is a social function in most "western" countries as well as in "India". Depending on the type of rhythm and tempo, it can constitute cardiac, muscular and, more importantly, psychological exercises. As we all know, exercise is good for your general health and a feeling of euphoria embraces you with great joy, excitement, anticipation and well-being. So dancing while you are sober will extend your life by: 1 year if you dance every month, 3 years if you dance every week and 7 years if you dance every day!!! Now, there is a third dimension to this and it is my personal theory. Dancing, in the nomenclature of love, can be categorised as vertical sex and it will, additionally increase your life span by: 1 year if you dance every month and have "delectable orgasmic sex" afterwards, 18 months if you dance every week and have orgasmic sex afterwards and 1 day if you dance every day and have sex afterwards!! The prognoses of all this is to keep on dancing and you will be healthier, happier and you will live for always.

What are the benefits of dancing? Is it an act you participate in just to pass time during the week-end or, possibly, a week night? Do you dance so you can feel beautiful and graceful for a change, or does it hold something of more value for you?

If so, what is so important about the act of dancing? Of course, it's a form of entertaining exercise but why is it so captivating? Why do you crave "the dance?"

Why do you dance when music gets into your soul? Why does dancing make you laugh out loud, sometimes, then lean in closely toward your dance partner at other times?

Source URL: http://www.squidoo.com/importanceofdance

                      http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_importance_of_dance

Important Tips & Benefits of Dancing

                                          

Dancing can be magical and transforming. It can breathe new life into a tired soul; make a spirit soar; unleash locked-away creativity; unite generations and cultures; inspire new romances or rekindle old ones; trigger long-forgotten memories; and turn sadness into joy, if only during the dance.

On a more physical level, dancing can give you a great mind-body workout. Researchers are learning that regular physical activity in general can help keep your body, including your brain, healthy as you age. Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow. And dancing that requires you to remember dance steps and sequences boosts brain power by improving memory skills.

There has been some promising research in this area, according to Rita Beckford, M.D., a family doctor and spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. For instance, a 2003 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ballroom dancing at least twice a week made people less likely to develop dementia. Research also has shown that some people with Alzheimer's disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know.

Whether it's ballet or ballroom, clogging or jazz, dance is great for helping people of all ages and physical abilities get and stay in shape. There's even chair dancing for people with physical limitations. A 150-pound adult can burn about 150 calories doing 30 minutes of moderate social dancing.

Benefits Abound

Like other moderate, low-impact, weight bearing activities, such as brisk walking, cycling or aerobics, dancing can help:

• strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
  
• tone your entire body
  
• improve your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
  
• increase your stamina and flexibility
  
• reduce stress and tension
  
• build confidence
  
• provide opportunities to meet people, and
  
• ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression

So if you're tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!

Source URL :  http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-2005/dance_to_health.html