Happy Feet

The energy and excitement was for all to see and feel,as more than 60 residents of Kartar Asra matched steps with dancer-choreographer Jasmeet K Shan. Dancing to the beats of popular tracks such as Gabru,Oh meri zohar jabi and Udi jab jab zulfein teri,it was houseful at the orphanage,as for two hours life was only about dance,music and a chance to make all the right moves. Shan’s Dance Dacha,a facilitation centre focuses on dance as therapy,a lifestyle product,one that focuses not just on the physical aspects,but the mental and wellness quotient too. Structured classes are designed for different age groups,and according to Shan,are a chance to relax,de-stress,get active and more importantly,feel healthier and happier. Precisely why the 25-year-old wanted to step out of the studio and reach out to an audience which has never experienced the thrill of swaying to the music,without feeling any kind of pressure or awkwardness. “It was a great start at the orphanage today . It was non-stop masti,with many of the older women singing boliyan and dancing to old Punjabi numbers,’’ says Shan,who is celebrating a year of her endeavour. The plan is to connect to varied audiences,and make these dance interactions a regular feature in the city,all free of cost.

The next stop for Shan and her team is the Sector 15 park,where those on a walk can try a new way to be fit. “Dance is such a fun workout,one that relaxes the brain,is not stressful for the knees and can be done according to one’s pace,” says Shan,who has recently introduced zumba. Right now,the Dance Dacha team is busy creating props for students of the Blind School. Using old newspapers cut out in heart shapes,with borders of red tape,Shan’s first step will be prop dancing,before she moves on to other moves. “Their annual day is approaching and we will put up a superb show together,” says the dancer who has an open invitation for everyone to shake a leg at the Sukhna Lake this week.