Classical Take

The first edition of the ‘I Luv Dance’ competition recently concluded at Phoenix Marketcity. Over 100 entries were divided into two age groups of 8-16 and 17-22 years. The winners Vishwa and Sumit of the the two groups respectively were announced by the Step-up dance studio professionals. Anushka Yadav and Praik (8-16 years) and Kunal and Samson Pillay (17-22 years) got the first and second runners-up trophies respectively. The participants were trained by Step-up Dance Studio. The 20 finalists exhibited their talent through various dance forms.

Lavani Love

“Even though I have had no formal training in dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak,Lavani continued to fascinate me since my childhood,” says Lavani dancer Vaishali Jadhav. Jadhav,who hails from Parbhani,recently made it to the final four in the reality dance show Dholkichya Talavar aired on ETV. She is also no stranger to Marathi cinema and has acted in films like Jau Tithe Khau and Tamasha Haach Khel Udya Punha. On the show,she danced to the tunes of Padla Darode Padla and Potasathi nachte mee,Parva kunachi. “We started shooting for the show in December last year. The dancers will be competing for the title of ‘Lavani Samradhini’,” she says. Unfazed by the fact that she has not had professional training in other dance forms,she adds,“My work speaks for itself. The lavani that I perform was taught to me by my aunt. There is nothing special. The only difference is that the art form is now again coming into the limelight through films and shows like these.” Jadhav has also won the Dadasaheb Phalke award for best newcomer for her role in the film Tamasha Haach Khel Udya Punha. Her work while performing lavani numbers like Ek Gaav Baara Bhangadi,Aen Dupari Yamuna tiri Khodi Majhi Kadhli and Naki Doli Chaan Rang Gora Gora Paan also won her rave reviews from the audiences and judges alike on the show.