IT experts turn dance professionals: Driven by a cause, these boys are ‘shaking a leg’ towards a solution!

Sahil Khosla(left), Anand Ganesh(center) and Syed Saquib | Image courtesy: www.facebook.com/ Let's Dance Academy

Folomojo spoke to a member of a group of three IT professionals who share a common passion: dancing! These boys, living in Bangalore, decided to take dance to a bigger stage and began classes for all those who shared this passion. Anand Ganesh shares his story with us.

Anand, Sahil Khosla and Syed Saquib found that they were passionate about dancing, and so were many of their friends. So they thought they ought to take it to the next level and start something interesting. But there was one hitch. This bunch also wanted to do something for the people from the streets.

Well, they shot two birds with an arrow! Not only did they begin classes in their own Bellandur neighborhood, they also used the proceeds to help people on a long term basis.

Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

Let’s Dance Academy brings together many dance forms like contemporary, hip-hop, salsa and everybody’s favorite Bollywood ishtyle. As Ganesh put it “the experienced ones, the ones who already know a dance form, teach those who are new to dance”.

These lovers of dance have succeeded in balancing work and dance life. They conduct classes at a party hall rented for weekends and find enough time to also do their bit for society.

Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

When asked about funding, Anand says that they have always had to  shell out money from their own pockets for hall rental, accessories etc.

But if they make a profit out of the classes the funds are collectively divided to enhance the facilities of the academy and buy food for street people and a couple of NGOs.

To make the cause less grim and more about fun and friendship, they also make sure to shake a leg with those less fortunate. You can see a sample below

Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

Now this seems a great combination!  As Ganesh puts it, “dance helps you forget everything and live for the moment.” They sure are trying to spread the infection of happiness around.

This gang teach kids at the various NGOs how to dance and Anand was ecstatic about the number of good dancers his group found there. He says, “We will give them a chance at the classes and in course of time in performances. They are very good at it.”

He adds that for the Summer Fiesta that’s coming up at the end of May, they will be sharing the stage with some of these kids.

Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

These IT pros also celebrate festivals with not-for-profit organizations and make sure to organize a gala time with goodies and fun foods.

On the work they do, Anand says, “We give to the people of the streets, food, fruits, and vegetables, and anything that would help them. Our first time, we bought a dozen blankets and distributed them.”

Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

Asked about the challenges they faced when starting the venture, he smiles: ”None at all.”

As of now, they have limited their reach to areas around Bellandur but want to spread out as and when they have the resources and the time. The group has used Facebook, posters, pamphlets and banners to spread the message and will soon be coming up with a website for the project.

“Anybody is welcome”, says Anand. “Those who are good will also be allowed to lead others.”  They already have 35 odd people who have joined classes, which  is more than they had initially expected.

Asked to describe what dance means to him and his friends, Anand concludes. “Now that’s a good question. Dance helps you forget everything and makes you live in the moment and enjoy it to the utmost. It’s an immense pleasure to experience.”

One of those moments  |  Image courtesy: Let's Dance Academy
One of those moments | Image courtesy: Let’s Dance Academy

That’s a message close to all dance lovers’ hearts. If you want to experience the joy of it, make a trip to Bellandur.

To get a taste of what they do, here’s a  video from a performance at the Phoenix Mall in Whitefield. Enjoy!