The importance of dance in Indian religions has been from the mythical period. Dance can be divided primarily into classical dance and folk dance. 
But nowadays it has just become a source of entertainment. Presently, growing craze towards dance has made it a way to earn money. Many TV channels and film industry promotes it, because of this, everyone wants to set their feet in the film industry by learning dance from big choreographer. Any religious or cultural program is started from dance itself. Today its importance has increased so much that it is organized at international level.
Bhopal is known for its exquisite culture and tradition of dance. Gone are the days when youngsters of Bhopal chose the traditional career options rather than the new ones. There are few inspirations in the city who are making their own way, deciding their own career and living their passion of life.
Vijendra Rajak is one of those Inspirations. He has chosen the field of dance in his career and has got a lot of success and fame in the respective field of art. He has done dancing events in the city and several metro cities from the past fifteen years. He also works as a event manager, Also, he made many of his dance teams. Apart from this, he also does dance performance in many events, dance shows, and functions on national and international level. He has also got a lot of appraisals and love on TV reality shows.
We have had this exclusive interview with him in Which he tells us about the famous dance form among youngsters nowadays and dance culture of Bhopal.
Vijendra started this journey from Alwar, Rajasthan. He is a self learner and made it all possible by self determination and practice.
He is an expert in all types of dance forms and also very well trained in fire stunts, it is very enchanting dance form and difficult to perform. The speciality of his dance is that he has even performed fire act by balancing 50 kg’s of weight on his head. By moving a cycle ring on his whole body, he presents a unique dance form to entertain audience. He has his own 3 dance academies in Bhopal where approximately 405 students are learning different dance formsunder his guidance.
What made you decide to choose a career as a dance teacher?
I loved all forms of dancing since I was little, and trained myself in many dance forms. I believe that when one takes up a career that one truly loves, it is only then that one gets to succeed in life. it was my main motivation behind wanting to take up a career as a dance performer and a teacher.
What are the dance forms popular among Bhopalies?
Folk dances: – “They are generally performed by women and men of all ages at social events as marriage ceremonies, family gatherings etc. Gudum and korku dance of Madhya Pradesh, Kakasar dance of Murita trihals of Chhattisgarh which conveys message of mutual brotherhood, are being popular among the young dancers. While Folk dance forms represent the Dance Culture of Bhopal, even a western styles have found their place.
Belly dance: – In this dance, every part of the body seems to be performing. It is being very popular among girls.
Apart of that, Bhangra, Gidda, Malavai Gidda, Sammi, ghoomar, classical dance are in trend in the city. There is a huge demand for Contemporary and ballet nowadays.” He tells us, smiling.
Your message to those who want their career in dance?
“The most important thing to remember is that the more devoted you can get to Dance, the more you can get the height in life. Before moving into the dance world, it is very important to look after few things. It is very important to have complete self-confidence, and dedication towards this art. You should respect your master. It is very important to have the ability to imitate the exact copy of Master’s dance step. Also, the ability to understand the meaning of gestures.” He said.
How does art help for being a human?
“Every person connected with art can never be bad. He is always a humanist. Art is the means of expressing the feelings of our mind. When a child walks one step in his life for the first time, then the dance begins in his life.” he added.
Tell us about Dance Culture of Bhopal?
The Awareness of Dance is much more in Bhopal now. We are a city that loves Dancing. Be it on the streets, in the marriages, in the club, during festivals and even when India wins cricket matches. We connect while dancing and each one of us has a unique style of dancing.
Career Opportunities in Dance in India?
“Choreography is such a profession that if you possess that talent, then you can easily gain name & fame in this field. There are a huge options for you if you master even a single dance form. But I can not disagree with the fact that Partiality in reality shows is common nowadays. So Don’t be completely dependent on them and make your way on your own. You may join a dance school or learn through Internet. You can be a choreographer, dance instructor, artistic director, dance critic, dance therapist, freelance dance performance artist, performer in musical events, or teach dance in NGO’s , schools, weddings, and sangeet.”
