Achievements
Student Achiever: ‘My dance teacher is my role model’
Apeejay School, Faridabad student wins gold at International Dance Day, says parents are his biggest fans
Apeejay School, Faridabad student wins gold at International Dance Day, says parents are his biggest fans
Published
5 minutes agoon

It was a proud moment for Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, as Sakshaya Teotia of class IV earned a Gold medal in the International Dance Day performance in an event, Kenaz: Dance of the Soul. This win showcased his exceptional talent and passion for dance. His graceful performance and dedication brought pride to his family and the school. He serves as an inspiration for budding performers. The school congratulates him on his achievement and encourages him to continue excelling in his artistic pursuits.
To understand the story behind this achievement, Sakshaya, in an impromptu interview, spoke about his journey, practice routine, and what this win means to him.
How did you feel when you won the Gold?
I felt happy and excited, like I was flying high in the sky! My heart was beating fast with joy, and I had the biggest smile ever because all my hard practice paid off. It was like winning a treasure chest full of sparkles. I hugged everyone and felt so proud.
What inspired you to start learning dance, and how long have you been practising?
I started learning dance when I saw a video of dancers jumping and twirling like superheroes; it made me want to move like that as well. I’ve been practising for three years now, almost every day, because it makes me feel strong, happy, and free like a bird.

Can you tell us about the dance performance that won you this award?
The performance was a fun hip-hop performance, No Batidao, by ZXKAI & slxughter; it is widely classified as a Brazilian Phonk song. I danced to fast music with moves like popping my arms, locking my joints, waving my body like ocean waves, and spinning on the floor. There were bright lights, my friends dancing with me, and everyone cheering loudly. It felt like I was the king of the dance floor on International Dance Day!
How do you manage your school studies along with your dance practice?
I do homework right after school, before dance at 5:30 pm. It’s only an hour of dance, so I have time for both.
Message for other students who want to follow their passion for dance.
Keep practising every day with a happy heart! Never give up, even if it’s hard. Dance like no one’s watching; you can win too!
Who is your biggest supporter? And how does the school support you?
My mother and father cheer me on every day; they’re my biggest fans! My dance teacher is my role model because he shows cool moves and helps me get better. The school teachers are very supportive and help me with homework, so I have time to practise. They cheered for me and motivated me! Last year I won second prize as well in the school dance competition.
Shalini is an Executive Editor with Apeejay Newsroom. With a PG Diploma in Business Management and Industrial Administration and an MA in Mass Communication, she was a former Associate Editor with News9live. She has worked on varied topics - from news-based to feature articles.