Besides being good at academics, she takes a lot of interest in co-curricular activities. She enjoys dance, sports, speaking and writing because they help her express herself in her own way. She plays badminton and has participated in DSO and several local tournaments, including zonal-level competitions. I won awards, a trophy, and a silver medal a few years ago. Meet Saanvi Jha, Class VIII student at Apeejay School, Kharghar
In a candid interview, she shares that she loves Bihu, among other things.
Tell us about your dance journey. When did it begin?
I started dancing at the age of four by participating in school events. At that time, it was just something I enjoyed. During COVID-19, when we were all at home, I began dancing more seriously to overcome boredom. That is when my passion truly grew. After that, I joined proper classes and started learning different styles more deeply.
You practice hip hop, freestyle and folk dance. What excites you about learning these styles?
Hip hop excites me because of its beats and energetic steps. It is dynamic and powerful and brings a lot of energy not only to the dancer but also to the audience.
I love the colourful costumes and the deep cultural heritage behind each folk dance. Many folk dances are slowly being forgotten, so performing them and reintroducing them to people motivates me a lot.
In freestyle, the music, my mood, and the story I want to express all come together. It also gives me a sense of spontaneity and freedom.
How do you prepare for performances and competitions?
Discipline and routine are very important. If I am preparing for a competition, I follow a strict practice schedule. For folk dance, especially, I remain very dedicated to rehearsals. For freestyle, however, I leave a little space for spontaneity. That slight unpredictability makes it more challenging and boosts my confidence.
What does dance give you that nothing else does?
If I have to answer in one word, it would be freedom. Dance gives me freedom, joy, and peace. It does not need words, yet it carries deep emotions and culture. It is a safe space where I can express myself through art.
Do you prefer one dance form over the others?
It honestly depends on my mood. If I am feeling relaxed or just going with the flow, I choose freestyle or hip hop. I usually perform folk dance at school events. All three forms have their own place in my life, and I value each of them for different reasons.
Is there any particular folk dance you feel connected to?
I feel deeply connected to Bihu. It appears graceful and serene, yet it carries the powerful story of harvest and the farmers’ hard work. Its rhythmic beats and expressive steps move me every time. There is something layered and meaningful about it that stays with me.