Student Achievers: ‘Performing on an international stage was a proud moment for us’

Two talented dancers from Apeejay School, Model Town, brought laurels to the school by winning the first prize in the Duet Dance Category at the 8th Indo-Nepal International Dance Championship 2026, held in Nepal. Their achievement made the entire Apeejay family proud. Meet the two students, Ishani and Lovroop.

In a candid interview, they share their experience of performing at the international platform, among other things.

Ishani said that their duet performance was inspired by the idea of expressing emotions through storytelling. “We wanted to present something that reflected coordination, grace, and the beauty of Indian classical dance. We performed Kathak, a classical Indian dance form known for its graceful footwork, expressive storytelling, intricate rhythms, and elegant spins,” she said.

The toughest part of the competition was performing on an international stage and trying to stand out among so many talented participants, she added. “It was both exciting and challenging, but it motivated me to stay focused, perform with confidence, and give my very best,” she shared and stated that the experience in Nepal helped her grow as a dancer in many ways.

“It boosted my confidence and allowed me to represent my country on an international platform. Interacting with talented participants broadened my perspective and inspired me to keep improving. The entire experience encouraged me to pursue my passion for dance with even greater dedication,” she said.

Winning the first prize was a wonderful feeling for Lovroop. Even though they were drained by around 10:30 pm, the moment we won felt like a dream. “We prepared for the competition with the guidance of our dance teacher; it was her vision and efforts. She made us practise every day, and although we had to skip a few classes, it was all worth it. We also practised through video calls during the holidays, which made the preparation fun and memorable,” she recalled.

Nepal was a lovely experience as they visited temples and markets, enjoyed shopping, and also went to Chandragiri Hills by cable car, which was thrilling. “However, my best moment in Nepal was winning the first prize, especially after waiting since morning for our turn,” she said and added that she and Ishani have been training in Kathak for the last three years.

“This time, luck brought us together as duet partners. We first performed at the state-level competition, gained confidence from there, and then did well at the national level too,” she said in conclusion.