Maharashtra choreographers to teachers dance at Malaysia festival

NASHIK: Choreographers and dance teachers Sachin Shinde and his partner Mayur Vaidya will be representing India at the three-day annual cultural programme Malaysia Urban Retreat Festival (Murfest), organized by the Malaysian government. Shinde and Vaidya are the only Indians invited to the festival to teach dance. Murfest will begin from November 3.
The Malaysian government has invited teachers of yog, dance and music from all over the world to train participants at the three-day workshop, in an effort to promote cultural exchange.Experts from all over the world will be teaching their art forms. International music bands have also been invited to perform during the festival.
The Malaysian government invited the teachers from various fields after they conducted a surprise survey with the help of Indians living in Malaysia. "We have been invited by the Malaysian government to teach Bollywood dance. The event is managed by a Malaysian, Shobie Malani in association with the Malaysian government. The organizers first go to the respective countries and examine both the performing and teaching skills related to the respective art forms. They get feedback forms filled from people about the class or the artist," explained Shinde.
"A team of about six to seven people had attended our dance class in Mumbai and had insisted on learning Bollywood dance," he added.
Shinde pointed out that only after the Malaysians completed their course did they reveal that their purpose was to select dance teachers for the Murfest.
At the festival, tents will be provided where the teachers and participants will camp for three days. The evenings will be only for entertainment programmes where live music bands will perform. The entire expense of the trip is being borne by the Malaysian government.
Shinde and Vaidya will be teaching Indian dance forms from classic to modern Bollywood styles. In addition, styles of all the veteran and contemporary Bollywood heroes will be taught. Different dance forms like Hip Hop, Salsa, Bachata and others will be taught in Bollywood style.