5 days ago

Sikh Boy Defies Stereotypes, Becomes Graceful Kathak Dancer

Sikh Boy Defies Stereotypes, Becomes Graceful Kathak Dancer
How Rekha's Umrao Jaan Inspired A Sikh Boy To Take Up Kathak At 14 · NDTV

Once upon a time, a boy named Asa saw a dance in a movie called Umrao Jaan.

He loved it so much that he decided to learn Kathak, a type of Indian classical dance.

At first, people were surprised because they thought only girls could be dancers.

But Asa didn't let that stop him.

He practiced hard and even learned another dance called Bharatanatyam.

He faced many challenges, like people staring at him and questioning his choices.

But his mom always supported him.

Now, Asa is a grown-up dancer who performs all over the world.

He wants to show everyone that dance is for anyone who loves it, no matter their gender.

Key facts

Name
Asa Willoughby
Age Started Dancing
14
Dance Forms
Kathak, Bharatanatyam
Gurus
Anuradha Chaturvedi-Seth, Sujata Banerjee
Current Status
PhD student and active performer
Inspiration
Film Umrao Jaan
Location
US (previously UK)

Quotes

Asa Willoughby

Sikh Kathak and Bharatanatyam performer who began training at 14

“At 14, I watched the film Umrao Jaan. The grace and strength of the mujra-style dance mesmerised me. I knew it was inspired by Kathak. So, I joined my first class. I was the only boy.”
NDTV
“I wanted to show people that Indian classical dance isn't bound by gender or borders; it's Sadhana, a spiritual practice for anyone willing to seek it.”
NDTV

Sources

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