By Seema Chowdhry Sharma

She has learned Kathak, jazz, ballet, salsa, Afro jazz and many more dance forms. At 22, Anamika Singh runs her own dance school, Adaayein, in Navjeevan Vihar, Delhi, and has recently put up a production of a musical dance drama, ‘Transparent Dreams’.

Early Beginnings
Anamika’s romance with dance started in the cradle itself. “My mom says I probably learnt to dance even before I could walk properly,” says the petite lass who has been running Adaayein for more than five years now. Active in creative arts since her school days, Anamika started out by choreographing school annual day shows. “I was learning Kathak since my school days and had some exposure to classical dance, so I was able to choreograph the shows. Also, my teachers at Mother’s International School were very supportive and encouraging.”

After finishing her class XII board exams, Anamika had some time to kill before her results were out and she began college. “I decided to use this time to earn some pocket money. So I gathered some kids from the neighbourhood and started taking dance classes in my house,” she says. The resounding success of this makeshift dance school led to Adaayein when she was just 17.

“Within two months, I had not just the kids but teenagers and some ladies coming too. That set me thinking and I realised how much I enjoyed teaching dancing. So I decided to continue the classes and complete my graduation by correspondence.”

Branching Out
Somewhere along the line, Anamika realised that if she had to make dancing her profession, she needed to upgrade her skills. According to her, if you want to excel in this field, it is important to be passionate about dance, to constantly get training from good teachers. “Training with people who are the best in the field helps you become better.”

She joined Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA). “I was always keen to be part of his troupe, having watched him perform a number of times on television. I learnt jazz, salsa, contemporary dance at SDIPA and found the atmosphere very encouraging.”

namika was selected as one of the lead dancers for Shiamak’s production of the musical YES! The Spirit of Triumph, staged at Siri Fort Auditorium. “I won the Vardhaman Trophy For Creative Arts in the category Dancing Wonder 2000. I must says that this most amazing moment of my life, especially since the trophy was presented by Hrithik Roshan,” she says. Apart from Shiamak, Anamika also trained under Fernando Aguleria in Russian ballet and is currently pursuing Kathak training under Aditi Mangaldas.

“I find that learning different dance styles has helped to evolve my own style. It has also given me the chance to select the best from various styles and incorporate it in my own,” she says. Finally, “it is only when you give shape to your dreams that you get a chance to explore your inner self,” she says.