Growing up, I always admired the energy and creativity of dancers and choreographers who managed large troop for stage performances. One such choreographer who’s known for his style of beautifully synchronized performances is Shiamak Davar. He is a master of his craft, skill, and finesse in the world of dance… and so is his team.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet one of them, Supriya Chavan who is now a Lead Instructor teaching diverse forms of dances across London to aspiring artists of all ages.
Having met her and seen her perform live, I can confidently say that Chavan is not only a great dancer but an artist who enjoys spreading cheer and happiness through music and movement.
Chavan moved from India to London in 2019 to further develop her expertise and vision for art and dance internationally.
When asked about her goals, she shared “I want to give dancers and creators a chance to develop their own artistic choices and art-making process. Hence helping them create a unique identity and career for themselves.” This is certainly evident from her training and also the content Chavan share on her social media.
As part of the Shiamak Davar International program, Chavan has stormed the stage by performing at several entertainment award shows such as IIFA, TOIFA, Filmfare, Zee Cine, Star Guild, Mirchi Music, and Lux Golden petal.
I had the pleasure of watching her in action at Shiamak Davar’s Winterfunk – Confidance in November 2021, where Chavan took centre stage for a powerful performance.
She led a group of up to twelve dancers to perform a modern contemporary act on Trampoline, and she certainly gave life to the song and its essence.
Using fluid body movements and postures, Chavan and her team portrayed a free-flowing yet controlled act depicting human emotions and restraint.
As the lead performer, it’s hard to look away from Chavan skilfully aligning the knowledge of concept and the art form. She intelligently choreographed the act of showcasing inner strength even during times of chaos; The varied formations, visual effects, integration of a real trampoline as a prop used by the dancers to signify them flying freely was a masterpiece.
Another noteworthy act from the evening was the performance on Dil Se’s title track.
After an entertaining group performance divided on either side of the stage, Chavan captivated the audience with a enchanting solo act in an Indo-contemporary style form.
With strong grounded base, sharp hand movements along with delicate legwork, she expressed a peaceful warrior’s stance. And the costume choice of pleated gold harem pants certainly amplified the spirit of the song – unity, strength and perhaps eternal love.
No wonder one leaves with the sense of a restless inspiration, questing continuous artistry. And although her varied ingenious skills are seen everywhere in the shows, her compelling elegance little changed by the years, the essence of the dancer in herself is strangely never absent – we see her plural selves, hard to pin down, perpetually in motion.
In addition to being a versatile dancer and choreographer, I was delighted to learn that Chavan has proven a mettle as a proficient trouper with experience in costume designing, sourcing, lighting, and several other technicalities.
She is carving a niche for herself through dance and culture that connects with South Asians and beyond.
Her vision and dedication to continuously improve her form as well as lead by example is what makes her a great leader and mentor for aspiring artists.
The positive feedback from her students and clients is certainly proof of that.
“Incredible performers and within limited space all the artists performed so well. Right from that little girl, who was absolutely wonderful performer, to the older one which I could think of performed really good. Credit goes to your entire team and of course you all Mentors. I can imagine how much hard work was put in to compile the show,” Jyoti Sahane delightfully shared after Chavan’s group performance in Croydon.
The powerhouse of talent has also performed with Bollywood celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Krystle D’Souza and Aditi Rao Hydari, and is expanding her range to different forms teaching Bollywood, Bollysass, Bolly hop, Bolly Ada and Shiamak style.
Chavan continues to practice and hone her skills everyday as she believes there is no greater feeling in in the world than moving to a piece of music and letting the rest of the world disappear. She is all set to take over the world of dance one step at a time and proving that music and dance no boundaries.
