Today we’d like to introduce you to Megha Shivekar.
Hi Megha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Megha Jadhav Shivekar, and this marks the commencement of my Dance Choreography Journey. Born and raised in Pune, Maharashtra, the eighth-largest metropolis in India, Pune stands as the cultural heartland of Maharashtra.
Embracing the traditional attire of the Maharashtrian Navuari Saree (9 yards long fabric, is profoundly embedded in Maharashtrian history and culture) and Nath (Nose ring), both deeply rooted in Maharashtrian history and culture, has always been a source of joy for me. From a young age, I found delight in adorning myself in these cultural symbols, especially during special occasions, as I danced to the tunes playing on the radio or TV.
My journey into the world of dance began in my pre-school days. My mother, recognizing my interest in dancing, encouraged me to participate in the school’s annual functions. In 1991, I took my first steps into the realm of Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, a journey that fueled my passion for the art form. Simultaneously, at the age of eight, my father became my piano instructor, adding a melodic dimension to my artistic pursuits.
Encouraged by my brother, I ventured into singing and became an active participant in school choirs. Beyond that, I explored diverse forms of expression, engaging in debates, storytelling, poetry, and dramas. While excelling as an A-grade student, my heart was undeniably drawn to dance. Despite participating in various competitions for singing, drama, poetry, and debates, dance remained my true passion, igniting a flame that would shape my artistic journey.
My journey as a choreographer started in 1996. Upon the request of some non-dancer friends, I took on the challenge of choreographing their performance for the school’s annual function. Although initially considered it a tricky endeavor, I accepted it with determination. The chosen dance was a Maharashtrian folk dance, and to my delight, their execution was outstanding, earning widespread admiration. The positive feedback poured in, creating a sense of fulfillment. Witnessing the emotional and joyful expressions of my dancers, who were not only grateful but also thanked me for providing them with the opportunity, was truly heartwarming. It was on that memorable day that I decided to be a choreographer, committed to providing opportunities for anyone passionate about dance, irrespective of their background as dancers or non-dancers.
My journey as a dance choreographer(other than school dance choreography) began with my first student, an 11-year-old with whom I participated in a dance competition. To our immense joy, she clinched the first-place trophy, and I proudly stood as the runner-up. That moment remains etched in my memory as one of my proudest achievements. As I navigated through college, I ventured into the realm of professional dance choreography. My choreographic endeavors spanned a diverse range of events, including school dance competitions, inter-college contests, weddings, and community gatherings.
My foray into dance competitions was not limited to choreography; I actively participated and garnered numerous awards. Throughout this journey, my mother remained a steadfast supporter, offering encouragement and belief in my abilities. In 2002, I expanded my artistic horizons by participating in Indian Idol, a nationally televised singing competition. While I fell short during the TV round, the experience fueled my determination to delve into Indian classical music. Over a year, I dedicated myself to learning this intricate art form.
Simultaneously, I ventured into the world of professional theatre and dramas. A notable highlight of this period was my involvement in a team that presented 10 different one-act plays consecutively, setting a record of 28 hours and 4 minutes in the Limca Book of Records. These diverse experiences marked pivotal moments in my artistic journey, shaping me into the multifaceted artist I am today.
In 2008, I embarked on a new chapter of life as I got married, and by 2011, my husband and I had relocated to Florida, United States. This marked the beginning of my choreography journey in the States. The year 2012 proved to be pivotal as I participated in the Tampa Indian Dance Festival, where our group clinched 1st place. Inspired by this success, I founded the Megh Malhaar dance group upon moving to Utah in the same year.
My inaugural dance performance in Utah in 2012 sparked a realization – I could effectively showcase and share my cultural heritage through dance. This revelation led to the choreography of various performances at community events, featuring a diverse array of Maharashtrian folk dances such as Mangalagaur, Jogwa, Koli dance, and Lavani. In addition, I expanded my repertoire to include choreography in genres like hip hop, Bhangra, Garba, and Rajasthani folk dances.
Adding to my accomplishments, I assumed the roles of Zumba and BollyX instructor in 2015, broadening my impact on the dance fitness scene. I further extended my creative reach by choreographing dances for Indian weddings, blending traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly. The year 2014 saw my participation in the Utah Indian Icon singing competition, showcasing yet another facet of my artistic abilities.
Dance, a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, has the power to express emotions, tell stories, and bring people together. At the heart of this captivating art form lies the intricate world of dance choreography, where movement becomes a medium for self-expression and creativity. With over 200 choreographed dances under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of working with dancers ranging from 3 to 71 years old.
My constant supporters include my parents, husband, and two beautiful kids. My dance journey has been a conduit to connect with diverse individuals, allowing me to learn and grow. I find immense joy in sharing my cultural heritage through dance, grateful that my passion has become a bridge to bring people together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While my journey as a dance choreographer has been immensely fulfilling, it has not been without its share of challenges and struggles. Like any artistic pursuit, the path to becoming a successful choreographer has involved overcoming obstacles and learning from experiences. Here are some key challenges I encountered:
Cultural Adaptation: Moving to a new country, the United States, posed a cultural adaptation challenge. Introducing Maharashtrian folk dances in a different cultural context required sensitivity and creativity to make the performances relatable and appreciated by a diverse audience.
Establishing a Dance Group: Founding the Megh Malhaar dance group in a new state involved building a team, gaining recognition, and establishing a presence within the local dance community. It required dedication, networking, and strategic planning to create a successful and cohesive dance group.
Balancing Roles and Responsibilities: Juggling roles as a choreographer, instructor, and participant in various competitions while managing family responsibilities demanded effective time management and a strong support system. Striking a balance between personal and professional commitments was a constant challenge.
Diversifying Dance Genres: Venturing into different dance genres, from traditional Maharashtrian folk to contemporary styles, presented a creative challenge. Adapting choreography to suit varied dance forms required continuous learning and exploration.
Competition and Rejection: Participating in dance and singing competitions inevitably came with the risk of facing rejection. While winning accolades was rewarding, facing setbacks in competitions like Indian Idol was a valuable learning experience that fueled my determination to improve.
Learning Indian Classical Music: After facing disappointment in the singing competition, I decided to learn Indian classical music. This presented its own set of challenges, including time commitment and the discipline required to master a new art form.
Choreographing for Different Age Groups: Working with dancers of diverse age groups, from young children to older adults, posed its own set of challenges. Adapting choreography to suit varying skill levels and physical abilities required flexibility and patience.
Coping with Disappointment: Like any artist, there were moments of disappointment, such as failing in a TV round or facing challenges in the choreographic process. These setbacks, however, became opportunities for growth and resilience.
Despite these challenges, each hurdle has been a stepping stone in my journey, contributing to my growth as a choreographer and enriching my artistic expression. The struggles have been instrumental in shaping my resilience, adaptability, and passion for dance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a dance choreographer, several elements contribute to what sets me apart from others in the field:
Cultural Diversity and Expertise: My choreography encompasses a wide range of cultural dances, from traditional Maharashtrian folk dances like Mangalagaur, Jogwa, Koli dance, and Lavani to contemporary styles such as hip hop, Bhangra, and Rajasthani folk dances. This breadth of cultural diversity allows me to offer a unique and rich dance experience.
Versatility in Genres: I go beyond traditional dance forms and embrace a variety of genres, including hip hop, Bhangra, Garba, and Rajasthani folk dances. This versatility allows me to cater to a diverse audience and create performances that are dynamic and engaging.
Integration of Traditional and Modern Elements: My choreography often involves seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements. This fusion adds a contemporary flair to traditional dances, making them more relatable and appealing to a broader audience.
Instructorship in Dance Fitness: Serving as a Zumba and BollyX instructor demonstrates not only my proficiency in choreography but also my commitment to promoting dance as a form of fitness. This dual expertise sets me apart by offering a holistic approach to dance and wellness.
Experience in Theatrical Productions: Involvement in professional theatre and dramas, including a record-setting performance in the Limca Book of Records, showcases my ability to choreograph and execute complex and continuous dance sequences. This experience adds a theatrical and storytelling dimension to my choreography.
Participation in Competitions: Participation in dance competitions and singing competitions, such as the Tampa Indian Dance Festival and Utah Indian Icon, underscores my dedication to honing my skills and seeking new challenges. These experiences contribute to my growth as a versatile and accomplished choreographer.
Diverse Age Range of Dancers: Choreographing for individuals ranging from 3 to 71 years old demonstrates my adaptability and effectiveness in working with a wide spectrum of age groups. This versatility ensures that my choreography remains inclusive and accessible to diverse audiences.
Strong Support System: My constant supporters, including my parents, husband, and children, play a crucial role in my journey. Their encouragement and belief in my artistic vision contribute to the positive and collaborative environment in which I create and share my choreography.
In essence, what sets me apart is a combination of cultural richness, versatility, a fusion of traditional and modern elements, fitness advocacy, theatrical experience, competition participation, adaptability to diverse age groups, and a robust support system that collectively defines my unique identity as a dance choreographer.
What makes you happy?
The combination of passion for dance, artistic fulfillment, positive relationships with dancers, and the impact on audiences collectively contributes to my happiness as a choreographer in my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghmalhaardancegroup
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mjadhav13
