Jai Ho Longi!

Going to the TV Asia studio in Edison was a spur of the moment decision. The weather gods usually don't cooperate on the days of my shows. We had been personally invited to the choreographers meet in Edison. There was no way we could back out.
Dressed traditionally, I drove with my guru Mitra to meet Longi Fernandez,the Bollywood choreographer of Jai ho fame.Longi was an amazing, down-to-earth personality, who won the crowd with his simplicity and ofcourse, his famed salsa.
We seeked his advice on how to balance traditional dance repertoire with new choreography. Speaking from his heart, Longi adviced us. Being classical dancers, we can't deviate from our core strength. We have to use our classical training to our best advantage, use our footwork, grace and bhava to enhance our dance. We must present our dance in a manner which appeals to an younger generation. There is no need to imitate other western dance styles or compromise on our classical technicalities. Ancient Indian dance has its own unique charm. We need to blend the old and the new.
We knew we were on the right track. Preserving the age old classical tradition is our mission but at the same time we need to incorporate new choreography, so that people are not overwhelmed by classical dance.
Jai ho Longi!