Could you share some insights into your background? At what age did your journey in dance begin, and what inspired you to start?
J: I started my rendezvous with dance at my 4th birthday party I guess, where my mom spotted me jumping and moving to the songs being played. She sensed that I had an inclination towards dancing and enrolled me in Indian Classical dances at the age of 6. It was Odissi that I learned growing up in Mumbai, I also learned Kathak and other Indian folk dances while always indulging in Bollywood of course. But my proper training in Latin Ballroom Dancesport began a bit late in life, at around 23.
I travelled to Russia on a scholarship and began to train and compete under the guidance and coaching of my first trainer and multiple times European Champion and Finalist at the World Championship in WDSF (World Dance Sport Federation) Anastasia Selivanova. My inspiration was the fact that it was a sport and that I could represent my country internationally while dancing a style that is so complicated and mechanical while still being able to express myself as an artist.
How has dance left its mark on both your personal and professional life?
J: Dance has indeed made a remarkable and very significant impact on my life both personally and professionally. I found my life partner who is also my dance partner so it would be fair for me to say that my life and dance are deeply intertwined. It has made me stronger in every way, physically, emotionally and mentally. It has made me hopeful for a brighter future while taking me out of a dark place in my life after I lost my father, it has shown me that the universe will always make sure that I arrive at my destinations if I work towards forging my path with true belief.
If dance weren’t your career path, what alternative profession do you think you would have pursued?
J: I was doing well in academics also and just like all Indian parents, for mine too education came first. So I had to finish my Law Degree from Mumbai University before I decided to venture into dancing professionally. However, if I were to be honest, I could not see myself doing anything other than dancing. If not Latin then I would be dancing Odissi professionally.
When you were crowned the Latin Show Dance Adult World Champion, what emotions flooded through you? What thoughts raced through your mind in that exhilarating moment?
J: Absolute amazement and also a little bit of a shock. It was just such an overwhelming feeling that I couldn’t digest the fact that the impossible had happened. So basically this was the first time in the history of Indian Dancers that someone had won the title of World Champion and it felt so unrealistic when they said the words “Please welcome your new IDO World Champions 2023 in Show dance Category Jhinuk & Vlad” I was left speechless. As I was congratulated by my friends and colleagues it was like a dream come true to be placed 1st on the podium.
My conversation with my partner on our bus ride back from the competition was about how we must continue our work and push ahead with all other future goals of improvement, so ultimately it seemed more like a stepping stone towards another milestone in life.
As a female dancer, how do you navigate and overcome the unique challenges you encounter in your field?
J: It’s indeed a challenge to be a female dancer because there is all the more pressure on you to perform your best, look your best, dress your best always. Just like in everyday life, women always have it harder than their male counterparts but to be fair if you find an encouraging environment and partner to work with, it can be a joy to dance. Thanks to couple dancing I’ve realized that how if two people support each other then the burden doesn’t feel like it’s dominated by one over the other. However, the gender norms set out by society sometimes do find their way in the world of dancing too.
For instance, women can also be very competitive with each other and in a competitive sport its amplitude is magnified all the more. But we all know how every woman knows how to find her clan and also how to be a solo rider if the need arises, so eventually we all find our way in this crazy world.
Do you believe that India should place more emphasis on nurturing dance as a viable profession? What are your perspectives on this matter?
J: I cannot stress enough how in India is the absolute need of the hour for people to be made aware of dance as a profession and also a sport. I cannot say I’ve met anyone from India who was aware of what Dancesport is and what it means to be a Dancesport athlete. When I tell them I am representing India internationally they fail to understand what I mean by that. I make it my motto to spread as much awareness as I can about this style of dancing and how it can mean so much more to be an athlete while still being an artist. This beautiful amalgamation of dance and sport needs to be made known to as many people as possible so that more kids and the younger generation of athletes grow up doing what they must to succeed on the global stage.
Amidst your demanding schedule, how do you effectively balance your time between your professional and personal commitments?
J: I have begun enjoying the little things in life recently and it gives me great joy to just have long-distance talks with my family whenever I can. Cook meals at home and enjoy a movie night. Sometimes I catch up with my old friends who are placed all across the world and even though it’s difficult to find a good balance of work and leisure I try my best to refresh myself on my off days which are once or twice a week. I love dancing though so it doesn’t seem that much of a work but more of a passion. Me and my husband Vlad love to travel so we are lucky that our job allows us to travel across the globe and explore different places while still teaching, competing and performing.
What is your definition of success, and how do you believe individuals can strive to achieve it?
J: Success is a relative concept and for me, it means striving towards excellence which may or may not be attainable. My dad always asked me to remember the three Ds in life; discipline, dedication and determination, I think if one can somehow adhere to all these three while fulfilling their goals and still keeping their values intact in the best way they can, then they are going to be “successful” in the eyes of society.
What impact are you hoping to establish through your art of Dance?
J: In India, I hope to give kids the joy of dancing by creating opportunities for them that they need to have to become successful dancers. Those that I was not able to attain at an earlier age in life. Also to everyone around the world who wants to dance, I would like to unlock my tiny box of knowledge and give them the tools they need to enjoy the beauty of this art while still performing for them as and when I get the chance to be on the dance floor.
For aspiring dancers who dream of turning their passion into a profession, do you have any valuable advice to share with them?
J: Be brave, honest and true to your work and yourself. Dream big and keep your targets and goals in mind daily. Every drop in the ocean counts and every little step in life leads you to something bigger.
I wish that “Aspiring” dancers become “Inspiring” dancers, they believe more in hard work over talent or luck.
