Mumbai gains two new venues for performance artistes

Shakti Mohan with her idol Madhuri Dixit Nene (left) on the sets of a reality TV show

We waded through flooded, potholed-roads, chaotic traffic and heavy downpour to reach Nritya Shakti, a new dance studio launched by dancer Shakti Mohan. Located in a tiny lane near Bangur Nagar in Goregaon, the studio was far from accessible for us. When we reached the sixth floor of the building where the studio is located and stepped out into the narrow balcony, the stress of our long journey disappeared within moments. The balcony overlooked the Goregaon mangroves and a nullah, which transforms into a lake in the monsoon.

Shakti Mohan practises a move at Nritya Shakti

Dressed in an LBD and white sneakers, an elated Shakti Mohan greeted us into the 2,800 sq-feet studio. "I wanted to create a space where dancers feel free to innovate and create movements. The view from the studio is relaxing and I can spend hours here," shares Mohan, who discovered the space accidentally. "Owning a studio was a dream. I was doing a photo shoot in the building opposite this one. I loved the view and casually exclaimed that it would be perfect to own a dance studio here. The photographer told me that the building right across had a space available. He showed it to me from outside. The next day, I came here with my parents who loved it and we finalised the place," adds Mohan who has been a professional dancer for a decade now.

The Wall of Inspiration features photos of her dance gurus. Pics/ Prabhanjan Dhanu

The entrance to the studio is neat with off-white walls and dark wooden furniture. The space houses a small studio meant for solo and duet dances and a large one that can accommodate bigger dance troupes. Apart from mirrors, the studio offers the spectacular view that is also visible from the balcony, through large glass windows. There's a small meeting room for choreographers to have ‘corporate-style' discussions too. The high point, though, is a cosy viewing room that one can reach via a short flight of stairs. With rugs, comfy cushions, low seating and viewing windows that allow you to see the goings-on at both studios without being physically present at the rehearsal, this space is most interesting.

Shakti Mohan with her idol Madhuri Dixit Nene (left) on the sets of a reality TV show

Mohan's favourite spot is the Wall Of Inspiration, where one can spot photographs of Terence Lewis, Neeti Mohan, Remo D'Souza, Madhuri Dixit Nene and some of Mohan's other dance gurus. "They are the reason I started dancing. I was a topper in university and everyone thought I'd appear for IAS. Initially, when my elder sister Neeti started dancing, everyone at home was against it. She fought our battles too. By the time it was our turn (my sister Mukti and I), the doors had opened. Neeti was in Ashley Lobo's company in Delhi. We watched her and learnt. Terence taught me dance like you would study any other subject while doing a Masters. He didn't think I was cut out for reality shows and that motivated me to participate in and win Dance India Dance Season 2," shared Mohan while we scanned the other photographs on the wall.

When we congratulated her on having designed a chic-looking space, she confessed that her dad is the interior designer. "I was heading to USA for a tour, and I found the place just before leaving. I had four contrasting ideas that my dad felt were too confusing. He designed the space on his own and handled the labour too," she laughed. The studio features a sound system bought in Chennai that was recommended by AR Rahman's sound engineers and will soon hold regular programmes/classes for both, professional dancers and amateurs.

At: Nritya Shakti, 602, Shri Sai Corporate Park, Bangur Nagar, Goregaon (W).
Call: 09766596944