International Dance Day has been celebrated on April 29 by UNESCO for all genres of dance. Goans love to dance and this passion can be first seen among children who enjoy dance as an activity which later grows into a passion that becomes a profession. Dance has evolved across the world and in Goa too, children and youngsters are embracing different dance genres.
Nurturing young talent
through dance camps
While it is all fun and excitement at the
beginning of dance classes, as the children grow up they face challenges in continuing the classes. National-level dance winner, Amit Rajput of Amit Rajput Dance Academy in Ponda, is currently organising a summer camp for children where they are introduced to Bollywood and Western contemporary jazz. “For beginners, especially younger kids, Bollywood works well as it’s
fun and familiar. As they grow, we gradually introduce more complex styles like contemporary and jazz," says Amit.
Despite the excitement, many children drop out around ages 9–10, often due to academic pressure or shifting interests. “Exams and studies take priority, or they switch to other schools or activities. If they really want to take it further, we guide them to train in Mumbai, where they can learn from the best. Our role is to build their foundation and support their growth if they’re passionate,” adds Amit, who organised an annual event, Dance of Kings, which includes celebrity judges, certification, and free workshops for kids.
Focussing on performance-
oriented training
Cecille Rodrigues of Encore Academy of Performing Arts trains children in dance genres. But this summer, the academy is also including senior citizens. They are conducting free dance classes for senior citizens every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim. A dance programme is designed with a performance-oriented approach, setting the stage for dancers of all ages, from 3 to 80 years old, to showcase their skills at a major event called Spotlight on May 13 at Kala Academy, Panjim.
The event will feature a range of dance styles inspired by different musical eras, including the
’70s, ’90s, and 2000s. "We have a set format
because we are prepping them for a stage performance. It's not just about teaching a style; it's about creating a whole routine for a live performance," explains Cecille.
Dancers undergo 16 to 18 classes focused on various aspects of performance: stretching, flexibility, body isolations, and learning choreography. Young dancers explore multiple styles in one routine, from hip-hop and Bollywood to contemporary dance and gymnastics, allowing them to develop into well-rounded performers. “We push them to the maximum. Just like you see on a dance reality show, we aim for excellence. If students show promise, we encourage them to go even further,” she adds.
For the programme, the younger dancers will perform to older music hits, while the senior dancers perform to today’s tracks. The highlight is the mash-up of different musical eras, giving every dancer, no matter their age, a chance to shine. Cecille says, "Dance is for everyone," says the instructor. "It’s about pushing yourself, learning new things, and having fun."
Ballroom dancing still has
a strong following
Ballroom dancing is still relevant for weddings and formal dances, and many dancers want to get it right. Not just an elegant art form, these ballroom dances are also viewed as a lifestyle and fitness trend. "Student numbers have been increasing and classes are running full," says Martin D’Costa of Dance Illusions.
Today, ballroom is more than just steps—it’s becoming a hobby, a fitness routine, and a form of self-expression, especially among middle-aged learners. “People are picking it up not just to perform, but to stay active and enjoy learning something new. The most popular styles include waltz, cha-cha, and bachata—ideal for social events rather than competitions. This is more about social dancing—something you can do at weddings or parties,” adds Martin.
Specialising in Slow Foxtrot, Salsa, Bachata, Viennese Waltz, Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Waltz, and Jive, the academy will celebrate its 19th anniversary on May 1 with a grand ballroom event at The Flora Grand, Vasco, including a Bachata free workshop at 8 pm.
Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop are booming among youth
Dance trends are rapidly evolving, and today’s youth are leaning more towards contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop than traditional ballroom styles. “Youngsters today are used to parties—they have a natural groove when it comes to dancing socially. They vibe more with styles like jazz and hip-hop, and ballroom has seen a drop in numbers,” says Glavan D’Mello, artistic director at Dance-O-Philia Academy.
Ballroom still finds a place in social gatherings, especially through bachata and salsa nights for the youth. Children are more attracted towards dance forms like ballet and jazz, and adults put on their dancing shoes for jazz, hip-hop, and Bollywood. The increase in interest for styles like contemporary and hip-hop is also influenced by the growing popularity of dance reality shows in India. “Earlier, everything was Bollywood. Now, because of TV shows, people—including parents—are more educated about international dance forms. Parents want to upgrade the skills of their children. That’s why contemporary and jazz have become more training-oriented," explains Glavan.