Bollywood dance instructor in Hong Kong on his unique methods and how he keeps his sky-high energy in check
Victor Kumar, founder of the Bollywood Dreams Group, is on the leading edge of a trend for highly motivational instructors who give exercise a fresh twist. Keeping his excitable personality and energy under control, though, takes work
Victor Kumar was raised on a steady diet of Indian films. But it was the 2004 coming-of-age drama Lakshya – and in particular, the song Main aisa kyun hoon? (Why I am like this?) from the film – that indelibly changed him.
“I feel this song all of my life,” say the 31-year-old choreographer, actor, dance instructor and founder of the Bollywood Dreams Group dance troupe. “The ideas in the movements, the philosophy behind the song, the lyrics, the storytelling, it struck me like, Wow! Yes! I’ve seen it done in another way.”
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He explains that it was lyrics like “What is going to happen to me in my life? Will somebody please tell me?” that stirred his then 18-year-old self to define who he is and look at life’s bigger picture. He was also riveted by the film’s dance sequences, which were choreographed by industry luminary Prabhu Deva, someone who Kumar has come to revere.
“I started finding myself [feeling] different, that you should be a little different, that you’re a dancer to make good things and present them in a different [way],” he says.
That “different way” is encapsulated in his dance classes, held in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan area, which weave together cultural and interactive elements. He often brings Indian accessories and attire along to encourage attendees to embrace Indian culture.
