New Delhi: Choreographer and Dancer Nicole Concessao was a PR and Market Research professional until she found her true calling – Dance and Teaching. Born in Mumbai, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria; Nicole started her dance journey with dance at the young age of 5. She grew up learning Kathak, participating in all possible dance events and loving Bollywood movies, especially the ones with Madhuri Dixit!
In a candid conversation with ABP Live over a video call, Nicole talked about how she started with Team Naach, her plans about participating in a reality show, her love and respect towards Madhuri Dixit and so much more…
Here are a few excerpts from the interview:
Can you share something about your journey with dance?
My journey with dance goes back to the time I was 5 years old. I have been dancing since then. I was trained in Kathak first and growing up it was always school functions and where I used to perform- like everyone in school knew that Nicole would be dancing, because there was no other extracurricular activity that they would like to put me in apart from dance. Post college, somewhere in the middle, I lost touch with dance and then out of nowhere this whole thing- starting my dance company and all, it just happened and since then it’s been history. From someone who was constantly earning dance to being someone who is teaching- it’s been a beautiful journey for me.
Also, at the time when I was growing up, dance was not considered a viable career option. With the boom of social media and everything, it became a fantastic opportunity for me and so many dancers to take up dance as a career.
Before founding Team Naach you were into PR, what made you switch careers?
Before PR, I did a lot of things- I did sales and market research, I did content writing and then finally PR is where I stuck. From there to dance, honestly, it was just wanting to do something for myself. When the whole opportunity of teaching came into play, I just took the opportunity with my friend, so I started teaching. I was so happy working 9 to 6 and after 6 PM going and teaching because it just gave me joy. Then I figured out this was what I love doing vs. what I like doing. So, then I told my family that I am quitting a full-time job to take this freelance life and I will give it six to eight months and see what happens. If it works out and I can support myself financially, then I will continue this else, I will go back to the full-time job.
Mumbai to Nigeria and again back, can you share something about this journey?
When I went to Nigeria, I was barely 2 years old. It was great there, it was a very sheltered life and there was a set routine for every day. Also, it was an Indian community that was set there. So, I was a part of every puja, every event that took place. So, everyone there was involved in taking part in different activities. It was culturally very rich.
Then, I moved to Bombay and I realised what freedom is because you can get down at any point in time, take an auto, do anything, and go anywhere and it’s safe. You don’t need to depend on your transport. I love that I grew up abroad because the way you think and process and your love towards all cultures is very very high and when I came to India with all that knowledge, I love Bombay. I haven’t gone back to Lagos since then.
You seem to idolize Madhuri Dixit. What aspect of her attracts you the most?
Growing up whenever I watched her, it has always been lovely to see the way she expresses, the way she plays with her face so beautifully. And, I have always tried to learn and imbibe something from her. Because, how can you just use your eyebrows, and your eyes and say so much?
I met her for a dance collab and I have been speechless. We showed her a 1 minute choreography and we had to show it to her once. She had never seen that choreography before. She saw this one-minute choreography one time and she knew it, she remembered it and performed it. I was in awe of her and told to myself Í want to be like that. And she did beautifully. We made mistakes and we faltered. She is on a whole other level.
You have also collaborated a lot with other creators. Who is your favourite co-creator?
I cannot say who is my favourite and all. But, talking about Mithila, she came on to set, she hadn’t seen the choreography and this fact blows my mind that how fast people are. She came to set and she learnt it on the spot and she performed it on the spot. In 2-3 hours we wrapped the whole thing and usually that doesn’t happen because, when you are dancing with another creator, you need to do rehearsals, you need to see the steps and all, but this was like, quick. Even I was in shock!
There are many videos on your Instagram where you are seen conducting workshops, what do you feel is the best part about these workshops?
First of all, it’s the people that come to the class. Like, these are the people who comment and like on your social media and suddenly you se them in person and they are interacting with you- I think that’s a great way to meet people, even if you feel that you have done something right and people have that much adoration for you.
Then, there are people of different age groups who are coming and dancing under one roof and the third thing that I want to say about these workshops is the overall vibe of a Team Naach class that we take- there is so much positivity, it’s a safe space. So, there is this great energy that we get in a class and the woman power that you get to see is amazing. Like, even if a student walked in with nervousness, you will see her walking out with so much confidence.
Did you ever want to participate in dance reality shows?
No, like I haven’t planned ever to participate in a reality show. But, I was in a reality show years ago when I was in college. It was called ‘Ye Hai Jalwa’ and it used to come on 9X. That was the first time for me on a reality show set and that was when I realised the kind of hard work it needs, the kind of time, dedication and effort that reality TV requires, especially dance- because there are hours of rehearsals. Back then we were rehearsing for 10 years and then shoot, so it takes a toll on someone’s mind and body. So, it’s not something that I have thought of after that, because I am very happy teaching and this space that I am in makes me happy, so reality has never been on my mind.
Apart from this, ABP Live also had a fun rapid fire round with Nicole.