Great choreographers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion. Soni Rai talks to Renesha Bantawa Rai and Gamvir Bista, two talented choreographers about their passion for dance

“I dance to Inspire”– Gamvir Bista

Gamvir Bista attained fame as a choreographer after the music video ‘Sustari Sustari’ and movie songs like ‘Maya Yo Maya’, ‘Dhoke Baaj Re’ and ‘Nachana Maiya’ from the movie ‘Talakjung vs Tulke’. This year he will be involved in lots of music videos, movies and try his luck in direction and as a model.

Is the role of a choreographer to inspire, teach or lead?

The role of a choreographer is to teach the essence of every dance move and make them understand the language and depth of dance forms.

Tell us a little bit about your choreographic process.

I always try to keep it simple. The form of dance strongly depends on the music of the song, who is the artist for the song, their dancing skills and the best location with perfect outfits which complement the song. I believe that’s my choreographic process.

The biggest challenge you face?

I think the most challenging task is choreographing songs with artists who lack dancing skills and fail to give the expressions demanded by the theme.

What kind of body is best for dance?

Honestly, flexibility of body is very important in dancing but I don’t think shape matters. Anyone who has passion for dancing and opts for training can create a bang in the dancing field.

Tell us about your future projects?

I recently completed two movies song ‘Bazigaar’, ‘Suntali Lai Bhagai Lagyo Jhilke Le’ and I am working on an upcoming movie ‘Fursad’.

Gamvir Bista rates their dance skills

Hema Shrestha -8/10

Rajesh Hamal -4/10

Namrata Shrestha -6/10

Deeya Maskey -8.5/10

Menuka Pradhan -8/10

Gaurabh Pahari -6/10

“I dance to be me” -Renesha Bantawa Rai

Starting her career as a choreographer, Renesha Bantawa Rai made it to the limelight by choreographing music videos and movies such as ‘Chiyabarima Remix’, ‘Euta Saathi Chha’, ‘K Yo Maya Ho’, ‘Ekai Chin Ma Yo K Bhayo’ and ‘Ma Yesto Geet Gau Chu’. This year she has 21 songs to be choreographed and some of them have

already been released.

What inspired you to start dancing?

Since childhood I was very fond of dancing. I think it’s a natural gift and without any specific training I used to dance very gracefully in my childhood days. It might sound like exaggeration, but I strongly believe my inspiration is Goddess Saraswati.

One person in the industry who has two left feet and a challenge to teach?

I think in a positive way it’s our new emerging superstar Daya Hang Rai. It’s been a bit hard to teach him some dance steps needed by the song but his simplicity always enhances the moves and gives better shape to the dance form.

What projects are in the pipeline?

As I have said before I have many songs to be choreographed this year and some movies that I have worked with are ‘How Funny’, ‘Bir Bikram’, ‘Homework’, ‘Kaifiyat’ and ‘K Ma Timro Hoina Rah’.

What is the general misconception about choreographers and dancers?

I think choreographers are more like directors of the entire song who oversee the whole process from cinematic style to dance composition along with the aesthetics of the songs. Dancers are well trained artists who perform the dance composition.

Renesha Bantawa Rai rates their dance skills

Priyanka Karki - 9/10

Reecha Sharma - 5/10

Vinay Shrestha - 6/10

Rekha Thapa - 8/10

Anoop Bikram Shahi - 7/10