Choreographer Ashley Lobo says that the International Youth Day this year has helped young people find balance without their peers and props at home. By Team Viva
For choreographer, Ashley Lobo, there is no energy as that of youth on his dance floor. He loves their moves, their hope, and the vibrancy they bring to any class. On International Youth Day, Ashley stressed that it is the youth which is embracing the ‘new normal’ and helping the not-so-savvy world adjust to the digital age, which has swamped all of us.
He says, “Being at home and not with their peer group is not how the youth would have ever imagined their lives but given their proximity to gadgets and the online world, they are doing a pretty good job. I miss their vibrancy in my studio since offline classes are stopped. But when youngsters dance, it is obvious that they like to be free and that spirit is visible in whatever they do.”
The pandemic has affected youngsters profoundly, for better or for worse. Through videos and virtual means, youth across the country have been expressing themselves in unique ways and it is believed that the performing arts are only helping to liberate them even more. For Ashley, in the art form of dance, there is, after all, no perfection, only being one with the self and realising one’s true emotions and passion by dancing from the heart. “I have seen students over the years feel relaxed and happy after a dance session. This is because during the class, stress levels drop and the endorphins take over. This, in turn, makes the mind calm. It can be an extremely therapeutic and spiritual experience. When one dances, one connects to the music and to the self. In that one moment, you become one with yourself and the universe and that strain is the best mantra to get over the pandemic blues,” adds he.
Ashley, who has choreographed for Bollywood films such as Dhoom, Jab We Met, Cocktail, and many others, feels it is important for the youngsters to be guided properly and the importance of discipline should be instilled early. “And then, be it a crisis, pandemic, or any other trouble, you will always see the young rise above and show the discipline in every facet of life,” he says.
The current imbroglio which has stopped dancers worldwide from running riot on the dance floor and forced to channelise their energy online is seeing quite a bit of heft in the youth. Despite being confined to their homes and missing their friends, the youngsters are doing wonders with dance and the arts. “They will become stronger once this is all behind us because even now the youth in my online classes can find balance in dance through the turbulence of the global pandemic. That is the power of the young and restless,” says Ashley.
