A dance master, who has worked with some of the biggest Bollywood stars in India, wants to continue to share his skills with the community in New Zealand.
One of the first qualified choreographers in India, Sonar Chand Singh Ngangom has been in New Zealand for the past seven years, and he is as enthusiastic about his skills and talents as he was as a young man in New Delhi.
Now aged 67, Sonar Chand (as he likes to be known), has been slowly sharing his knowledge with the West Auckland community, and holding one class per week.
But things are beginning to look better this year for the dance guru who has worked with some of the bigger names in Bollywood – namely Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher and he also worked at Anil Kapoor’s film institute in Delhi.
“Mein toh aaya tha New Zealand retayar hone, magar dancing phir se karne laga,” Sonar Chand told Indian Weekender recently.
Go to any Indian festival or public function, you are sure to find Sonar Chand present there, tirelessly cajoling and guiding his troops to fine performances on those special occasions.
His ambition is to create “new dimensions in the field of Indian dance and music”.
Having choreographed numerous functions throughout the country in recent times, Sonar Chand is well know for his services in India – and has been recognized for it.
He has taught martial arts to students of National School of Drama, Delhi (India) as a visiting lecturer and choreographed drama and musical productions.
Also choreographed Republic Day Parade items for school children at India Gate, Delhi, India. Choreographed opening ceremony of sports events with 500 to 3000 participants.
Choreographed NCERT (Govt. of India) programme Community Singing with 10,000 at Nehru Stadium.
And so much more that it is impossible to list all his achievements achievements in India and New Zealand.
For now, Sonar Chand has been holding dance classes for at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson, charging his students $10 a lesson.
But from this month, he will be able to provide free lessons – thanks to the Waitakere Indian Association which will be paying for the lessons.
So, to learn traditional dances or martial arts, Sonar Chand has in-depth knowledge of the arts. He will only be tooi happy to hear from you.
ph, 09 836 2753, 021 044 1582, email: sonar1941@yahoo.co.uk