“My brother has been my world since I lost my parents. Our parents passed away when we were in school. Since then we have been each other’s family. After losing our parents we got great support from our Mama & Mami. They helped us with our education.

I live with my brother and he understands me so well. Once we were planning to go out for a wedding and all my friends and cousins were coming with their parents. I started missing my parents and wished they were there with us, that’s when my brother held my hand and said “They are always with us, smile now”. He reminded how my dad used to not like seeing my cry and he used to tickle me to cheer me up. These are small joys of life that we often miss after they’re gone! I wish I could express my love to them when they were with us.

I worked for 3 years in a company and I learnt so much there. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience there, but I realised I was not happy with the job. At times we end up doing a desk job just to fill our pockets but we fail to fill our hearts. I continued working but in between I used to go to pick up my Friend’s sister from dance class and I realised my feet used to tap to the tunes. Once I purposely went a bit early to pick her up and met their Sir. I asked him if I can join the class as well, he assured me that I can. I felt so good there and something made me decide I want to quit my job. I started focusing on dance full time and it’s been a great journey so far.

I remember how I used to watch kids dance at our neighbourhood but we could not afford it back then so I had to wait for so many years. Initially I was hesitant about the same but then I said to myself that it’s always better to be late than never and we just get one life so why not live it to the fullest. I aspire to be a Choreographer and I am working to get shows and platform.

Few days back we got a chance to perform with Ranbir Kapoor at Dance Out of Poverty’s event and it was the best day of my life. I have made so many friends and special memories through Dance. My brother supports my decision of opting for Dance as my career and that’s the biggest gift to me.”

Story By – Mansi Dhanak | Dance Out of Poverty

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