Himanshu Guru
Young choreographer and dancer Ritesh Jain’s journey to recognition has not been smooth but the talented youngster is determined to secure a foothold in an intensely competitive industry
Over and above mastering Indian dance styles, many young dance enthusiasts in the state are eagerly learning typical western styles. Meet dancer-cum-choreographer Ritesh Jain who has showcased his mettle in a number of dance reality shows. He is an expert in western forms like ballroom, waltz, tango, cha-cha, rumba, samba, hip hop, street fusion, jazz and contemporary. An ardent lover of stylish caps and shoes, the youngster, who has a dance studio in Bhubaneswar, has performed in a number of award shows and choreographed songs for schools and educational institutions. Orissa POST chats with the youngster about his dreams and aspirations.
Born to Sipra Nag and the late DK Jain of Cuttack, Ritesh passed matriculation from Cambridge School and Plus III in commerce from Ravenshaw University. Later he earned an MBA degree from Sikkim Manipal University. His younger brother, Rohit (23), works in an automobile company abroad. Ritesh received training at the Biswarup Institute of Performing Arts in Bhubaneswar for 2 years as well as at the Institute of Performing arts (IPA) in Mumbai for a shorter duration. He is trained in theatrical, artistic, Indian and western contemporary styles. Running the dance school Sai World of Dance (SWOD) at Pokhriput in the capital city, Ritesh is especially good in theme- and concept-based choreographs besides western fusion.
“As a child I wanted to become an actor. However, gradually I realised that my family’s financial condition wouldn’t permit me to pursue that profession. Hence I switched my focus and tried to become a cricketer. My maternal uncles were Ranji Trophy players and I proved myself as a good cricketer early on. But I had to sacrifice this career too to support my brother’s study. I never gave up, though. Finally, I chose dancing as a career and earned recognition,” Ritesh said.
Along with his partner Parimita Das, Ritesh made it to the top 90 (for east and west zones) in the dance reality show ‘India’s Dancing Superstar’ aired on Star Plus in 2013. He also entered the top 54 league in the ‘Dancing Superstar’ show aired on Colors as a solo dancer. His group was the semi-finalist at ‘Best of Odisha’ season 2 and ‘Dance Dhamaal’. He also performed in the grand finale of MBC’s ‘Tararumpum’ and ‘Dancing Superstar’.
Reflecting on his days of struggle as a budding dancer, Ritesh said: “After completion of studies I went to Rourkela for a job where I picked up dance from one of my friends Pralaya Banerjee for three months in 2008. After passing out of BIPA I started participating in reality shows, but could not make it to the top. But for me participation and performance always mattered more than recognition.”
The young dancer has specialised in the ballroom style. “Ballroom dancing is done in pairs. This style can be presented with tango, flamingo, cha-cha, waltz, rumba, samba and bachata dances.” Asked why he preferred western styles to Indian dances, Ritesh said: “When we visit other states or take part in big competitions, the judges and the audience want to know whether we are proficient in the latest styles. They ask us to show hip hop or urban. You earn respect if you know these styles besides film dancing.”
Ritesh has performed in many stage shows such as at the Chitralipi Awards in Cuttack, Oriya Film Fare awards in Bhubaneswar, Gloryfest in Puri and Sakhigopal and Khurda Mahotsavs. He showcased solo, duet and group performances in competitions held in IIIT, IIT, Sri Sri University, OUAT and CET in Bhubaneswar. His dance school won the Rubeka and Avinna talent awards and came up runner-up in the Swagatika and Netaji Subash championships. Besides, he has judged many local competitions and choreographed and trained students in Bhubaneswar.
Ritesh has also assisted as a choreographer in an upcoming Oriya film. “To get work in films you have to catch the attention of industry biggies. But I believe in talent and prove it every time I am given the chance,” he said.
The die-hard Prabhudeva fan said, “I learn from everybody. I believe in self-learning. I inspire and motivate myself as a dancer. My life went through ups and downs in the past four years. My mom wants me to secure a job and settle down in life. But I love independence and so I am a dancer. During the tough period of my life Sai Baba blessed and sustained me. Besides, I got ample support from my friend Anusmita, who qualified for ‘Dance India Dance’ moms’ season 2 in the Mumbai round. That apart, my choreo partner Aslam and friend Kunu also supported me. Choreographer Suryan Rath has helped me a lot with choreography. I thank my students too for whom I got the tag of a choreographer.”
The talented artiste said: “My aim is to represent Orissa and India in the Indian and world hip hop, ballroom and salsa championship. If the team works hard and luck favours us we can surely win. But for that every member of the team will have to work for not less than a minimum of five hours a day.”