How to Choose the Perfect Partner for Indian Dance

Indian dance is highly intricate and learning it takes a long time. If you already have enough experience to perform on stage, it's best to look for a partner with a similar skill level.

Yes, when one partner is more experienced, learning can be faster, but not in this case. Indian dance involves training not only in basic movements but also in facial expressions and song interpretation.

So if your partner knows all the movements perfectly but lacks other skills, you'll just waste time waiting for them to catch up.

If you're a beginner, this advice applies to you too. Your choreographer will find it easier to teach both of you at the same time. That also makes things easier for you—during rehearsals, you'll progress together from beginner to expert, learn from each other's mistakes, and build trust and collaboration.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a partner is openness. People vary in their willingness to connect, and some dancers may be shy or insecure. Your job is to decide what works better for you: finding an outgoing dancer or offering maximum support to a reserved one.

Indian dance demands long and dedicated rehearsals, so remember you'll spend a lot of time with your partner. Don't confuse professional and personal relationships, or they'll interfere with each other, eventually forcing you to find a new partner.

Try to connect with your new partner from the start—ask about their interests, how long they've been dancing, and what they aim to achieve. One-on-one conversations help you relax and work in a comfortable atmosphere.

Don't turn dance practice into a chore by choosing a partner you have even the slightest aversion to. Your partner should be someone you like, then rehearsals become enjoyable and results appear much faster.

You might have several candidates for a partner. Don't rush to conclusions or decide at 'first sight.' It's possible you could reject your 'ideal' partner too soon.

Try attending rehearsals with different people. For instance, practice a sequence with one person and experiment in a new direction with another. When you have examples to compare, it's easier to choose.

Some choreographers work with many students and may suggest one of them as your partner. Of course, a master can see from the outside if you're a good fit and can form a strong working alliance. But don't become fixated on the choreographer's opinion.

It's better to rely on your own feelings. You may be fully satisfied with a dancer's image and skills, but dislike them as a person. They might have 'dumb jokes' in your opinion or constantly criticize you.

Set your priorities—what kind of person you'll be comfortable with not only during the dance but also in the creative process.

Also remember the principle of 'give and take.' If you demand support from your partner, you must be ready to support them too. If you refuse to work on any 'difficult' or 'unsuitable' sequences, expect them to do the same.

If you're looking for the perfect partner to meet your needs, someone else is doing the same. So don't be upset if you don't fit someone else's criteria. Sooner or later, you'll form a strong duo to create your dance!