Dancing his way to SA

The much-anticipated show, Mystic India, is well on its way to be performed on stage at Montecasino and we’re catching up with its multi-talented producer and choreographer.

Amit Shah has officially landed in South Africa, along with his performers to begin rehearsals at Montecasino for the show – but City Buzz is more interested in his personal journey.

Shah began dancing at a young age in his hometown in India and carried his passion with him to this very day.

“I don’t know if you would call it passion or curiosity back then, but I would dance around my living room and entertain any guests that came over to my home,” he said.

“There was just something that fascinated me about putting on a performance, and it has stuck with me ever since.”

As his college days drew to a close, the creative opted to pursue a career that is frowned upon in the Indian community. “When I finished college, I wanted to create a platform for graduate students to dance while maintaining their professional careers,” he said.

Realising the need for such an institute in America, Shah opened AATMA Performing Arts institute in New York where Indian-American professional performers could integrate traditional Indian art forms with Western disciplines.

Now, after years of running the institute and working with big names in the Bollywood community, including Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, the business-minded performer has choreographed and produced this world-famous show, Mystic India.

“I’ve put so much of myself into this show,” Shah began.

“Being involved with Mystic India has really allowed me to use every skill I have and expand my creative mind.”

He explained that the show, filled with people of diverse characters and ethnicities, is no easy work and is rehearsed for many long hours to perfect lyrics and learn the meanings of each song – but on the other hand, being able to do what they love, entertain and travel make it all worth it.

Following great demand to return, Shah is looking forward to performing for South African audiences again.

Details: www.montecasino.co.za