WAACKING SENSATION MANISH POONAM

In the world of social media, Instagram is one new place where dancers are emerging from. They have been able to meet likeminded people and of course bring light to their art of dance. One such c. I spoke with the Instagram star on his life journey and struggles to make it in the world of dance:

Tell me about your dance background?
I started dancing as a child, unaware it would become my career. It began as a hobby, where I’d create tiny stages from stapler pins and matchboxes, lost in my own world. I loved twirling in my mother’s dupatta, fascinated by the flow of a ghagra. But as I grew, societal pressures took over, and my mother became more cautious. Eventually, I stopped dancing, but my passion only grew.
Though I dreamed of joining a dance class, we couldn’t afford it. One summer, my cousin joined a dance camp, and I’d eagerly pick her up, hoping for a chance to dance. One day, I got the opportunity and began learning contemporary dance. Though my teachers weren’t professionally trained, they gave my passion direction.
My journey wasn’t easy. I had to go against my family’s wishes, but my mother supported me as best she could. The lockdown was a turning point—it became my training ground. Dancing on my rooftop at night, I discovered Waacking and made it my focus. I started battling, traveling, and immersing myself in the dance scene.
Eventually, I moved to Mumbai and joined the Famous Family-Future crew. Collaborating with them was invaluable. Today, I represent Waacking through social media, teaching across India, and working in theatre and musicals. Dance is not just movement; it’s my language, my story, and my way of life.

Tell me more about ‘Pause’ how did it all start and why?
Pause is about self-engagement through dance and movement. I’ve always been drawn to long-term training programs, but I started with short online sessions. Wanting to bring this offline, I decided to start with a 15-day retreat, which turned into a 10-day experience.
The name “PAUSE” came from my ex-crew leader, who suggested, “Everyone’s running these days… just make them pause.” That’s how PAUSE was born—a retreat to help people express themselves and explore emotions through movement.
The first edition was held at Nivasaa in Dehradun. I kept it intimate with only 10 participants, offering an affordable fee—it wasn’t about profit, but love. I invited Sangram Mukhopadhya, a theatre and movement enthusiast, to co-facilitate. I thought I’d teach, but the retreat became much more than I expected. It was about healing and learning to just be. Those 10 days were some of the most beautiful of my life.

What do you think about the difficulty of surviving as a dancer in the industry?
Surviving as a dancer is challenging if you follow what everyone else does just because it seems easier or more visible. Real fulfilment comes from finding your own niche and staying true to yourself. It might take longer and involve failures, but when your time comes, you won’t just stand out—you’ll inspire others.
Success is better delayed but filled with creative satisfaction than to chase quick, materialistic gains. Authenticity brings freedom, allowing you to thrive without struggle.

What do you have to say to those who categorize dance into male or female styles?
I don’t blame people for categorizing dance as “male” or “female.” It’s what they’ve been taught. I used to think that way, too. But traveling, hearing different artists’ stories, and experiencing art has changed my perspective. Dance is gender-neutral and fluid—gender shouldn’t even come into the conversation.
Change begins with us, the dancers. If we don’t challenge gendered expectations, how can we expect others to? It’s about supporting art for art’s sake, not through gendered lenses. While it may take time for the audience to catch up, we must keep sparking conversations and educating.

What does dance mean to you?
When someone asks what dance means to me, it’s like asking what breathing means. It’s everything. Dance is more than just movement; it’s a part of who I am. It flows through me as naturally as breath. Dance isn’t something I do—it’s something I live.

What stigma and criticism did you face when you decided to dance, and do you still face criticism today?
Growing up, my choices didn’t align with societal expectations. Whether it was the dance forms I explored, the songs I chose, or the costumes I wore, I was pressured to conform. I impressed others by fitting in, but I wasn’t satisfied. It took me a while to realize I was dancing for them, not for myself.
The lockdown became a turning point. I danced freely without an audience, and it felt liberating. Before that, I was bullied and made to second-guess my choices. But when I stopped caring about others’ opinions and focused on my own expression, I found my true voice. Criticism still comes at every stage, but it no longer bothers me. At least people are noticing my work, and that’s a win. If it sparks thought or helps others evolve, that’s enough for me.

What are your future plans?
I want to explore theatre and acting while continuing to grow as an artist. Everything is interconnected, and I love being in a flow state—letting things unfold naturally while staying open to new experiences and growth. I’m excited about what’s next, and I’m open to wherever this journey takes me.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com