SAROJ KHAN

VADODARA: Wannabe dancers from the city vying to master Bollywood style will no longer have to rush to Mumbai. They can get trained by the famous
choreographer Saroj Khan at Saroj Khan Dance Academy, which was inaugurated here on Sunday. The academy, set up in association with Pinkal Film Academy, will teach different types of dance styles to the students with Bollywood's being its main focus.

Khan was present at the inauguration where 200 students were auditioned, of whom 120 will be selected to be trained at the academy. "I wanted to be present during the auditions and select the candidates. I see raw contestants turn up during the shows and I don't want that to happen when it comes to students of my academy. Our students will be trained to emerge as the best out of the crowd," Khan said.

She said the reason for starting an academy in the city was to connect with its rich cultural heritage. "I am really excited because Vadodara has a rich cultural history and youngsters in Gujarat are really enthusiastic about dance," said the ace choreographer.

Khan would be coming at frequent intervals to the city to monitor the performance of students. "I would be coming either twice a month or weekly just to see the progress of each student. In my absence my assistants will look after the classes. We will teach all styles of dancing but our focus will be Bollywood style," she added.

The academy has three months to one year courses for learners and on completion they would get a certificate. "After training, the person can look forward to start a dance school, participate in dance reality shows or make a career in dancing. We will also give them opportunities to showcase their talent in stage performances later on," said initiator of Rinkal Film Academy, Rinkal Parbadia.