Sambo is a house artist from Kolkata who has been dancing for over two decades.
Sambo at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 West India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
Sambo feels that learning is a process that never stops, so he loves learning new styles that can help grow his dance and personality. He also believes house music is evergreen and can never go out of taste, which is why is loves practicing house dance the most.
Here he talks about how he got into dance, his greatest achievements as a dancer, and more.
What does your dancer name mean?
No special meaning behind it; I just use my given name.
Are you part of any crew?
I’m a part of the Kundu House Project.
Where do you usually practice?
I practice in a studio or at home.
Sambo at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 West India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
Could you tell us about how you got started in dance and your journey so far?
I started dancing when I was eight years old, while I was in school in Kolkata. I’ve been practicing dance in different forms for almost two decades now. When I first got into street styles, I was attracted to locking and finger tutting. I was then exposed to house and hip-hop through Kundu in 2009. I also practiced krumping in between. Over the years I’ve been learning new styles and trying to develop my character through that. I’d say I’m still in the process of learning dance.
What is the main street dance style you practice? How or why did you get drawn to this style?
I practice house dance mainly; it’s not really a street style, more a club dance form. I love house music and the culture. I think house music will never go out of style or taste.
Aside from your main style, what other street dance styles do you practice?
I’ve done a lot of styles over the years. Right now, I am doing mostly hip-hop and house. I’m also practicing new jack swing and certain other dances from older eras, as well as social dances. I do a lot of blending and mixing with Caribbean styles like dancehall. If the music demands a particular style, I try to dance according to that.
Which is your favourite genre of music or favourite song to dance to?
Who are the dancers from the local and international scene who have inspired you?
I love breakers like Flying Machine, Bunny and Arttech. Their style of breaking is very inspiring. In waacking, I love Sangram, Tee J and Mekhola. They have an incredible approach to their style. In general I’m drawn to the approach, personalities and musicality of dancers rather than the individual’s movements. In the international scene, I love Serial Stepperz. I like BaBsoN, who was a great mentor to Kapela, MaMSoN, Frankie J; I saw them all live in Paris and I loved their work.
What do you love most about street dance culture?
I love that it brings people of different backgrounds and ethnicities together. It’s never about where you’re from, because we all come together for the music and the dance. You don’t have to be rich or poor, or at a particular stage in your life. It’s the most welcoming space. That’s what I love.
What do you remember of your first-ever dance battle?
My first battle was judged by Popin’ Pete – one of the founders of popping – and Yoda Jones at Funk-In India 2015 in Chennai. I got down in three categories – Rep our style, house and hip-hop – and I won all three. It was the most memorable thing for me.
Sambo at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 West India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
What has been your greatest achievement in dance so far?
I think being able to share has been my greatest achievement. A lot of titles and accolades that I’ve won have been important, but being able to make someone feel the way you feel and then see them living a life out of it, that’s been the greatest. I think that has been a major game-changer – sharing your life experiences.
Is there any one stage, event, competition that will be a dream achieved if you perform there?
I would love to go to Summer Dance Forever.
Is there a particular goal or target you have set yourself in your dance career?
I just want to stay young forever so I can do more things. If there’s any magic potion or spell, do let me know!
Any dancer across the world that you want to collaborate with?
I would love to dance with B-Boy Storm again. He’s an incredible human and he really inspires me.
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