Boogie Reptile is a popping dancer from Kolkata who is currently living in Mumbai.
Boogie Reptile at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 East India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
Boogie Reptile was first exposed to dance when he attended Durga Puja with his mother and laid his eyes on the characters portrayed by the Chhau folk dancers. He is among the first-generation of wavers in India and has been travelling around the country to spread knowledge about the dance style.
Here he speaks about the story behind his name, his balancing act between the streets and the stage, and more.
What does your dancer name mean?
Boogie is a common name for a dancer or a mover. Reptile comes from my approach to dance. In 2012, I went to Delhi for a jam where Boogie Frantick – one of my inspirations – was the judge. He told me, ‘You move like a reptile, like a snake.’ That’s where I got my name.
Are you part of any crew?
Where do you usually practice?
I practice in my house in Mumbai, where my students also come to train. In Kolkata, I train in my friend’s studio.
Could you tell us about how you got started in dance and your journey so far?
I started dancing when I was six years old. There is a lot of folk dance influence in Kolkata. We had Durga Puja celebrations in our neighbourhood where some Chhau dancers from Purulia were performing. That was my introduction to dance. I was inspired by the way they move, the characters they portrayed, the fusion, etc.
I want to make my moves look hypnotic and one of the closest dance styles that allows me to do so is popping. Additionally, I am one part of the first generation of waving dancers in India, and so I’ve tried to influence people to take up the dance style around the country. Recently, I was a finalist in the reality TV show India’s Best Dancer 3. So yes, my journey has been through the streets as well as the stage.
Boogie Reptile at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 East India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
What is the main street dance style you practice? How or why did you get drawn to this style?
My main style is popping.
Aside from your main style, what other street dance styles do you practice?
I also practice house and dancehall.
Which is your favourite genre of music or favourite song to dance to?
I love lo-fi and jazz music.
Who are the dancers from the local and international scene who have inspired you?
All my friends, seniors, and students inspire me. I’ve also been inspired by one of my students, Smooth Boog. Internationally, Slim Boogie and Boogie Frantick have been my inspirations.
What do you love most about street dance culture?
I love that in the heat of the battle we are super competitive, but once the battle is over, there is unity, support, exchange of knowledge, and a lot of love shared.
What do you remember of your first-ever dance battle?
I don’t really remember the battle. All I remember is that I won. It was in Kolkata in 2011.
Boogie Reptile at Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 East India Qualifiers
© Focus Sports
What has been your greatest achievement in dance so far?
I think the fact that I am part of the underground scene and also able to do commercial work is an achievement. I am one of very few dancers from the underground community who is also able to balance commercial work.
Is there any one stage, event, competition that will be a dream achieved if you perform there?
Cirque du Soleil
Is there a particular goal or target you have set yourself in your dance career?
In this world of social media, I think it’s important to be aware of what’s authentic. So, my goal is to teach and spread authentic knowledge about dance.
Any dancer across the world that you want to collaborate with?
Phillip Chbeeb
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