Shakti Samman” bestowed on Sandip Soparrkar by the Ministry of Culture, India

Dance is the essence of India, we Indians show myriad emotions through our varied dance styles at different occasions. Be it stage, television or films dance in India is present in all spheres, in a way we can say that dance and music are two souls of our country. It has been over one and a half decade now that Sandip Soparrkar has been working tirelessly to bring classic Latin and Ballroom dances and other world dances to Indian shores. Apart from giving dance training to people world over he has also been conducting workshop and giving talks and speeches about the importance of dance in one’s life. Through this unique initiative ‘Dance for a cause’ he is also associated with many NGO’s and helps to create awareness in people and brings to light issues in the modern society.

Recently Government of India appreciated Soparrkar’s contribution toward the society and his dedication to his art. The Cultural Ministry of India bestowed Sandip Soparrkar with “Shakti Samman Puraskar by giving the symbol “A Sword” for his exceptional contribution in the field of Dance. Sandip Soparrkar said, “I feel truly humbled to receive this honour and I dedicate this award to my parents who always taught me that the power – the Shakti is within oneself and if we look within, it is possible for each one of us  to achieve it. My dance journey somewhere made me discover my own Shakti.”

Sandip Soparrkar has always been passionate about teaching dance. In his career so far, the dancer-choreographer has not only taught Bollywood stars but also the differently-abled. However, when he designed a ballroom dance program, ‘Dancing in the Dark’, for the visually challenged, not many believed in him. But later he proved his point when his syllabus got included in the blind schools all over USA, which also got him the ‘Visionary Award’ by the government of United States of America

Sandip was one of the first few choreographers who brought in international dances on the big screen and also introduced Ballroom and Latin Dance culture to dance lovers in India apart from making it famous on Indian television reality shows. Soparrkar’s distinctive style of choreography can be seen from the very beginning of his career back in 2001. Some of his most notable work of includes choreography for films like Zubaidaa, Kites and Saat Khoon Maaf, Mangal Pandey, etc. Plus he has taken India globally by teaching dance to International icons like Madonna, Britney Spears and Beyonce Knowles and at the same time talking about dance at various international film festivals all over the Globe. Many young influences of Bollywood today are also happen to be a students of Sandip Soparrkar.