Shiamak Davar Presents SUMMER FUNK!


When it comes to Bollywood and dance, one name comes to mind - Shiamak Davar. His achievements have been endless, receiving acclaim from former U. S. President Bill Clinton who said, "The world must see you" to international acting legend Amitabh Bachchan who says, "It's an artist's dream to be associated with Shiamak Davar".

Performing and sharing his passion across the globe, Shiamak has choreographed numerous Bollywood blockbusters, represented India at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and he even achieved the feat of choreographing over 800 dancers for the Closing Ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. But it was during his recent Toronto visit Shiamak revealed that although he does enjoy working for Bollywood and the stars as well, his real joy is his school - Shiamak Davar's Institute for the Performing Arts (SDIPA).

In an attempt to bring the joy of dance to all people, Shiamak institutionalized SDIPA in 1992. From a humble beginning, SDIPA today has become the India's premier dance institute.

With the success of his classes in India, Shiamak decided to branch out internationally and opened his first centers in Canada in 2000 under Shiamak Davar International Inc. (SDI Inc.). Known as Shiamak's Indo Jazz Dance Movement (SIJDM) in North America, he has centers in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, and the demand has not stopped there. After the Commonwealth Games, Melbourne became pronounced fans of Bollywood and especially Shiamak, and consequently SIJDM launched in Australia last year!

Shruti Ghosh, SIJDM's Manager in Toronto, has a dream, "I dream of the day when there is a Shiamak Davar dance class taking place every hour in a new city in the world. The joy is immeasurable."

In Shiamak's classes, students take part in rigorous and fun workouts and are taught a complete dance routine. Over each six-week session, students are taught a new style of dance and trained in disciplines of stage performance. This is all to lead up to a staple element of Shiamak's classes worldwide, his bi-annual dance extravaganzas - Summer Funk™ and Winter Funk™. The shows are designed as a platform for young talent and those young at heart to enjoy creative expression through dance in a professional dance environment. Shiamak's Summer Funk has become a household name within the South Asian community, with participants as old as four years and as young as 67 years old.

Summer Funk is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to get on stage and conquer their fear and become confident. "It your chance to be a STAR", says Shiamak. He does so by putting his students in the spotlight and giving them a professional set-up of costumes, stage, sound, lights and an encouraging audience. Each and every student who participates in the Summer Workshops gets the opportunity to perform on stage. As a result, each year Shiamak gives more and more people a platform to transform soul through sole.

Shiamak believes in the possibility of achieving nirvana through dance. His spectacular choreography is brought alive by his world renowned Shiamak Davar Dance Company and Shiamak Davar Junior Dance Company, who have been featured in various stage productions, Bollywood films and international commercials and events.

The Shiamak Davar Dance Team in Toronto has made a very prominent mark, as well, being featured on high-profile television shows and events, including Breakfast Television, Skydome, CTV, in an Aspirin television commercial, opening for David Usher at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and even Jazzy B's 'Romeo' music video. They have set the stage ablaze with Shiamak's choreography and their high level of professionalism. SIJDM Toronto recently represented India for the Ministry of Immigration at Queen's Park.

Anjali Prasad began dancing with SIJDM in Toronto from its near inception. She was recently selected by Shiamak, himself, along with three others from his Toronto Dance Team to take part in further training as co-instructors. Speaking of Summer Funk and her journey with SIJDM, Anjali says, "Summer Funk is one of the highlights of my year. I never see so many happy faces as I do on stage there, and so many parents proud of their children's accomplishments. Over the years I've seen students grow from good to great! Even from where I was in my first Beginners class to where I am now (a co-instructor), even I can't begin to explain the change. I have not only become a better dancer but a better person. Shiamak instills spirituality within us, and discipline. I am a more focused, determined and sensible person. He really is my Guru."

Shiamak's Indo Jazz Dance Movement (Toronto) is presenting their annual Summer Funk event on August 12th, 2007. Taking place at the revered Hammerson Hall at The Living Arts Center in Mississauga, Summer Funk is a show not to be missed! For ticket and show information please call (416) 825-0643 or email: indojazztor@shiamak.com.

It is being presented with the help of many partners including Mybindi and Hospitality partners Holiday Inn.

The world is Shiamak Davar's stage; dance is his language; spirit is his instrument and Soul is the essence…

Shiamak Davar...the man...the mission