T-Diaries: Suhaee Abro

A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses

One thing you have that no one else does?

My ability to feel emotions deeply and to make myself go through and express experiences that I probably haven’t experienced in real.

Tell us why you chose this career?

Performing arts is what I am best at. I know very well that without it, especially dance, I will not be able to live my life and be at peace.

What sparked your interest in dancing?

My mother tells me I would move my body in rhythm and try to dance even before I could walk. I don’t remember a time I didn’t dance and when I was nine years old, I decided to become a professional dancer.

Who is your favourite dancer and why?

There are many dancers that I admire and each of them has their unique strengths. However, Ditta Miranda from Germany is the most inspirational dancer because when her body dances, her soul dances too.

Tell us about your dancing style?

I have learnt ‘Bharatanatyam’, an eastern classical dance form and also can perform other styles such as ‘Contemporary Dance’ where I often fuse eastern and western moves. All my dances and choreographies are always expressive and tell a story.

What makes you different from your contemporaries?

My ability to be intensely expressive in dance.

What’s the best way to deal with failure?

The best way to deal with failure is to create something new.

How did Nritaal the group come about?

After the success of the show ‘Urraan Sey Pehley’ — a 60-minute solo dance drama — I along with my team,  decided to create, ‘Nritaal — a live dance and music group.’ ‘Nrit’ means Dance and ‘Taal’ means rhythm.

How has the Pakistani dance industry changed over the past years?

Over the past years, the dance industry in Pakistan has definitely gotten a bit better. There is more acceptance of dance shows and people are now brave enough to become professional dancers.

Any advice for aspiring female dancers?

If one wants to become a professional dancer, they must practice with dedication and respect their soul and body.

Suhaee Abro

Professional dancer

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, August 24^th, 2014.