House of Experts Ep17: Vibha Kagzi in Conversation with Shehzeen Cassum
Vibha Kagzi, the host, is the Founder and CEO of ReachIvy.com, a premium study abroad and career consultancy organization. Vibha, a Harvard alumna, is a successful entrepreneur and believes in helping others chalk out their future careers.
In Episode 17 of House of Experts, we were fortunate to host Shehzeen Cassum, the pioneer of Flamenco in India. She is the Founder of the Shehzeen Cassum Flamenco Academy (SCFA) and Namaste Flamenco.
She has trained in the heart of Andalusia, and spent over 14 years learning from various Flamenco Gurus in Southern Spain.
She began her professional training in the birth place of flamenco: Jerez de la Fontera, and now lives between Mumbai and Sevilla, the contemporary Flamenco capital of the world.
Over the years Shehzeen has trained under several prominent maestros of Flamenco, and retains the authenticity, technique and bold expression of the dance form. Through her dance academy — SCFA, Shehzeen invites international artists, musicians and maestros of this art form to India in order to inspire, elevate and grow the Flamenco community here.
Some excerpts from the interview:
1) Tell us about your childhood and your educational background.
I’ve always maintained a bifurcated life- one has been academics, and the other, dance. All my life, these are the two trajectories I’ve balanced and they both have been interconnected. I always have had strong role models setting an example for me. From the age of 4 and a half, I auditioned to be a part of ballet school. That’s when my training started very seriously. My parents have been into performing arts, and that is how the influence of performing arts played a role in my life. They always encouraged me to try new things. Since school, I loved Science and was all set to do medicine, and eventually, I gave up Dentistry to pursue dance. I love to test everything before I commit to it so that I have no regrets later.
2) How did the transition from Ballet to Flamenco happen?
For over a decade, I was really into Ballet and had a couple of crossings with Flamenco artists. I used to visit the NCPA to watch different performances. My teacher used to give us exposure to different Western classical dance forms to increase our latitudinal thinking. I always believe that it’s the environment and the artist that can inspire you. A similar crossing happened with a Flamenco artist when I was 16. She asked to me come to Spain for a Flamenco festival, and that’s how it started. I was amazed by the life in Spain. I couldn’t speak in Spanish at all, and it was difficult, but I felt I was made for this.
3) What are the fundamentals of Flamenco training, and what are the characteristics a Flamenco dancer must-have?
Flamenco is made up of 4 ingredients- raw vocals, guitar, dance and percussion. Usually, people pick anyone as all of them are very deep disciplines. Even though it has been 15 years in this art form, I still consider myself a student. Along with dance, I’ve also been training in singing and percussion. It helps me choreograph, design, and teach better. It’s very useful to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
4) Do you think this a lucrative career?
Many parents are worried that if their children go into a creative field, there won’t be a constant source of income. I feel that the equilibrium of our lives is precarious and that every profession has that element of uncertainty. You should identify what you’re good at and being consistent about it is very important. The ability to adapt and be relevant during changing times is also very important. If you’re committed and passionate, you can definitely earn well in the profession. Investing in good equipment and in your art will help you focus back on your art. It’s like a cycle.
5) What would you like to advise people who are considering this career?
There are definite moments when you question if you’re doing the right thing. In Spain, I’ve been through a lot of difficulties. There are always going to be highs and lows that we can’t anticipate. I feel it’s important to adapt gracefully. Having gratitude at the end of the day is also essential. There’s a lot of fulfillment that the art form provides, and all of us are looking for that. If you’re lucky enough to have found it early in your life, taking a moment to acknowledge that is great. I feel it is the art form that chooses you. Stay humble and keep going.
This conversation was very enlightening, and we are truly grateful to Shehzeen for sharing her journey imparting her knowledge with us.
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