Twelve years since she first began dancing, 21-year-old Vanita Harnauth has perfected Indian/Bollywood dance routines and performed at many events and competitions with the Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe, a group that honed her talent, which she directs today.
“My grandmother was the one who started me into the school [Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe then Shellita Dance Troupe] as a child. I started dancing Indian Classical. My grandmother was a singer and said she wanted her granddaughter to learn to dance so when she sang, I could be her backup dancer,” Vanita fondly recalls. Her grandmother raised her.
At the time she began taking dance classes, the school was run by a woman named Shellita. After this woman migrated, Vanita took over adding her call name ‘Kimberly’ to the name of the dance group.
Being a dancer has its own unique challenges like learning the various dance techniques and routines once one becomes versed in techniques. Techniques and routines, it must be noted, are not the same. A dance technique is the design of a dance, whereas, a routine is a composition of a dance or a composition of many techniques. For Vanita, her most challenging technique was Kathak. And while this can be challenging for a dancer, what is more challenging is getting a group of dancers to not only learn the style of dance but to move in sync and with the music.
“Dance is my life. I would give up anything for dancing. When I’m on stage, I feel like the world is watching me,” she said. “I tell my dancers that you may not be able to watch a thousand people at one time but a thousand people at one time can watch you on stage at once so I tell them to try their best.”
Vanita shared that being a dancer has blessed her with many advantages. One of the best is the opportunity to tour Guyana. So far, she has visited eight of Guyana’s ten administrative regions. On trips like these, once she’s performing, Vanita has had the convenience of beautiful accommodations for free. One of the places she enthused about was the Aruwai Resort. Everywhere she goes, Vanita said, she always meets new and interesting people.
The experiences though almost always exciting do not always put a smile on her face. Recently, Vanita along with a group of her dancers took part in the first ever Chutney Dance Competition that was hosted in Berbice. When the winner and runners-up were announced, the Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe was in second place which called for celebration. However, in the midst of them celebrating, the host returned to say that the announcement was wrong. Some called it a ‘Steve Harvey move’, but it was even more disappointing because not only did they not come second, but the group did not place at all. Putting it down to ‘mistakes happen’ the dancers are working on moving past this experience and hoping for better next time.
As a director of the dance group, Vanita often goes into her own pocket to fund the school as all her classes are free. She is working towards owning her own home and could definitely charge for her classes but refuses to put a price on her passion for dance and giving others the opportunity to indulge in the same.
The Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe has appeared at Bollywood and Chutney shows, weddings, henna nights and cultural shows. The school is currently part of the Indian Action Committee (IAC) and would travel to Berbice and Essequibo whenever the IAC hosts Indian arrival events.
For events that are too costly, the group requests stipends based on the person’s discretion to assist with transportation, costumes, meals and sometimes accommodation.
Vanita has also had experiences that put a smile on her face. “…I took part in the National Chutney Dance Competition 2019 and placed first in the Individual Category. I remember sitting in the car listening to results being announced and getting scared because I wasn’t hearing my name but finally, I was announced the winner. When I heard my name, I jumped up out of the car and ran barefoot in the grass, on the mud screaming ‘I’m here!’
“I was named Chutney Dance Queen and given a huge trophy. Every day I see this trophy, I tell myself my hard work has paid off. Someday when I get my daughter, I intend on showing it off to her to inspire her that hard work is always rewarded.”
This year she finished third in the Individual Category of the competition.
Though dancers are often fit because of how active they are, Vanita explained that when the body becomes accustomed to the same set of exercises, it slows down, as a result, she has joined a gym.
Recently the dancer completed studies at the University of Bedfordshire through School of the Nations where she attained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She hopes to someday achieve her MBA as well. She also has a Diploma in Computer Studies.
“I grew up without a father and partially without a mother. I grew up with my grandparents. I am grateful for my grandparents who pushed me to take in my education. Life is tough having to do all of this. I work Monday to Friday. Before, when I was studying at Nations, I attended school 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays and still tried to have dance classes for the adults in the evening. Now that my studies are finished for now, I can resume classes for children on weekends which are currently on hold due to the coronavirus.”
Every Friday before work, Vanita goes to the ocean side where she offers fruit to God and asks him for strength to undertake all her tasks. She acknowledges also her Guru (guide) Navin (only name given) for all she has accomplished through the past two years with his guidance.
Vanita prays that one day she can find the perfect location where she can expand her dance classes and continue teaching dance for free. In addition, she someday intends to own multiple businesses in Guyana. She has many business ideas, but it will depend on what the economy looks like when she is ready. There is no doubt in her mind that this will be possible. At her age she has already accomplished many things one of which currently makes her a certified makeup artist through Angel Eyes School of Beauty.
Vanita is currently employed at the Marriott Hotel as its Training Coordinator. She previously worked at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry.
With classes cancelled due to Covid-19, Vanita’s weekends are spent watching Netflix particularly binge watching the series “Pretty Little Liars”.
This Libra who loves the colour blue, enjoys doing makeup, dancing and though she confesses to being horrible at singing, she enjoys singing in the shower as well as recording herself singing.
Her favourite dishes are pasta, fried rice and junk food.
Vanita can be followed on Facebook at Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe or Kimberly Harnauth.
