“I am proud to have Barry as one of my students. His sincerity and dedication to the academy is commendable. He is not only fast in grasping the nuances of dance but also a keen learner."
Mr. Jigar, Choreographer,
GCC Roll 4 Soul Dance Academy

Have you ever seen an African performing an Indian dance? Isn't it quiet surprising to find a foreigner amidst 300 Indians? Not really. Barry Kisuule, all the way from east African nation, Uganda has made it possible. To prove the flair, he joined Garden City College Roll 4 Soul Dance Academy, one year ago. And that too, for a mere reason, he could not find anything else to do. Doesn't it sound funny? But he had never anticipated that this step of his will bring him laurels. The GCC Roll 4 Soul Academy recently celebrated their first anniversary, where I got the opportunity to talk to him. He now holds the responsibility of handling the foreign students. Speaking to GCC World, he shares his experiences being in the academy and provides some useful insights into his life. Excerpts from the interview!

Q. What made you join Roll 4Soul?
A. Basically, I am interested in extra activities, apart from academics. When I came here, I couldn't resist myself from joining Roll 4 Soul as I am very fond of dancing. In other words, dance is my passion.

Q. In what ways has Roll 4 Soul Academy benefitted you?
A. Being associated with the Roll 4 Soul, it is more like a family than an academy. I have got an opportunity to learn traditional Indian dances and find the entire team cooperative and understanding. It was only because of Gardenia that I was acknowledged on campus.

Q. As a foreigner, how do you find working with the troupe?
A. Truly speaking, being associated with Roll 4 Soul make me extremely delighted. It made me much more comfortable than I thought. I was treated well and I feel more relaxed dancing with other Indian students. Everyone in the academy helped me in understanding things which I couldn't. It gives me immense pleasure working with the group.

Q. Tell me something about your life back in Uganda?
A. As a student I was always into dancing. I have performed numerous school shows in different cities. After finishing my primary education, I joined a dance group which was known as the 'Footstep'. The emphasis was more on traditional (Asian British Dancing) and cultural areas. Later, got into Keiga Dance Company, which made me more professional. I got more deals and visited various copy shows. And then I was sent here.

Q. What are your future plans?
A. I have already done a 2 year diploma in Human Resource. Currently am pursuing Bachelors in Commerce. For the same I aspire to be an accountant, which will in turn help my country in increasing their number. Apart from that, I would like to form a group. The speciality of which will be the blend of African, Modern Contemporary (African and British) and Indian. It would be a new work.

Q. What is your secret of life?
A. Believe in yourself. Do not believe in pushing something that you are not fit for. First analyse the given situation and then work accordingly. This will be helpful in creating one's own identity.

Q. How is dance in your country different from the one taught here?
A. Back in Uganda, it is the personal vision that matters. One listens to the song and enjoys dancing. But here, we perform more with the audience in mind. It is done for others and not oneself.

Isha Jain
BA (Journo, Psy & Eng)