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Hip-hop dancer T: Life is a rhythm, and you’re always dancing within it
The street dancer from Darjeeling discusses his unique approach to dance and life that has helped him succeed while staying true to his art.
In the ever-evolving world of culture and dance, hip-hop dancer T moves with a different kind of intention: to serve, to share and to stay true to expression.
Training six hours a day, combining combat drills with choreography, he created his own rhythm to the melody. He believes in blending the tenacity of an athlete with the expression of an artist.
We sat down with T to hear his raw, unapologetic story of surrendering to rhythm, bringing the discipline of sport to the fluidity of dance, and redefining what victory looks like.
Hip-hop dancer T
© Focus Sports
How did you start dancing professionally?
Dance wasn’t really encouraged in my community. My dad wanted me to join the army, but I had a different path in mind. I started dancing officially in 2021, joined a mega crew, participated in reality television shows, and won underground battles that shaped me. Red Bull Dance Your Style India Final 2024 was the first win I truly celebrated. I’m a very quiet person. I’m not big on social media or socializing in person either. But I took up dance because it lets me express what I can’t say using words.
What first sparked your interest in dance?
Dance is my life. It has been healing me from the inside, from when I started practicing. I was an MMA fighter. I got injured, and from that moment, everything became a mess. I didn’t know what to do or how to heal. So I started playing football, and then my ligament got injured. Dance was my last option. I stayed in that bubble, and it allowed me to heal in more ways than one. That’s how my connection with dance began.
Hip-hop dancer T with the Red Bull Dance Your Style India 2024 trophy
© Focus Sports
You say dance has influenced how you look at the world. Could you explain?
Dance has taught me everything. It has taught me that life itself is a rhythm, and you’re always dancing within it. I don’t approach dance as a matter of winning or losing. Dance is life. That approach has taught me that both dance and life are about being your authentic self.
What can be done to strengthen the dance culture in India and create more career paths for dancers?
A lot of people within the hip-hop culture don’t have the money to travel internationally, so sponsorship is really important. There are no hip-hop agencies or dedicated dance associations that are helping. In their absence, a company like Red Bull has given opportunities to dancers, and that has given us hope to continue in our craft to represent ourselves and our country.
Can you tell us about your first Red Bull Dance Your Style experience?
My belief is that you shouldn’t practice for opportunities – you practice to stay true to your art and the opportunities will come by. With Red Bull Dance Your Style, I submitted my video in one take and got selected for the regional final. From there I got selected for the national final. I wasn’t feeling great, but I showed up at the India Final, listened to the music, ignored my opponent, and danced from the heart. I won. Representing India at the World Final was overwhelming and sacred. I want every dancer to feel that.
Hip-hop dancer T performs at Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final 2024
© Focus Sports
In what ways has Red Bull’s support influenced your growth?
With the support I receive, I can live a decent life, and travel for battles and focus on my training. They also sponsor my international battles, which is a big step forward. Honestly, if Red Bull disappeared, the Indian dance scene would lose a huge part of its momentum.
Do you have any advice for upcoming artists in the Indian street dance scene?
If things don’t go as planned, don’t get upset. Keep going. Remember why you chose dance in the first place. Be grateful for the small things.
What kind of impact do you hope to leave in the Indian dance community?
I’m planning to host a battle jam to serve the community. And I’ll continue to teach younger dancers. What I really want to see in India – beyond just the dance community – is that people start recognising dance as a powerful movement. I want to see the dance scene earn the prestige and respect it deserves. Right now, dancers don’t get the recognition for the blood, sweat and time they put in.
