For dancers, the leap from national stages to international competitions is as much about mindset as it is about skill. As more Indian dancers step onto global platforms, conversations are shifting towards what it truly takes to compete at that level. Bengaluru-based dancer exponent Lourd Vijay reflects on the discipline, pressure and learning that shape this journey, describing dance competitions as ‘the Olympics of dance’. “When you compete with dance powerhouses like the US, UK, Portugal and Spain — especially in forms like ballet, jazz and street dance — they have a very long head start. You get to see what the world of dance is like outside your own environment. That exposure is the most important aspect — more than just winning or losing. In the national folk division, we (Indians) rule. There are many categories there, and we’ve consistently brought home medals. Slowly, we are also getting there in jazz, ballet and contemporary,” he adds.With competition levels rising globally, Vijay believes preparation must extend beyond physical training. “Discipline is the most important aspect of any competition, whether it’s local or international. But at the world stage, the pressure is very high. One small mistake can put you on the back foot. It’s not just about the physical aspect anymore. There’s mental conditioning, breathwork, and learning how to calm your nerves,” he explains. Drawing parallels with sports training, he adds, “Just like athletes prepare for the Olympics, dancers are now working with experts to build mental strength as well.”
