‘No one else celebrates their city like we do’

Chennai-bred choreographer Arun Srinivasan has been breaking down international dance styles for city enthusiasts.

CHENNAI: Chennai-bred choreographer Arun Srinivasan has been breaking down international dance styles for city enthusiasts. Running his own establishment, Salsa Madras since March 2014, the 32-year-old is known for his remarkable footwork and clarity in body movements, with acclaimed performances in stages across the world. Having won a long list of international competitions, Arun is one of the leading solo Salsa performers from India.

Arun Srinivasan
Arun Srinivasan

What’s the best part of Chennai cuisine that you would recommend?
Dosa and filter coffee

What makes Chennai so special?
The people. I have travelled to over 16 countries and no other city’s population celebrates the place as much as people here do. It’s a warm, welcoming and tolerant city where people live together beyond all types of differences.

An incident at a public place that made you think, ‘this is namma Chennai?’   
The infamous Chennai floods, Jallikattu, oil spills where people turned up and stood for the spirit of the city! Instead of complaining, people worked together and fought for those issues together!

Something in Chennai that cant be found anywhere else in
the world?
The talent. Be it Vishwanath Anand or AR Rahman, people from here have made a mark internationally and I find that fascinating.

Two Madras baashai words you would teach a newbie?
Enna ma ipdi panringaley ma, semma adi vaangidalaam- two phrases I teach my expat friends for fun!

What would you do to prove to someone that you are a true Chennai vasi?
My company’s name carries the city in it. I have been representing Chennai at the world Latin stages putting Chennai on the world map of dancing over the years. I don’t think I need to do anything else to prove I am a Chennaiite.

How do you think the city has opened up to new dance styles and cultures?
I promote Afro and Latin dance forms in Chennai and Chennai is even referred as the Kizomba Capital of India. Kizomba is one of the world's most popular partner dance form originated from Angola. This city loves to open itself up to new styles and cultures and incorporate those influences into its own forms.

One particular part or area of the city that you would like to explore further?
North Chennai

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