Sudhi Fronteiro
I was fortunate enough to join Ballerine’s, be a Ballerine’s Kitten, the interviewer for the Ballerine’s website and know a wonderful person like my dear Sudhi Sir. Sudhi Sir is a well known choreographer, stage performer, director of Ballerine’s School Of Dance, honoured Sir of many, DJ, table tennis player, costumes and web designer and a wonderful person. He was not a born rich dude, but an ordinary being, just like you or me, who has climbed up great heights.
Sudhi Sir, whose real name is Mr. Antony Sudesh Fronteiro, was blessed to Mr. Francis and Mrs. Lizzy Fronteiro on 2nd Nov, 1975. He was the youngest kid among four. At the age of two, he lost his dad, and then moved to Mangalore from Kundapur. He had his primary schooling at St. Joseph School, Jeppu. Jeppu is the place where his life began its journey. Sudhi Sir also completed his B’Com at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore.
Sudhi Sir started dancing at the age of 9. In 1984, there was a dance competition held by his parish organization, in which he secured the 1st place in junior category. That was Sir’s first step in the field of dance. Later, one day, a dance choreographer named Sudha Fonseca asked Sir to join him. Sudha was collecting students to form his troop, later named the "Moonlight Breakers". At that time, Sudhi Sir was the youngest in his troop. I was told that during that period, dance classes were very rare; one could count them on your fingertips. Just like we do, Sir along with Moonlight Breakers performed for numerous shows and competitions in several places. Moonlight Breakers did a wonderful job in Break dance, but it was for a short period. After the sad demise of Mr. Sudha Fonseca, Moonlight Breakers was shattered. And so Sir left his first troop.
After a certain time, in 1987, Sudhi Sir, along with some of his close friends formed another group named the Moon Walkers. Moon Walkers was a success. I had seen posters, informing me that, in that era, break dance was a craze, everyone just loved it. And Moon Walkers mastered it. They performed in places like Udupi, Karkal, Bantwal, Putur, Kundapur and Mysore. But as the trends changed from Break dance to Filmy and other types, Moon Walkers could no longer keep their roots upright. So, Sudhi Sir once again left the troop and was now in search of a more talented group that could keep its roots upright through all trends, through all ages.
So, in 1989, he created his own Dance group named "The Adventures". Sir said that The Adventures was fun, trilling and exciting. Now, dance was no longer his hobby but his greatest Dream and his Passion. The Adventures started to compete with other dance groups such as Ocean Kids, 123 Kids, Modern Guys and many more. By then, The Adventures stood among the top most Dance troops of Mangalore.
After 5 years, in 1994, Sudhi Sir decided to rename "The Adventures" to "Ballerine’s" and expand its horizon. Unlike The Adventures, Ballerine’s wasn’t just a dance group, but an excellent Dance Academy. Ballerine’s went great heights not only in India but also in other gulf countries, such as Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and many more. In 2000, the first Ballerine’s Dance classes were set up in Kuwait; Thank god for which, I was able to be a part of this school. Ballerine’s, which had begun with the birth of a small group named "Ballerine’s Entertainers", now has several other groups and teams. "Ballerine’s Kittens", "Ballerine’s Teens", "Ballerine’s Twinkles", "BSD Students", "Ballerine’s Designers" are a few to name.
Today Ballerine’s School Of Dance stands as one of the BEST Dance Academies of Kuwait. And I’m extremely proud to be a part of the gigantic and talented Ballerine’s family. Last year, when we presented our mega event Ballerine’s Show Case 2005, it was a great Success. We were about 50 artists, and everyone just loved the show because of its music and the fabulous dance sequences. This year we are coming up with an even bigger and better show?Its not just dance and music but drama and art as well. Sir has decided to tell people a story?He has named the show, "This Is Life"?yeah a statement that I have often heard him saying. But now, many other people are also going to say it, once they see this show. Don’t worry, you haven’t yet missed the chance?The show is on 14th September 2006. But if you miss it once, you’ll miss it forever.
Once, when I was browsing through Sir’s home I found several trophies, snaps and medals. I was astonished. Sir has won several dance competitions, that he has actually lost the count. He has also been crowned as the International Baila Champion, danced in a Pop album, whose name unfortunately he no longer remembers, and has even performed on the National DD television. On looking at the snaps, I even witnessed that Sir had danced for several Mr. Wilfy Remimbus’ Nites. On inquiring with him, I realized that Sudhi Sir, in a span of 8 years, had danced for Mr. Wilfy’s 123rd Nite till his 208th Nite, and probably that’s why, some people even called him Wilfy’s choreographer.
Ballerine’s to me is just another home, where I spent so many hours, and have so many memories. The Bonds I made here, I can never forget. Even though today I am in USA, far away from my friends, Kittens, Entertainers and all?But we are still one big Family. And the head of our family is our dear Sudhi Sir. Today, I would like to congratulate Sudhi Sir for his immense success in life and wish him all the very best in all his upcoming endeavours.
Adriel D’Souza
Author: Adriel DSouza- USA