In the hushed shadows dimly lit studio, amidst the whispers of satin and soft sighs of music, I find myself standing at a crossroads of fate and inevitability. It is here, in this sacred space where dreams take flight and emotions find their voice, that I must bid adieu to the dance floor – a farewell born not out of choice but out of necessity. Dance has always been my outlet of expression, my solace in times of joy and sorrow, and my constant companion through life’s twists and turns. Life has always a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Since last few years, I have been grappling with many medical issues that have gradually taken their toll on my ability to dance. But I always have been fighting them out with all the positive hope that one day things might get back to normal. Despite countless efforts and unwavering determination to overcome all those challenges with positivity, it has become increasingly clear that continuing to dance in the way I once did would jeopardize my health and well-being. Even after multiple health issues and surgeries, I have always pushed myself beyond these challenges and hurdles. I always believe that there is a saturation point for everything we do, face or feel in our lives. May be for my dance journey, that saturation point has come. What another best day I would have got than today, the International Dance Day, to finally present the epilogue of my dance journey?

My journey through dance has always been a symphony of sensations. It was the entire support system for all my emotions throughout my life. As I stand before the world today, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken farewells, I am reminded that even the most beautiful melodies must one day reach their final note. It is not for the lack of love or dedication that I take my leave, but rather for the sake of a body worn thin by the rigors of time and circumstance. I never had thought that I will be able to accept this fact and agree that it is finally the time I bid farewell to my dance. It’s difficult to put in words that myriad emotions I am experiencing as I come to terms with this reality. There is profound sense of loss for something that has been such an integral part of my life for so long. There is frustration and disappointment at the cruel twist of fate that has led me to this point. And yet, there’s also a glimmer of acceptance and gratitude for the countless memories, lessons, and friendships that dance has bestowed upon me. While this may mark the end of my dance journey as I once knew it, I refuse to let it be the end of my connection to the world of dance.

I mourn not only the loss of what was, but also the dreams of what could have been – the performances left unperformed, the choreography left unwritten, the stories left untold. And yet, in the shadow of this sorrow, there blooms a quiet gratitude for the memories that will forever linger in the corners of my soul. To all my fellow dancers, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude. You were more than companions on this journey; you were the kindred spirits, bound by a shared love for the art form that has shaped us all. Though our paths may diverge, know that the light will continue to guide me through the darkness. And to all my Gurus, whose wisdom illuminated the path before me and whose guidance lifted me to heights I never thought possible, I offer my eternal thanks. You saw potential where many others saw limitations, and for that, I am forever in your debt. Though I may no longer grace the stages with my performance, your lessons will remain etched upon my heart. To all those who may find themselves facing unexpected challenges on their own dance journeys, I urge you to hold onto that passion until the last saturation point. Dance is not just about what happens on the stage; it’s about the joy, the connection, and the expression that it brings to our lives. So as I bid farewell to the dance floor, I do so with a heavy heart yet hopeful, knowing that this is not the end but merely the beginning of a new chapter in the dance of life. And though my body may no longer move to the rhythm of the music, my soul will dance on, forever entwined with the heartbeat of the universe.

As I pen down the final pages of my dance journey, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and the unwavering support and encouragement that had fueled my passion every step of the way. To my dearest family and friends, you have been the guiding stars in my dance universe, illuminating my path with love, belief, and endless inspiration. I thank each one of you for standing by me through every stumble and every battle. Your boundless love has given me the strength to chase my passions fearlessly, knowing that I always have a safe harbor to return to. To every person of my dance tribe, thank you for being the heartbeat of my journey. Your vibe during the performances on stage, cheers from the sidelines, your applause after every performance, and your gentle nudges to push beyond the limits have lifted me higher than I ever thought possible. To each one of you who has shared in my joy, celebrated my victories, and lifted me up in the moments of doubt, I am forever grateful. You have woven the threads of your love and support into the very fabric of my being, shaping me into the dancer and the person I am today. As this chapter draws to close, know that your presence will forever linger in the echoes of my dance. Though our paths may diverge, the memories we have created together will dance on in my heart, a timeless reminder of the beautiful symphony we composed as one.

Though I may no longer be able to dance physically, my love for this art form will remain as strong as ever. I will continue to support and celebrate this incredible talent and creativity of dancers around the world, whether from the sidelines or through other means of expressions. As I embark on the new adventures of my life, I would carry the spirit of dance with me, letting its rhythm guide me through every step of life’s dance floor. Wishing all the inspirational dancers in the world a very Happy International Dance Day!!!

With the deepest gratitude and boundless love to everyone around the world, here is the Epilogue of My Dance Journey!!!