Israeli-American Ballet Teacher Finds New Life in India: A Journey of Passion, Dedication, and Art

Yehuda Maor, a ballet teacher who had spent two decades teaching in San Francisco, found himself at a crossroads when he lost his long-held job. Ballet, the very essence of his life, had suddenly disappeared. Looking for ways to stay connected to the dance world, Maor’s journey took a surprising turn. It was not in the bustling streets of the United States or Europe that he found solace, but in India.

“At the end of the day, it was only India that would give a 75-year-old dance teacher a position,” stated a documentary, *Call Me A Dancer*, which follows Maor’s story alongside that of his student, Manish Chauhan. The documentary captures the deep bond between Maor and Chauhan, a street dancer from Mumbai, and highlights the passion and determination that each of them brings to their love for ballet.

The film is scheduled to be showcased at the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival on November 10, 2024, and is currently being screened across India. It has already garnered several accolades, including the 2024 Miami Jewish Film Festival Next Wave Prize for Best Film and the 2023 San Francisco Dance Film Festival Audience Award for Best Film.

From San Francisco to Mumbai: Maor’s New Chapter

When Maor first arrived in Mumbai, it was far from love at first sight. He disliked the heat and felt unsafe in the unfamiliar environment. Crossing the street in the chaotic city was particularly unnerving for him. “I would follow any woman with three children crossing the street to get to the other side,” Maor humorously recalled. Despite the challenges, Maor soon found himself at the Danceworx school, where he began teaching ballet.

It was here that he met Manish Chauhan, a street dancer who had never encountered ballet before. Maor was immediately reminded of his own experience as a child when he first saw Swan Lake. The magic of that performance had changed his life, and now, he saw the same spark in Chauhan’s eyes.

“Manish’s eyes opened when he joined my class. The more I trained him, the more he wanted,” Maor said, reflecting on the young dancer’s growth. Chauhan quickly progressed, but it was not without immense effort. Another student, Amiruddin Shah, had joined the class at a younger age and had a more natural talent. Maor recognized the potential in both boys and used their friendly competition to push each of them to excel.

“Yehuda got a second lease of life with these two boys. He found something to sink his teeth into,” the film highlights. Maor motivated the boys with small rewards, such as a Starbucks Frappuccino for hard work. Their dedication paid off, and in just three years, they achieved what most dancers would accomplish in nine.

Reflecting on his own journey, Chauhan stated, “People saw me as an acrobat, but Yehuda saw me as a dancer. I don’t want to be an acrobat. Call me a dancer.”

Manish Chauhan: The Protagonist of His Own Story

For Chauhan, pursuing ballet was not an easy path. His father, a taxi driver, had taken out a loan for his college education, unaware that Chauhan was using the money to pay for dance school instead.

The documentary gives a glimpse into Chauhan’s life, contrasting the modern dance studios of Mumbai with his ancestral village, two hours away. In the village, the aspirations of young men typically revolve around joining the army or pursuing an MBA, not dancing ballet. Yet, Chauhan’s determination was unwavering, even as he had to repair worn-out ballet slippers just to continue attending classes.

As the film follows Chauhan’s journey, it takes the audience through various locations, including a kibbutz in Israel, where Chauhan had to learn Hebrew, and dance studios in New York, where limited resources meant practicing in parks. Finally, it all culminates at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., one of the most prestigious performance venues.

The film also explores the emotional rollercoaster of Chauhan’s family. His grandmother dances with him in one touching scene, while his father, portrayed in the movie by actor Alok Nath, struggles to understand his son’s choices. Chauhan’s mother tearfully receives the first paycheck from her son’s dance career, while his sister talks about her own aspirations, including marriage.

“Do what your heart tells you to do,” Chauhan’s grandmother advises, standing as his biggest supporter. On the other hand, a practical Mumbai audience member suggests, “Get a business manager.” Chauhan, however, remains focused on his craft. “I am a role model for other aspiring dancers. How could I sell out to Bollywood?” the film’s director, Lesley Shampaine, explains on his behalf.

Shampaine and co-director Pip Gilmour spent five years following Chauhan’s life, capturing his highs and lows. Shampaine shared that she had first seen Maor perform in Israel when she was seven years old and later studied under him in New York. “I too am a dancer and have performed for over 13 years. I understand the world of dance,” she said. Shampaine is currently in India on a Fulbright scholarship, researching arts education.

Supporting the Arts: A Patron’s Role

One of the key figures in Chauhan’s rise was Mariam Ram, an arts patron who first learned about the young dancer through a newspaper snippet. Recognizing his lack of a financial safety net and the pressure to support his family, Ram offered her help.

“Patrons of art are a rare breed. I wish I had one,” commented an audience member in Mumbai, reflecting on the importance of such support.

Chauhan’s story became the inspiration for the Netflix film Yeh Ballet, written and directed by Sooni Taraporevala. “From the slums to the world of beauty, it makes for a great story for a movie,” Taraporevala said. The film’s success provided a financial boost for Chauhan and his family. Yet, despite more lucrative offers coming his way, Chauhan remained committed to pursuing ballet as an art form. Ram’s support enabled him to travel to New York, eventually leading to his solo performance at the Kennedy Center.

“I choreographed a solo act and didn’t care if anyone called me an acrobat,” Chauhan stated, reflecting on his journey. His determination had finally earned him the respect he had long sought.

However, Maor expressed mixed emotions about his star pupil’s success. “I’ll get no credit for their success. Royal Ballet will take the credit for Aamir, and now Manish too has found wings,” he lamented, even as he sat in the audience at the Kennedy Center, watching his student’s solo performance.

In the final scene, Chauhan steps onto the stage wearing a maroon-colored dhoti, as Raj Kapoor’s iconic song Mera Jhoota Hai Japani fills the room, marking a moment of triumph for both student and teacher.