Dance competitions have taken over television ever since So You Think You Can Dance started in 2005. Celebrities joined in with Dancing with the Stars when it began in 2005. Three years later, the Jabbawockeez became a household name after winning the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew. MVHS also has its share of talent — freshman Akshay Savale, a self-taught dancer placing second in the 2009 National Bollywood Dance Competition in Chicago.
Inspired first by his mother, also a dancer, Swati Savale started dancing when he was six years old. After a few lessons from his mother, and a few formal classes, Savale is now a self-taught dancer. Performing arts overall has interested Savale as he spends time in acting projects, too.
Even though he no longer takes lessons from his mother, she still provides his most valuable support and encouragement for both acting and dancing.
“I feel very happy and proud about it. I’m really blessed that my son also shares the same passion as me,” Swati said.
Like her son, she started dancing at a young age. After moving to the US, she opened her own studio Starrz Dance where Akshay teaches hip-hop. Choreographing and teaching dance together has made their relationship something more than just mother and son. They both exchange dance lessons, he teaches hip-hop to her and she teaches Bollywood-style dance to him. They plan their activities together, whether it’s his dance competition, or her dance lesson.
The acting came a little later, starting in middle school where he performed in several plays. His more interesting works were the commercials and photo shoots he had done.
“I was just interested in [acting] since I was small. I used to imitate my classmates all the time,” Savale said.
And then there are the fashion shows that he has been featured in too, which include Iscahh Uzzah-Black Tie Affair, JC Penney, and Indian Theme Fashion show.
“[Savale] is very good at acting and I would definitely support him if he chooses it as his career,” said Swati.
MVHS first got a glimpse at his talent after his performance in the freshman Powderpuff routine where he and two other boys danced with skill, rather than the typical coordinated stunts and cheer moves. He returned to the spotlight after a week in the freshman talent show where he experienced a wardrobe malfunction. Instead of pulling off one shirt to reveal the freshman shirts underneath, Savale pulled off both. But even that did not stop him from pulling off an impressive showcase of his true dancing ability, and maybe some of his acting too.