Kathmandu- Dance helps to relief stress, works as therapy : Renowned Dance Choreographer Poonam Kapali Poonam Kapali is a renowned dancer and choreographer born in Kirtipur, Nepal. As the eldest daughter in her family, she discovered her deep love for dance at a very young age.
She fondly recalls that whenever band music played during local events, she would instinctively begin dancing alongside it. Dance, for her, was never merely a hobby-it was an inner calling. Her formal journey began in Grade 9, when her mentor, Basant Shrestha, trained her in Thali Dance.
Her dedication and talent earned her first place in the competition, marking a decisive moment in her life. From the same grade onward, she began choreographing dances herself, laying the foundation for a professional career.
In 2008, Poonam Kapali entered the modeling field through Miss Newa:, which became a turning point in her artistic exposure. She further achieved first position in “Pratibha Aangan,” a talent competition organized by Image Channel. Her versatility is reflected in her mastery of diverse cultural dance forms, including Tamang Selo, Newari Jhyaangad, Thali Dance, Magar Dance, Gurung Dance, and many others. Together with her brother, she currently operates Taal Nrityabhumi, a dance institution located in Tahachal.
The institute welcomes students ranging from five to sixty-five years of age. Over the years, she has performed in more than 100 stage shows and has trained over 2,000 students. In addition, she is actively involved as a dance teacher in five schools. At present, she continues teaching dance at Taal Nrityabhumi, conducting classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
She is associated as a dance instructor with Darbar High School, Toddlers Academy, Rolling Stone School, Om Education, and Sitala Secondary School. Alongside institutional teaching, she is also engaged in private classes, wedding functions, and stage performances. Since 2008, Poonam Kapali has been professionally dedicated to the dance field. Despite the many ups and downs life has presented, she has never been able to leave dance behind. For her, dance is life itself.
She considers herself fortunate to be able to share her talent with society. With more than seventeen years devoted to this field, she believes there is still much more to learn, contribute, and achieve. Dance gives her deep inner satisfaction and has become an inseparable part of her identity. Reflecting on the past, she notes that society once viewed dance as a negative profession. Today, however, dance is widely recognized as a means of stress relief, physical fitness, self-discipline, and even therapy. It has evolved into a respected and dignified profession, playing a vital role in keeping both body and mind active and healthy.
According to her, to become a skilled dancer, one must have knowledge of various dance forms. She still considers herself a student of dance, continuously learning and evolving. Experience, she believes, enriches knowledge. She possesses training in cultural dance, contemporary dance, salsa, b-boying, and hip-hop. She acknowledges the positive role of dance associations in Nepal, emphasizing that such organizations promote unity and help address professional challenges. However, she also stresses the importance of self-reflection and improvement. Dance associations must stand at the forefront to protect the rights and interests of all individuals involved in the field and address their collective concerns.
Discipline, she believes, is the first requirement for success. Continuous practice, hard work, focus, and positivity are essential. Respect for seniors, love for juniors, and respectful behavior toward everyone are fundamental values. The learning process should never stop; even unfamiliar skills must be approached with a willingness to learn.
There is no age limit to learning dance. Starting early builds strong habits, but dance remains beneficial at any age. It improves health, works as therapy, and energizes the body. People of all age groups can develop an interest in dance, as reflected in her institute, where students range from five to sixty-five years old. She concludes with a universal message: whatever profession one chooses, success is achievable through focus, dedication, hard work, and commitment. Nothing is impossible with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn. One must continue refining their talent, face challenges courageously, and move forward steadily. Success should not lead to arrogance, nor failure to despair. Compassion, love, harmony, and goodwill toward all are essential values for a meaningful and successful life.
